Residents urge board to preserve green space, raise safety and water concerns for Meadowview Park plans

Three residents addressed the Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board on Feb. 17 in Waukesha about design and maintenance concerns for a proposed update to Meadowview Park.

Jerry Ladwig, a Meadowview-area resident, said the plan’s proposed 6,000-square-foot building could create hazardous pedestrian and bicyclist interactions. "I'm asking you to reconsider ... ingress egress is a critical issue," Ladwig said, adding that toddlers, caregivers with strollers and dogs use the green spaces and that bicyclists “go a lot faster” than pedestrians.

Steve Van Triest warned about public-health and resource issues related to a proposed splash pad, citing norovirus and expressing doubt that recycled splash-pad systems can be monitored continuously. "I don't know if any of you are aware of a thing called the norovirus ... it's highly contagious. It's, only bleach can kill it," Van Triest said. He also raised broader water-use concerns given prior commitments tied to the Great Lakes water commission.

Doris Van Triest, who also lives near Meadowview, questioned the expansion at a time when the city already manages 50 parks and more than 1,100 acres of parkland. She asked who would maintain the new features and noted existing problems with sidewalk and trail snow clearing near Meadowview. "We, expanding that park ... is ... going to be more people you have to hire," she said.

Speakers also urged the board to retain open green play areas, add shade and benches, and reinstall bike racks. Van Triest suggested the city consider repurposing some smaller parks for affordable housing rather than expanding active amenities.

The board did not take formal action on the Meadowview proposals during public comment. Staff and board members proceeded to the published agenda items following the comments.