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Park commission approves $250,000 transfer to advance Ragnar Park skate park
Summary
The West Bend City Park and Recreation Commission approved a $250,000 transfer from the park impact fee trust to help fund a new multi-phase skate park in Ragnar Park, complementing a $500,000 lead gift and other pending commitments; staff said phases 1–2 cost roughly $1.7 million and the project aims to begin construction in spring 2027 if fundraising succeeds.
The West Bend City Park and Recreation Commission voted May 28 to transfer $250,000 from the park impact fee trust to support construction of a new skate park at Ragnar Park.
Parks staff said the facility is intended to serve skaters, scooter and inline-skate users and cyclists of all skill levels and to host regional competitions. “Our goal at this skate park is to provide our community with a facility that can be used at all skill levels,” said Mike, the parks staff member who presented the proposal.
Staff described a three-phase project with phases one and two costing approximately $1.7 million and a total project cost cited in the meeting at about $2.4 million. The project has a $500,000 lead gift and additional commitments from a local financial institution and other community partners that staff said are not yet fully finalized. Staff asked the commission to approve the $250,000 transfer to complement the lead gift and support initial construction phases.
Commissioners asked about fundraising timing and whether the skate park would compete with other fundraising priorities, including a planned $2 million all-abilities playground. Mike said the skate park project has been in planning for years and described it as “shovel ready” if fundraising proceeds; he and commissioners argued the skate park could also boost tourism and draw visitors for tournaments.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the transfer and the commission approved the motion by voice vote.
Next steps: staff will continue fundraising and finalize commitments; the presentation noted a target to break ground in spring 2027 if fundraising is successful. The commission did not adopt any binding schedule beyond approving the requested transfer of funds.
