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West Bend staff announce $500,000 anonymous matching commitment for new skate park; city to seek matching funds

Park and Recreation Commission · March 26, 2026

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Summary

Parks staff announced a $500,000 anonymous matching commitment toward a planned 9,000-square-foot skate park phase 1. City staff said the gift is conditional on raising an equal amount and that they will pursue matching funds, possible impact-fee use and further fundraising.

Ryan, the parks staff member leading recreation programs, told the commission that an anonymous donor has pledged $500,000 as a matching commitment for the city’s planned skate park. “We have a $500,000 anonymous commitment for the skate park,” Ryan said, adding: “The caveat, it’s a matching grant. It’s not free money. We have to come up with the matching $500,000.”

Ryan said the pledge would cover roughly half of phase 1, a 9,000-square-foot concrete skate park, and staff expect to receive finalized designs and 90% construction documents and cost estimates on March 31. He said staff will begin work on a donation campaign once cost estimates are in hand.

Mike, speaking for parks operations, said staff plan to bring a request to the commission to consider using park impact fees toward the skate-park project and that the city attorney has given preliminary approval to use impact fees for new amenities. “We have the wonderful $500,000 gift at this point in time,” Mike said, and described impact fees as a way to provide municipal matching funds alongside donations.

Staff characterized the commitment as an important step, but stressed it is conditional: the city must raise a matching amount before the $500,000 is unlocked. Next steps identified by staff include finalizing cost estimates, developing a public fundraising/donation plan and presenting any request to allocate impact fees to the commission and common council for approval.