Joint Board of Park Commissioners and Piers, Harbors, and Lakefront Committee Meeting — Agenda Packet

September 22, 2026 Board of Park Commissioners Agenda 1 City of Lake Geneva, 626 Geneva St, Lake Geneva, WI 53147-262.248.3673-www.cityoflakegeneva.gov Joint Piers, Harbor, & Lakefront Committee & Board of Park Commissioners Agenda Tuesday, September 22, 2026 - 6:00 PM Lake Geneva City Hall; Council Chambers Members: Park Board Members President: Adam St. Marie Members: Dana Furlo, Jessica Pokorny, David Quickel, Peggy Schneider, and Betty Volquardsen Council Liaisons: Alderperson Cindy Yager and Mayor Todd Krause Piers, Harbor, & Lakefront Members Chair: Cindy Yager Members: Sherri Ames, Linda Frame, JaNelle Powers, Cathy Stoodley 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Comments from the public limited to 5 minutes, limited to items on this agenda 4. Presentation regarding initial findings of the Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP) & Lakefront Plan including Community Engagement Results 5. Discussion/Recommendation regarding initial findings of the CORP & Lakefront Plan including Community Engagement Results 6. Discussion regarding Project Recommendations & Cost Estimates 7. Adjournment A quorum of the Council may be present; however, no official Council action will be taken. Requests from persons with disabilities who need assistance to participate in this meeting should be made to the City Clerk’s office in advance so that the appropriate accommodations can be made. Page 1 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Joint Meeting of the Park Board and Piers, Harbors, and Lakefront Committee September 22, 2026 Land to Lake Plan Page 2 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN An integrated parks and lakefront system plan… Park System • An integrated Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan that offers clear vision and sets clear priorities Lakefront • A Lakefront System Plan that considers the complexities of lakefront operations and management Recreation Program • Review the Recreation Program and explore potential models for the future Community Center • Exploration of feasibility of a Community Center, based on gather community interest, desired amenities, and potential locations Connectivity • Trails, sidewalks, bikeways, and shoreline access Page 3 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Community Survey – What We Heard Page 4 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Survey Responses • Over 500 started the survey; about 344 finished the survey • Residency: • 61% year-round City residents • 23% live in surrounding communities • 13% seasonal/part-time residents • 3% from another location • Age Profile: • 51% ages 60+ • 28% ages 65-74 • 27% ages 45-59 • 4% ages 18-29 Page 5 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN What We Heard - Overall • Improve accessibility for all users • Maintain and enhance existing facilities • Expand trail and bicycle connectivity • Improve restrooms, shade, seating, and drinking fountains • Strengthen opportunities for recreation across all age groups • Preserve Lake Geneva's natural beauty and community character • Balance resident needs with visitor and tourism demands Page 6 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Parks & Trails • Top activities: Walking, hiking, dog walking, wildlife observation, biking, and playground use • Residents generally prefer improving existing parks before developing new facilities • Park users consistently requested additional restrooms, drinking fountains, shade, seating, and wayfinding • Significant interest exists in splash pads, pickleball courts, playground improvements, and nature-based recreation • Hillmoor emerged as one of the most frequently discussed parks and future recreation opportunities Page 7 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Lakefront • The lakefront remains Lake Geneva's most valued public recreational asset • Residents expressed strong support for preserving scenic views and the natural character of the shoreline • Common requests: improved beach facilities, additional restrooms, shade, seating, and accessibility improvements • Recurring concerns: traffic, congestion, parking, and balancing resident and visitor use • Major priorities: environmental