Waukesha board approves 2026 summer recreation fees, new pool cabanas and removes $50 application fee

The Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board on March 30 unanimously approved the city’s 2026 summer recreation program and pool fee schedules, including a newly created cabana rental option for pool sites and the removal of a $50 nonrefundable fee on aquatic facility group applications.

Recreation staff told the board the department will offer 635 total program offerings this summer: 457 youth classes, 126 adult classes, 42 classes for people 55 and older, and 10 family classes. "We are very excited to kick off summer, another wonderful summer in the great city of Waukesha," a recreation staff presenter said, outlining partnerships and enrollment trends.

The approved fee changes include contractor-set dance classes with Sandy Keller remaining at $63 for residents and $88 for nonresidents; Tree Climb (Curtis) raising its fee from $52 to $55; and the swim and park-play eight-week class set at $85 for residents and $110 for nonresidents. Staff said the Skyhawks contractual programs show a roughly 1% price increase and most other provider fees are being held steady.

Aquatics staff described operational updates at the city pools and a redesign of pool-party pricing. "Cabanas are a brand-new program," aquatics staff said, adding that the structures had been delivered to the main office. The department established a basic and an ultimate pool-party package at the Buckner facility. Staff also reported one agency account for private group swimming lessons with 22 enrollees; they said they would follow up with the exact agency name.

On the application form for aquatic facility group admissions, staff proposed eliminating an administrative $50 nonrefundable application fee because most cancellations are weather-related and refunds are typically issued; staff said removing the fee would reduce processing and staff time. A board member recommended reformatting the application’s bullet points to separate form instructions from policy rules; staff agreed to adjust formatting.

All three fee-related actions — the 2026 summer recreation program fees, the pool program season and fees (including cabanas), and the revision to the aquatic group admission application (removing the $50 fee) — were moved, seconded and approved unanimously at the meeting.

The board’s approvals take effect according to the department’s implementation schedule for the summer season; staff said activity guides will be mailed next week and registration will open the following week.

The meeting also included regular staff updates on master planning, CIP items and seasonal hiring before the board adjourned.