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Board approves 2025 summer program and pool fees, boosts some seasonal wages and expands before/after school sites
Summary
The board approved 2025 fees and schedules for summer recreation and pool programs, including a 25% nonresident program fee increase cap and a 2% increase to before/after-school programming; minor seasonal wage increases were also adopted and Meadowbrook will host before/after‑school services next fall.
The Waukesha City Parks, Recreation & Forestry Board on March 31 approved its 2025 summer recreation program fees, pool season charges and a seasonal staff wage schedule, while updating service contracts and expanding before‑and‑after‑school coverage.
Mary Bird, presenting the fee schedule, said the department will introduce programming at Meadowbrook for before‑and‑after‑school care beginning in fall 2025. “We’re excited about that,” she said, adding that the department will be in 11 of the city’s 12 elementary schools. Bird said staff aim to protect resident fees where possible and shift some increases to nonresident fees; in accordance with the city financial management plan, nonresident program fees will rise by up to 25% but are capped at $25 for the increase.
Cheryl Manuel, who oversees youth sports and leagues, described modest adjustments in sports and specialty programs and noted new adult offerings such as adult “learn to skate.” Bird and Manuel also reviewed vendor contract structures (vendors typically receive 70% of resident fees) for several program partners and confirmed staffing and registration timelines; registration for residents begins April 14 and for nonresidents on April 17.
On wages, staff presented targeted increases for site leaders, youth development instructors, lifeguards and other seasonal positions to remain competitive; the board approved the seasonal wage schedule. The board also approved the proposed pool‑program schedule and related operational investments (upgraded snack‑shack equipment and increased lesson offerings) intended to increase revenue without significantly raising base pool prices.
The board approved the package of program fees, pool schedules, contracts and the seasonal wage schedule by voice vote and asked staff to continue monitoring affordability and participation.