stewardship, water quality, beautification, and shoreline enhancement Page 8 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Recreational Programming • Residents generally value current recreation offerings but desire a broader variety of programs • Top participation barriers: Cost, scheduling, awareness, and facility limitations • Strong demand exists for senior, adult, teen, and adaptive recreation opportunities • Interest extends beyond traditional team sports to include arts, wellness, nature-based, educational, and social programming • Respondents expressed mixed opinions regarding the City's recreation partnership model Page 9 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Community Center • Community center support exceeded opposition. • 55% support or strongly support a community center • 19% no opinion • 26% oppose or strongly oppose • Purposes: Spaces that support recreation, social interaction, lifelong learning, and community events • Desired facilities: Pools, fitness facilities, meeting rooms, event spaces, and educational programming ] • Many respondents emphasized the importance of partnerships and efficient use of existing community resource. Page 10 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Boating • Boating remains an important part of Lake Geneva's recreation system and identity • Respondents identified demand for improved boat launch facilities, additional slips, and better parking • Strong interest exists in expanded kayak and paddlecraft access • Residents expressed differing opinions regarding marina expansion, boat storage, and shoreline development • Water quality, lake views, safety, and preservation concerns frequently accompanied boating-related comments Page 11 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN POP-UP COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT  Concerts in the Park – July 1  Venetian Fest – August 22 UTILIZING ENGAGEMENT TO DRIVE THE PLAN Page 12 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Early Findings Page 13 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Overall • Aging population, fewer children • Growing population • No additional parkland acreage needed – but geographic needs expected • Strategic Action Plan alignment • ADA accessibility • Native plantings Page 14 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Park & Trails System • Downtown Parks, Neighborhood Parks • Multi-generational parks • High number of mini-parks; be strategic with playgrounds • Focus on more amenities for existing, neighborhood-serving parks • Veterans Park • Rushwood Park • Seminary Park Page 15 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Lakefront • No major accessibility/safety issues • Demand exceeds capacity • Boater preference for dock slips rather than buoys • Opportunities to extend fishing pier, add docks • Riviera Beach concepts to improve restroom/changing rooms, beach capacity, ADA accessibility • Public boat launch circulation Page 16 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN YMCA Partnership – Recreational Sports • Resident and nonresident participation rates • Revenue sources: recreational sports, Veterans Park tournament rentals, concessions sales • Opportunities for City to fill gaps in recreational programming Page 17 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Goals for Recreational Programming 1. Continue and expand community programming to create opportunities for recreation as well as cultural expression and community development 2. Continue and expand recreational sports programming for children and adults 3. Provide recreational programming for all age groups, particularly children and senior citizens 4. Maintain a self-sustaining revenue model 5. Increase participation in recreational programming across all demographics Page 18 of 23 LAND TO LAKE: INTEGRATED PARKS & LAKEFRONT SYSTEM PLAN Budget/CIP Recommendations Page 19 of 23 Park-Specific Recommendations Expected Cost Subtotal by Park (Uses High Cost estimate) Park Name Project/Recommendation Low High Note Baker Park Maintain as open space. Add/maintain native plants along shoreline. $0 Baker Park Add Signage $800 Cobb Park Master Plan $30,000 Cobb Park ADA paths $67,500 1,500 linear ft Cobb Park Add surfacing under playground equipment $50,000 $150,000 $150,000 $5/sf