Kenosha parks commission recommends 2026–2030 CIP, approves 2026 parks budget for finance review

The Kenosha Board of Parks Commissioners on Oct. 19 recommended the 2026–2030 parks Capital Improvement Plan to the city finance committee and approved forwarding the parks department's 2026 executive budget, actions taken by separate voice votes after a presentation of planned projects and budget highlights.

The moves direct the finance committee to consider a package of capital and operating proposals that staff said emphasizes maintenance and quality-of-life amenities across the city's 72 parks. Mayor and parks staff highlighted investments including conversions to permanent pickleball courts at Lincoln Park, playground replacements, a $476,000 Anderson Pool filtration and building replacement, historic-bridge repairs and added parking and access improvements at the Simmons Island Beach House.

Why it matters: The recommended CIP and budget set the administration's funding priorities for the next five years and will shape which projects are advanced for borrowing, grants or matching funds. Several projects discussed have direct neighborhood impact (playgrounds, park drives and beach-house access) and some rely on outside fundraising or event revenue for timing.

Key projects and discussion points

- Pickleball and tennis: Staff proposed reconfiguring Lincoln Park's tennis courts to provide six permanent pickleball courts on one half and two tennis courts on the other. Staff said Roosevelt Park currently has striped courts but that surface and fence placement problems at existing courts have made play difficult. Resident Richard Gunther of 7320 Virgin Boulevard told commissioners, "They put the fences on a foot away from the pickleball lines. You can't play on a court like that because you just run to the fences," and offered to serve on an advisory committee to help design future work.

- Playgrounds: For item EK2008 (playground equipment), staff identified Endy and Washington parks for 2026 replacements and added Porio and Jamestown to the 2030 schedule.

- Anderson Pool: Staff described a project (item 21002) to replace an antiquated diatomaceous earth (DE) filter with a sand filter and to replace the filter building; staff cited the current building as "in very rough shape." The dollar amount discussed for Anderson Pool was $476,000.

- Bridge improvements: The CIP includes tuckpointing and calcium chloride repairs for the Lincoln Park bridge and the historic bridge at Washington Park to address structural and masonry deterioration.

- Simmons Island parking and beach access: Staff and the mayor said engineering work identified a lower-than-expected cost for additional parking at the top of the hill and improvements to the crossing and access to the Simmons Island Beach House, which staff said should improve beach-house access and capacity.

- Southport Park entry drive: Commissioners pressed staff about the resurfacing schedule (design noted for 2030 and construction in 2031). Staff said the higher construction cost partly drove the later year in the plan and that the city is coordinating with the Southport Park Association and monitoring new events (including a planned 5K) that could accelerate fundraising and timing.

- Fountains and splash pads: The general account includes roughly $12,000 for Columbus Fountain repairs and staff described a roughly $15,000 increase in pool-related equipment to replace valves and restore splash-pad operations.

- Trees/arboriculture: Staff and the mayor noted additional arborist positions added last year, and the mayor described improved speed and safety when crews perform tree work.

- Fees and revenues: Commissioners discussed rental fees governed by the city ordinance; staff said capped rental fees are currently $150 for an event up to four days with a $500 maximum for some uses and that other items (for example, show mobile and fencing) are not included in the cap. Staff said the commission will be involved in any change to rental rates. On golf operations, staff proposed about a 5% fee increase and reported roughly $33,000 in food-and-beverage revenue for the clubhouse during the golf season.

Motions and outcomes

- A motion to recommend the 2026'2030 parks CIP for approval by the finance committee was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. (Mover and seconder not specified in the record.)

- A motion to recommend the 2026 executive budget for the parks department to the finance committee was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. (Mover and seconder not specified.)

Discussion vs. decisions: Commissioners and staff distinguished planning-year items from funded projects. Several projects (Southport entry drive, park resurfacings) remain contingent on design, future funding and outside fundraising. The approved motions forwarded the CIP and the executive budget to the next review stage rather than enacting final spending.

What speakers said

Resident Richard Gunther, of 7320 Virgin Boulevard, urged better surfaces and layout for pickleball at Roosevelt Park and offered to serve on an advisory committee. The mayor and parks staff repeatedly praised Park Department staff performance and noted targeted investments such as added arborists, beach-house revitalization and maintenance-focused CIP items.

Next steps

The commission's recommendations go to the city finance committee for further review; final approval would occur through the city's normal budget and borrowing authorizations. Several projects noted by staff depend on engineering, bid results, fundraising or grant matches before construction timing is fixed.

Ending note: The commission adjourned after approving both recommendations by voice vote.