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Commission approves draft permit policy to manage organized groups at Playapy Walkie splash pad
Summary
Pewaukee commissioners approved a draft policy to permit organized groups at the new Playapy Walkie inclusive playground and splash pad, directing staff to tighten language on 'organizations' versus 'groups,' reduce tent-size allowances and set a one-year review to evaluate impacts on resident access.
The Pewaukee Parks and Recreation Commission voted to approve a draft organized-group permit policy for the Playapy Walkie inclusive playground and splash pad, with instructions to clarify definitions and limits before final adoption.
Staff introduced the proposal as a way to allow scheduled field trips and similar visits while protecting daily resident access. "We're not necessarily going out and promoting it because we don't know who to promote it to," a staff member said, describing a cautious rollout and a permit process to give the department notice and modest revenue to cover garbage and water use.
Commissioners repeatedly emphasized the policy should prioritize residents. One commissioner said, "I got a real strong feeling that far more than 50% weren't Pewaukee residents that were there," arguing the permit should deter for‑profit groups from crowding out local families. Commissioners debated whether to use the term "organizations" rather than "groups," how many days should be reserved for scheduled visits (staff proposed limiting group permits to Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the draft), and what maximum group size and tent rules should be.
Staff said the draft set a high ceiling — allowing up to 150 people and pop-up tents up to 200 square feet in the original language — and recommended edits. Commissioners raised safety and access concerns about large tents and the ability to police reservations; staff said enforcement would be accomplished by maintenance or lead staff relaying incidents to the office. The commission discussed fees in practical terms (staff estimated modest charges such as $150–$200 for a large field trip) and emphasized the policy's purpose as protecting the asset rather than generating revenue.
After extended discussion, the commission moved and approved the draft with specific direction to revise the language on "groups/organizations," reduce tent-size allowances to typical pop-up dimensions, clarify who is responsible for enforcement, and schedule a review of the policy after one year to assess impacts and adjust fees or scheduling as needed. The vote was taken by voice; members answered "Aye" and no opposition was recorded.
The policy will be revised per the commission's directions and returned to staff and board channels for finalization and implementation. The commission did not set exact dollar amounts or a finalized tent-size limit at the meeting; those details were directed to be specified in the revised draft.
