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Parks committee approves Badger Park master plan, clearing way for new playground, shelter and bike skills course
Summary
The Parks Committee approved a master plan for Badger Park on July 15 that lays out a phased vision including a new playground (to be installed before winter), expanded soccer field, an enclosed shelter, a perimeter pathway and a bike skills course; the plan does not commit construction funding but enables future phasing and capital planning.
The Parks Committee voted July 15 to approve the Badger Park Master Plan, directing staff to move the plan into phasing and capital planning without committing construction funds. The plan, presented by the Director, responds to public input from a neighborhood kickoff meeting and an online survey and prioritizes better access, visibility and new amenities for the neighborhood park.
"We developed this master plan that you see in front of us," the Director said, explaining that the park—once heavily wooded—lost many ash trees to emerald ash borer and has seen little investment in more than 30 years. The plan adds a newly purchased parking lot off Shawano Avenue to improve access, expands a small soccer field, reserves a site for an enclosed shelter and indoor-overhang, and shows a perimeter pathway the public requested.
The Director said a new playground was already purchased and "we'll be installing that ... in the next few months here before this winter." The master plan also proposes a bike skills course built to industry standards to replace an informal makeshift course now in the wooded area, stormwater-management features, and space for rotating public artwork.
Committee members voiced support during discussion. One member who represents the district said, "the woods are coming down either way," and expressed that the plan had elicited "a real positive response" during neighborhood meetings. Another suggested moving the park sign so it is seen first from Shawano Avenue to increase visibility for passersby.
A committee motion to approve the master plan was recorded in the transcript as "by Selvarak" with a second (the transcript records a second by "Elder Ritterbush"); the committee approved the motion by voice vote and the Chair announced the motion carries. The transcript does not include a roll-call tally.
Approval at the committee level allows staff to create a phasing plan and consider the project within the five-year capital improvements program; the Director emphasized that approving the master plan does not obligate immediate construction. Staff said removal of dead ash and undesirable trees will create space for new features over the coming one to two years and that more detailed design and funding decisions will follow.
Next steps: staff will prepare phasing and funding plans to bring forward in future budget processes and at subsequent Parks Committee and Common Council meetings.
