West Bend’s Park and Recreation Commission discussed whether to remove aging skate-park equipment and convert the site back to a parking lot at its Nov. 20 meeting, with staff and commissioners debating safety, revenue and a possible lease with the nearby development district.

One commissioner said the city may need to remove the equipment to free up parking: "I think at this point it may make sense just to remove all the equipment, and then free that up for parking," the commissioner said. Commissioners and residents cautioned that once equipment is removed it is unlikely to be returned and urged a clear timeline so neighborhood users have notice.

Staff described safety problems with some pieces — notably a warped pyramid and deteriorating landing decks — and recommended monitoring and removing components that pose immediate hazards. Staff also reported a contractor estimate to crack-seal, seal and repaint the lot of about $5,800 (rounded in the memo to $6,000).

A central consideration was a request from the development district to remove the equipment quickly and to lease the lot. "If it was $15 a month per parking stall in that lot, it'd be about $6,300 a year," a staff member said while presenting quick revenue math and recommending a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and review by the commission and common council before any lease.

Commissioners weighed leasing versus selling the parcel; several members favored retaining ownership so the city would keep future options. No formal motion to decommission the equipment was made during the meeting.

On timing, the commission discussed setting a near-term target for removal and agreed to revisit the matter at a later date. Staff proposed returning the item to the commission in September 2026 to allow time for the district’s fundraising and for staff to coordinate with common council. Staff also said the city is working with a national design firm on a new skate park and expects clearer timelines after a community meeting on Jan. 10.

The discussion left several open matters: whether to remove all or part of the equipment now, what a lease or MOU would require, how the city would price permits if the lot is leased, and which pieces must be removed for safety. Commissioners directed staff to continue discussions with the district and to bring concrete proposals back to the commission for formal action.

The commission moved on to the next agenda item without taking a formal vote on decommissioning or on any lease.