Engineered Wood Fiber, $25/sf Poured-in Cobb Park Add Signage $800 Cobb Park Add Benches to Active Areas $1,200 Cobb Park Repair roof on picnic shelter $10,000 Cobb Park Replace playground equipment with all-ages accessible playground $400,000 $600,000 $600,000 Dunn Field Add lighting at Pickleball Courts $10,000 Dunn Field Skatepark Maintenance $100,000 Dunn Field Add Signage $800 Dunn Field Add Benches to Active Areas $4,800 Flat Iron Park Add internal ADA path between amenities $18,000 Flat Iron Park Explore feasibility of expanding park to lakefront by closing a portion of Wrigley Drive $15,000 $25,000 $25,000 feasibility study Flat Iron Park Support events by increasing number of power sources and outlets and fixing broken outlets. $500 per outlet Hillmoor Property Add Signage Hillmoor Property Add Benches to Active Areas Hillmoor Property Amphitheater Hillmoor Property Splash Pad (large) Hillmoor Property Sledding Hill Hillmoor Property Add restrooms Hillmoor Property Ecological restoration Hillmoor Property Gate/barriers at all entrance points Hillmoor Property Trail completion Library/Elm Park Add Signage $800 $800 Manning Way Tot Lot Manning Way Bike Trail Bridge $85,000 Manning Way Tot Lot Maintain existing playground. Replace with accessible playground suitable for young children when equipment reaches end of life. n/a long term recommendation Manning Way Tot Lot Add signage to entrance to path to Hidden Woods Park $800 Maple Park Maintain existing playground. Replace with all-ages accessible playground when equipment reaches end of life. n/a n/a long term recommendation Moss Park Add Signage $800 Moss Park Maintain as open space. Add small amenities that encourage connection and sustainability such as native trees and plants, community orchard, public art, benches, educational signage, bird/bat houses, etc. $1,500 $5,000 $5,000 depends on amenities chosen LAND TO LAKE - PARK RECOMMENDATIONS & COST ESTIMATES Expected Cost Range $800 $859,500 $115,600 $43,500 See Upland Design estimates $85,800 $5,800 Page 1 of 4 Draft - 9.15.26 Page 20 of 23 Park-Specific Recommendations Expected Cost Subtotal by Park (Uses High Cost estimate) Park Name Project/Recommendation Low High Note Expected Cost Range Oak Hill Tot Lot Investigate opportunities to relocate the park to a property that is flatter and ADA accessible. The current park is on a steep incline that is not safe nor ADA accessible. Open space by the church across the street from the park has been identified as a potential location. $100,000 $600,000 n/a playground location to be determined Oak Hill Tot Lot Remove play equipment and repurpose as a passive open space. Plant native trees and plants $5,000 $10,000 $10,000 Olive Longland Park Add Signage $800 Olive Longland Park Maintain as open space. Plant native trees and plants $3,000 $5,000 $5,000 Rushwood Park Master Plan $30,000 Rushwood Park Fitness Equipment $20,000 $30,000 $30,000 7 pieces (clustered); Master Plan first Rushwood Park Add Signage $800 Rushwood Park Add benches near activity areas $2,400 Rushwood Park Drinking fountains/water bottle filler $8,000 Rushwood Park Add restrooms $200,000 Master Plan First Rushwood Park Add surfacing under all playground equipment $50,000 Master Plan First Rushwood Park Extend electricity to park shelter $5,000 Master Plan First Rushwood Park Update Playground Equipment -- Consider Adventure Play $400,000 $600,000 $600,000 Rushwood Park Add an ADA accessible street parking spot by the park $2,000 Rushwood Park ADA paths between amenities $67,500 1,500 linear ft; Master Plan first Seminary Park Add Benches to Active Areas $16,000 Seminary Park Add ADA accessible path between parking areas, playground, and pavilion $16,000 Seminary Park Splash Pad (small) $200,000 Seminary Park Add Playground $700,000 $2,000,000 $2,000,000 Seminary Park Ice Skating Rink $10,000 $30,000 $30,000 Seminary Park Add Park Sign $800 Seminary Park Provide clear signage for boat parking at both entrances to parking lot $700 Seminary Park Extend electricity to the park. Coordinate with event organizers on locations for outlets. unknown Southridge Park Negotiate with surrounding land owners to provide easement access to the park $0 $1,500 $1,500 $1,500 $5,800 $995,700 $2,263,500 $10,000 Page 2 of 4 Draft - 9.15.26 Page 21 of 23 Park-Specific