Waukesha parks board unanimously recommends 2026 operating budget; backs meeting schedule

The Waukesha City Parks, Recreation and Forestry Board voted unanimously to recommend the department's proposed 2026 executive operating budget to the finance committee after a detailed presentation from department staff on revenue strategies, staffing requests and capital priorities.

Director Ron presented an overview of eight efficiency strategies that underpin the proposed budget, including expanding low- and no-mow areas (about 65 acres currently), design practices that reduce maintenance (Meadowview cited as an example), and stronger use of contractual services and shared resources with Public Works. "Volunteerism is exploding," Ron said, noting that the department logged about 37,000 volunteer hours — "a little over $1,000,000" in estimated value — and is proposing to convert the existing 20-hour-a-week volunteer coordinator position to full time to meet rising demand.

Why it matters: The board's recommendation comes ahead of a finance committee review next Tuesday and a City Council adoption vote scheduled for Nov. 4. City staff said the operating budget is essentially flat overall and is designed to meet the city's financial management plan while preserving services.

Staff also outlined several revenue-focused initiatives intended to reduce reliance on the tax levy. Mark Thompson, recreation division staff, described a planned $50,000 capital investment to add cabanas at Buckner and Horeb pools ($30,000 for Buckner, $20,000 for Horeb). "If we invest $50,000 in the cabanas at the two pools, we anticipate in year one at a 30% occupancy rate we'll have $28,400 of return rentals," Thompson said, adding that higher occupancy in later years could significantly reduce the combined pool subsidy (historically $80,000–$100,000).

The board heard that special revenue funds — self-supporting program accounts — are producing meaningful revenue for programming. Mark Schramm, manager for park and recreation administration, said the department expects an increase of about $134,000 in special-revenue account revenues next year with only $58,000 in additional expenses, yielding approximately $76,000 in net new revenue driven in part by added before-and-after-school sites and stronger concession/TurboChef performance.

Operational and capital highlights included a continued rollout of keyless entry (13 locations covering more than 45 doors, with about 12 additional locations planned), steps to formalize shared operations with Public Works (notably for snow operations and fleet management), and sponsorships that contributed nearly $200,000 toward programs such as concerts and fireworks. The Mineola Pavilion — listed as the department's top 2026 CIP project — targets substantial completion in spring 2027 and will seek additional contributions.

On staffing and organizational changes, staff noted that a mechanic and stockroom position moved to Public Works, and several new hires filled long-open administrative roles. Park maintenance and forestry managers said forestry staffing is at near capacity and that the city continues to treat and phase out ash trees because of emerald ash borer, estimating roughly 3,000 ash trees remain in the city.

Votes and next steps: Board member Steve Johnson moved to recommend the proposed 2026 executive operating budget to finance; Sarah Roth seconded and the board approved the recommendation unanimously. The board also approved the proposed 2026 Parks, Recreation and Forestry meeting schedule (third Monday, 5:30 p.m., held in council chambers) in a unanimous vote (motion by Eric Hummer; second by John Schmitz).

The finance committee is scheduled to provide a recommendation next Tuesday; City Council consideration is scheduled for Nov. 4. The board did not make any amendments to the budget at the meeting.

The meeting concluded with routine director and staff reports on ongoing construction (Hoard Park retaining-wall work), winter preparations for shelters, wayfinding consultant work (Damon Farber paired with Kale Engineering), and community-build playground projects; the chair adjourned the meeting with no further business.