Waukesha · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Waukesha public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Prairie Home Cemetery operations and services
Prairie Home Cemetery is seeing surging demand for natural burial — sales jumped from 18 in 2022 to about 50 by July 2026 — so it's budgeting to plat a new natural burial section. The cemetery gets just $88,661 in tax support, unchanged for over a decade.
Library security improvements
The library's security push — cameras, staff training, walkie-talkies — cut police calls by 33% compared to pre-2020. It's asking for $15,000 more to add badge locks on staff doors that currently can't be secured.
Buchner Park playground ADA resurfacing
Extending Parkton Drive would put a road next to the neighborhood park playground. The parks department says it needs street access to the park, would consider fencing the playground, and is open to expanding the park toward Oakdale Drive; the developer offered to help pay for a fence.
Endowment Fund Update
The board reviewed how the library's endowment fund is managed under Policy F-8. The endowment supports library programs beyond what tax dollars cover.
Meeting Room Policy Update (A-3)
The board approved an updated policy governing how the library's meeting rooms can be used and reserved.
Riverwalk boardwalk flood damage
The flood-damaged Riverwalk boardwalk would get $400,000 in 2027 not just to repair but to redesign it to better withstand flooding. Two aldermen called it a top priority for their districts and downtown businesses.
Historic Springs maintenance and proposed "Friends of the Springs"
Hobo Spring keeps clogging with leaves and flooding, requiring repeated costly cleanouts. Alderman Chrisien will refer the problem to city engineering to study a permanent fix, possibly using the roughly $10,000 springs donation fund.
2027-2031 Parks, Recreation & Forestry capital budget
The board recommended the department's five-year capital investment plan to the Finance Committee. It lays out how the city will fund parks, trails, and recreation facilities from 2027 through 2031 — expect it to move on to Finance Committee and then the Common Council.
Library Facility Investments
The rebid for a new library revolving door came in over budget, so the board rejected the bids and staff will pursue a cheaper restoration kit with the contractor.
E-bikes and e-cycles damaging parks and streets
Ald. Manion asked where the pending e-bike ordinance stands — an issue that affects how e-bikes can be ridden around town. No update or action was recorded at this meeting.
Children's Renovation
The board got a status update on the renovation of the children's section. Families using the library will see the results when work wraps up.
Veterans Tribute Garden and Eagle Scout project
The tribute garden missed its Memorial Day deadline because the landscaper couldn't finish in time, but a grant secured with the Friends group covered much of the cost. Installation is now expected by Waukesha Unlocked in October.
Fiesta Del Rio festival at Frame Park
North Pillar Brewing Company got the alcohol license it needs to hold Fiesta Del Rio on September 6 from noon to 9 p.m. at the Frame Park Amphitheater.
Transit center murals and sculpture rethinking
The committee plans an RFP for murals at the transit center for its 50th anniversary, and will talk with sculptor Richard Taylor about the weathering sculpture and failed fountain there.
Greenway Terrace playground upgrade
The board recommended two park upgrades: a $112,800 resilient playground surface at Greenway Terrace and an irrigation system at Grede Park, the latter only if the Waukesha Community Foundation kicks in extra funding.
Grede Park irrigation project stalled
The only bid for Grede Park irrigation came in over budget, so the council rejected it and will redesign the project for a winter rebid. The park upgrade is delayed but not dead.
Air quality and summer program management
Poor air quality forced cancellations of Youth Appreciation Night and a Jazzin' event; staff adapted by adding air conditioning to shelters and moving kids indoors. Pools were packed in July after a cold June.
Park system master plan
The city's consulting team held a board workshop and will gather neighborhood input at Horeb Springs and DOP parks, with a public open house on the draft plan planned for late August and board review targeted for October.
Prairie Park and Banting Park facility upgrades
Nearly $714,000 will resurface courts, replace fencing, and install lighting bases at two neighborhood parks.
America 250 commemorative flagpole at Lowell Park
An 80-foot black anodized flagpole with a 20-by-30-foot flag is being installed at Lowell Park, funded by the Park Foundation of Waukesha, to mark America's 250th birthday. It should be up by June 5, with a dedication ceremony tied to the July 3 fireworks.
Senior activity coordinator position
This CDBG-funded position runs free programs for adults 55 and older — concerts, bingo, events — fighting isolation among seniors living alone or in low-income housing. Without it, programs would go fee-based or end.
Frame Park Formal Gardens ADA pathways and historic pillars
Staff recommended zero CDBG funding for replacing the uneven 1928-era flagstone pathway under the pergola and restoring the historic stone pillars, prioritizing Buchner Park instead because it borders a low-to-moderate-income neighborhood.
Swim and Park Play summer program
A summer program combining academic enrichment, swim lessons at Buchner or Horeb pools, and free family meals via St. Vincent de Paul. Funded at $2,500 instead of the $4,000 request, with parks staff saying their financial assistance fund can cover the gap.
Beer service at Lowell Park fireworks show
Raised Grain Brewing wants to pour beer at the July 3rd fireworks show, but its application claimed the entire park as the drinking area — a problem because minors can't enter licensed premises. The committee held it until the footprint is shrunk to a defined, marked area.