Recommendations Expected Cost Subtotal by Park (Uses High Cost estimate) Park Name Project/Recommendation Low High Note Expected Cost Range Veterans Park Master Plan $45,000 Veterans Park Add new batting cages $7,500 Veterans Park Repair Fencing $20,000 2021 CIP Veterans Park Lighting at diamonds and paths $150,000 Veterans Park Add Signage $1,600 Veterans Park Replace or repair existing scoreboards $10,000 $12,000 $12,000 Veterans Park Replace rusted bathroom sinks unknown Veterans Park Add picnic tables and shade sails $18,000 near concessions and park shelter; 8 picni Veterans Park Designate new gathering areas within the park n/a Veterans Park Establish a beer garden unknown Veterans Park Splash Pad (large) $350,000 $700,000 $700,000 see CORP Veterans Park Plan community events to bring more people to the park n/a Movies in the park, food trucks, etc. Veterans Park Upgrade baseball fields to be tournament ready adding features such as new dugouts, turf, and scoreboards. $50,000 $125,000 $125,000 excluding lighting Veterans Park Baseball field lighting $100,000 Veterans Park Repair and update paved paths $50,000 Veterans Park ADA restroom updates needed? Westgate Tot Lot Replace playground equipment with accessible playground oriented to young children $70,000 $150,000 $150,000 Westgate Tot Lot Add Signage $800 Westgate Tot Lot Add Benches to Active Areas $2,400 Westgate Tot Lot Add fence along Dodge Street $5,000 $10,000 $10,000 Willow Park Maintain as open space. Preserve lake views. $0 $0 Lake Geneva Bocce Ball Court Provide an address for the park $0 $0 Natural and Open Space Areas Expected Cost Park Name Project/Recommendation Low High Note Water Tower Park Maintain as open space. Plant native trees and plants $3,000 $10,000 $10,000 Water Tower Park Trail connection from Pond View Lane that encircles the pond $45,000 1,000 linear feet Water Tower Park Add benches to the pond area $2,400 Water Tower Park Add Signage $800 Donian Wetland Preserve Replace Signage $800 $800 Edgewood Hills Maintain Duck Trail Trailhead to encourage trail access. Add small amenities that encourage connection and sustainability such as native trees and plants, community orchard, public art, benches, educational signage, bird/bat houses, etc. $1,500 $5,000 $5,000 depends on amenities chosen Edgewood Hills Add Signage $800 Fermano Park Maintain as open space and maintain trails. $0 Fermano Park Add Benches to Active Areas $4,800 $1,229,100 $163,200 $58,200 $5,800 $4,800 Expected Cost Range Page 3 of 4 Draft - 9.15.26 Page 22 of 23 Park-Specific Recommendations Expected Cost Subtotal by Park (Uses High Cost estimate) Park Name Project/Recommendation Low High Note Expected Cost Range Hidden Woods Park Add community gardens to the north $13,000 Hidden Woods Park Maintain as woodland and maintain trail. Add educational signage along trail. Note: Wooded area is not in City Limits $13,000 Hidden Woods Park Add signage to path entrance at Manning Way Tot Lot. Coordinate with Town of Lyons about signage placement at path entrances at the south end of Lockwood Blvd, at the corner of West Drive and Hill Street, and at the south side of the park $1,600 Home Depot Park Maintain as open space. Add small amenities that encourage connection and sustainability such as educational signage, art, and native trees and plants $1,500 $5,000 $5,000 Home Depot Park Add Signage $800 Home Depot Park Add Benches to Active Areas $4,500 Mary Koutsky Four Seasons Preserve Add information kiosk at park entrance and updated signage $1,500 $5,000 $5,000 Mary Koutsky Four Seasons Preserve Consider adding archery range $100,000 Mary Koutsky Four Seasons Preserve CORP Identified Stewardship Grant n/a Mary Koutsky Four Seasons Preserve Improve trails over marsh $30,000 Mary Koutsky Four Seasons Preserve Level gravel in parking lot $5,000 Mary Koutsky Four Seasons Preserve Add seating and picnic tables to the gazebo $4,800 Mary Koutsky Four Seasons Preserve Continue to maintain trails and gravel parking area n/a Price-Fremont Park Prepare trail development plan to include trails, educational signage, benches $8,000 $12,000 $12,000 $12,000 Symphony Bay Conservation Area Add Benches to Active Areas $4,800 Symphony Bay Conservation Area Add Signage $800 $144,800 $5,600 $27,600 $10,300 Page 4 of 4 Draft - 9.15.26 Page 23 of 23