Kenosha Parks Commission approves Carthage College lease for Elphard Beach fields

The Kenosha Parks Commission voted Wednesday, Sept. 3, to approve a lease allowing Carthage College to install and maintain multi-use athletic fields at Elphard Beach.

David Bogdell, speaking during the public hearing portion of the meeting, told the commission the college and city had worked closely to ensure the site meets state and federal environmental requirements. "...ensuring that it meets meets all the any DNR, Army Corps requirements," Bogdell said, adding that Carthage would be responsible for long-term maintenance and for provisions that allow the fields to be removed if necessary.

Bogdell framed the lease as a community benefit, saying the fields would provide additional practice space for college athletes and help integrate students into the city. "Kenosha is not just a place where they haven't go to school for 4 years, but it's also their home," he said, and noted scholarship opportunities tied to the project.

A city staff member clarified the scholarship arrangement: two scholarships initially, with one additional scholarship added every 20 years, for a total of five scholarships over time. The same staff member addressed safety and surfacing concerns raised by a commissioner, stating, "Right now, it's to be topsoil brought in and then seeded," and that college representatives had committed to cleanups to address cobblestones that wash up on the beach.

After brief discussion, a commissioner moved to approve the Carthage College multi-use fields lease for Elphard Beach; a second was recorded and the commission voted by voice, with the chair recording an affirmative vote. The motion carried and the lease was approved.

The commission then completed remaining business and moved to adjourn the meeting.