Our Oconomowoc Parks & Recreation department has been serving the Oconomowoc community for generations. The Parks & Recreation building is located at the City Beach on Wisconsin Avenue in Downtown Oconomowoc. As the community grows what do you think this Department should do to keep up with the population growth?
10 comments:
I think it would be great if the city had a trail along the river. It wouldn't have to be paved, just wood chips. Similiar to what is in Hartland, but hopefully longer or a loop. Would be used for hiking, jogging or xc skiing.
The river trail would be great. We also need the bike trail to and around downtown. Including through the beach and along the lake behind Spinnaker's (sp?). Riding a bike on wisconsin ave is risking your life. If the trail can't be done it would be nice if wisconsin ave were reduced to three lanes. One east and west bound with a center turn lane. This would give room for bike lanes. I think this would encourage more use of downtown businesses.
The Rec Center has outlived both its aesthetic and programming usefulness. A serious look at the needs of the community should be looked at in conjunction with the revitalization of the downtown. That building does not fit with any architecture much less our beautiful lakefront.
Updates to the park amenities needs to continue. The restrooms at Fowler Park are overdue for a re-haul. The tennis court resurfacing was a great step at the parks and adding basketball and playground equipment is always a welcome addition.
The Pabst Farms development, while adding nothing to our tax base due to the ridiculous TIF, should be held accountable for creating park open space and trails throughout the development.
Urban forestry should continue to move forward as we redevelop our downtown. The plantings along South Street near the library is a great start.
Yes, the rec center building is a bit rundown, but I strongly disgree that it has outlived it's "programming usefulness'. I can not afford a $77/month Y membership nor over-priced Gymboree or Little Gym classes. I CAN afford $40 for a music class for my toddler, or $12 for tumbling on saturdays. I have grown up in Oconomowoc and came back once I had a family. We must realize the importance of keeping the small town mentallity I have loved my entire life while trying to adjust to this new 'high end' invasion that has taken over. All you have to do is look at the little baton twirlers and sport players in our holiday parades to see that yes, the Rec Center is still very much useful in this community.
As for the other suggestions regarding bike lanes, trails along the river and urban foresty and upgrades to our local parks- I agree 100%.
Bike trails would be great. The proposed design for West Wisconsin Ave is a three lane configuration. However, the city has chosen to widen the terrace area between the sidewalk and street instead of a bike lane. Ray Maurer (Park & Rec director) suggested taking South St. I'd like to see the park expanded to the east instead of the proposed "Parq" condos that are not only ugly, but would have a negative impact on the water quality of the lake. With an election coming this spring, now is a great time to contact your alderperson and discourage them from voting in favor of reducing the lake setback requirements. The DNR has surprisingly come up with a viable alternative regulation that would allow existing non-conforming structures some leeway, but place reasonable limits on new construction.
Chad, you misunderstand TIF.
After working at the city beach waterfront from 2001 to 2007 as a supervisor, I have some strong opinions on the issue. First, the actual beach is only crowded five to ten days total throughout the entire summer. With three beaches on the lake, I do not think there is a need to expand.
The city should once again, drudge out the deep end of the swimming area and put in diving boards. This was done many years ago and was successful. The beach needs something more than a pier to swim out to that only allows forward jumping.
I think the current fees are great for all families. People can sign up for a number of classes and not be afraid to miss one or two because they are inexpensive. Many kids and parents depend on the waterfront and the lifeguards to stay out of trouble; raising daily band fees could hurt not only the patron count but also the community. A community center cannot have fees like the YMCA.
However, something needs to be done to the ugly green building downtown. Whether it is paint the outside, expand or even better, move across the street. The lake is filled with beautiful houses, if the rec. becomes one of those beautiful places; we must keep the fees down.
If the city can expand the building or move it across the street without compromising the current rec. fees, then I say go for it.
I agree that the city beach area needs to be expanded. It has been said that the population will double in Oconomowoc in the next 3-5 years. With the increased population we need to expand what sets us apart from other communities....great lakes for both community involvement and tourism. Wouldn't it be great to offer families a reason to come to Oconomowoc for a vacation, something besides another mall? Our downtown Oconomowoc will be the hottest visitors area in Wisconsin if done right.
First, townie, I absolutely agree that the programming that the Park & Rec affords is invaluable. That's why a new Rec Center is needed. The YMCA in completely ridiculous in the rates it charges (and how awful is it that they are the only Y that doesn't allow Special Olympians to train for free there...shame on them!) They need an updated facility to be able to provide the courses and events that make Oconomowoc "Our Town".
I don't want to sling mud here but heygabe, I do understand TIF's well enough to feel that we're getting a poorly thought out deal. TIF's were originally created to help blighted areas, brownfields, and other developments that wouldn't happen without outside influences. The Pabst Farms is a hugely valuable parcel; one that needs no help in being developed. By freezing property taxes for that development, it is my contention that we're taking money right out of the city's coffers.
TIF's aren't listed in the city's budget as revenue and those taxes are frozen while the rest of the city residents and businesses pay their fair share.
Why rush into developing this land? I'm not anti-development but let's do it correctly.
Thanks for the discussion. I'd love to hear other's opinions on the TIF matter as well as development of the City Beach. I'm all ears and would love to hear lively and innovative discussion long before decisions are to be made with that land.
I would like to see the city acquire the 3 properties east of city beach. Beach and park area should be expanded. Restroom facilities need to be updated. Community center should also be updated.
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