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Parks director details recreation growth, projects and a June grand opening
Summary
Waupaca Parks & Recreation reported increased participation, park improvements and new grants; the council approved related equipment agreements and set a June 7 grand opening for Lakeman Field’s concession and restroom facilities.
Laura Colbert, Waupaca’s parks and recreation director, presented the department’s annual report, saying the department saw growth in programs and completed several capital projects this year. Colbert highlighted that 1,682 youth attended city programs in 2025 and that the senior center’s membership grew from 623 in 2022 to 798 last year, a roughly 26% increase. She credited staff and community partners for the rise in participation.
Colbert reviewed major 2025 improvements, including an expansion of the rec center, conversion of Swan Park’s infields from grass to dirt, accessible beach mats at Lower South Park, and the completion of Lakeman Field’s concession stand and bathrooms. She announced a grand opening for the Lakeman Field improvements on Sunday, June 7 at 12:45 p.m.
Colbert also summarized grants and partnerships that helped fund programming and projects, noting successful DNR funding for Eco Park, support from the Green Bay Packers Foundation, and local grants from the community foundation and Rotary for youth programs. She previewed a proposed Eco Park playground concept budgeted at about $150,000 that includes a zipline and other play features.
Council members asked clarifying questions about park expenses and staffing. Ald. Colin Dystra asked whether a $50,000 line labeled "beach" reflected wages or other costs; Colbert responded that most of that amount represented lifeguard wages and that lifeguard pay was increased by at least $2 per hour this year to address prior shortages. Colbert also said the department will continue annual concession audits to ensure revenues cover operating expenses.
The council approved related equipment and operational memoranda— including a memorandum of understanding allowing baseball and softball boards to use an infield groomer under specified training, storage and liability conditions—by voice vote during the same meeting.
The department asked residents to follow simple environmental precautions to protect groundwater and the city’s seven municipal wells, and to watch for volunteer opportunities during a communitywide Volunteer Waupaca Day of Service on May 16.
