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Middleton staff outline 2026 parks budget, stress ADA audit and capital priorities
Summary
Parks staff presented Middleton’s adopted 2026 Parks & Recreation budget, highlighting two full‑time hires, smaller operational increases for aquatics and programming, and several capital projects cut or deferred — including multiple ADA items the department plans to push for in future years.
Parks and Recreation staff briefed the Middleton Parks and Recreation & Forestry Commission on the city’s adopted 2026 budget and outlined priorities for operations and capital projects. Staff said the common council adopted the 2026 budget on Nov. 18 and that the Parks department secured two full‑time positions: a marketing and outreach specialist for the entire department and a conservancy‑lands technician to strengthen forestry services.
Staff described operational increases tied to higher maintenance at the community pool and expanded recreation programming; those higher costs are expected to be offset by revenue. The department also said seasonal staffing support received partial increases intended to raise starting wages for seasonal parks and forestry positions.
Several forestry operational enhancements did not make the adopted budget, staff said, and the department will monitor year‑end surplus funds in December or January to pursue a budget resolution if available. The presentation listed approved capital items — including replacement of three playgrounds using rollover funds, pump room maintenance at the community pool, and a compact articulated loader for snow and trail work — while noting that some projects were not approved and will remain priorities for future years.
Commission members pressed staff about a set of ADA compliance projects that were cut from the adopted budget. One commissioner said the department has pursued greater accessibility since 2018 and called out the Penny Klein soccer‑field ADA work, which staff estimated at about $220,000. Staff responded that the mayoral budget cuts and the council’s final review likely influenced the omission and emphasized the department’s effort to secure an ADA audit and transition plan that would prioritize projects for future funding.
On site‑specific work, staff said Lakeview Park entrance funding was not approved and suggested reconsidering the design to reduce costs. Staff also warned that Lakeview Pond treatment will require DNR permitting and community engagement. Other capital priorities in the presentation included court maintenance at Stonefield, targeted surfacing and sealcoating, and improvements to rentable open‑air shelters at Lakeview Tennis Courts and the Middleton Bike Park.
Next steps include distributing the ADA audit/transition information as it becomes available, bringing design alternatives for unfunded projects back to the commission, and asking the commission to help select three playground sites for replacement in early 2026.
