Waukesha parks staff present 2026 program fees, board approves sponsorship, Independence Day entertainment

The City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed 2026 winter/spring recreation program fees and charges schedule and approved two additional routine agreements: a 2026 sponsorship with Dick’s Sporting Goods (providing $5,000 in equipment gift cards/promotional support) and a contract with Hudsonite Productions to present 5 Card Stud at Lowell Park on July 3 ahead of the fireworks.

Recreation Supervisor Mark Thompson gave a detailed presentation on the activity guide and the program mix for winter/spring 2026: 674 classes total, including 286 youth classes, 120 before/after‑school slots, 99 adult classes, 71 older‑adult classes and 98 family classes. Thompson said participation in 3K/4K and fitness classes is rebounding and youth sports registration remains strong; he warned that indoor facility capacity has reached limits during peak hours and that the department is exploring additional programmable space and partnership options to expand offerings.

Thompson highlighted two program-specific fee changes proposed to cover increased operating costs: a vendor‑requested Tree Climb increase (to $55, roughly 6%) and a 10% increase for a Little Dragons Tae Kwon Do offering (to $55). He also said the department is investing more in lifeguard recruitment and training because certified lifeguards are scarcer, requiring the city to offer more in‑house American Red Cross training. Thompson noted that certain free classes are supported by CDBG funds and that staff had recently received full funding for the Community Learning Center (CLC) grant after temporary reductions.

During discussion board members asked about the city’s ability to expand indoor space or build a new facility; staff said a variety of partnership and creative solutions are being explored and that a new full‑scale recreation center is not likely in the near term. The board then voted to approve the fees schedule (motion by Jack Wells; second by Alderman Camacho) and moved on to the sponsorship and entertainment items.

Deb, a parks staff presenter, summarized the Dick’s Sporting Goods sponsorship: $5,000 in gift cards to support youth baseball, softball and soccer programs in exchange for organizational recognition and promotion of store events; the board approved the agreement by unanimous vote. Joanna and staff presented the Hudsonite Productions contract to bring 5 Card Stud to Lowell Park on July 3 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; the board approved that contract unanimously.

Mark Schramm (administration) reported that the activity guide is in final proofing and on track for registration the week of Dec. 8; the board also heard updates on capital projects including a kickoff for the Mineola Park Pavilion project, Prairie Park renovations, formal gardens irrigation work, and a new lighting and resurfacing plan for courts and fields. Mark Thompson noted that Operation Honor fundraising collected over $22,000 for the VA and introduced new Recreation Supervisor Logan Kine to the board.

Following those reports the board adjourned.