Quarterly trust report shows rising acquisition fees; staff updates tree plantings, dog park and skate-park progress

At the April 25 meeting the Park and Recreation Commission reviewed staff reports on finance, tree planting, park operations and recreation programming.

Speaker 5 presented the first-quarter financial report, noting two large items: a $223,000 increase in park acquisition fees attributable to the West Bend Transit residential development, and an expected $346,000 in acquisition fees from the Sand Drive development. He also said a $75,000 line item for a nature playground remains on the sheet and that dog park fees and donations currently total $7,100, which he described as low and a trend worth monitoring. Staff indicated they will consider fee-structure adjustments and fundraising options for park improvements.

Rick (Speaker 7) said the annual tree contract is underway and that 274 trees will be planted across the city, including about 47 at Regner Park and roughly 50 along the newly completed Riverwalk phases. Rick also said he will be devoting time to advancing the nature-playground design.

Ryan (Speaker 10), the recreation supervisor, reported solid enrollment for spring programs, progress toward selecting a skate-park site (the Friends of West Bend Skate Park received 501(c)(3) status), and operational staffing at Regner (about 35 lifeguards and 9–11 beach-house attendants). Ryan noted the department had anticipated about a $23,000 operating loss for Regner this summer based on a 15% growth projection from 2023 numbers and said the department plans events, including a Beach House Beer Garden May 31–June 1, to help offset operating costs.

Maintenance and prep work for inflatables, pond anchors and stump removal were also discussed. Dan (Speaker 3) reported recent successes such as the fishing clinic that drew approximately 661 kids and that staff are fabricating materials for the nature playground.