Muskego Parks Healthier Than Some Would Believe, Says Director

Over the past few public input sessions where residents spoke out on the Muskego lake park issue, many complained of a $500,000 deficit that the parks department is running as a reason not to build another park.

The city has voted to purchase 4.6 acres of land on Little Muskego Lake for the purpose of creating a park near the downtown area, but it has come amid much controversy and debate. The parks department in particular has taken heat for what some feel is 'running in the red.'

However, Craig Anderson, Parks Director, told MuskegoNOW that the statements have come as people look at what revenue is generated through the departments' programs offered throughout the year versus its expenses.

"We've never been overbudget, departmentally," he told NOW. He also stated that the program fees were never intended to make the department as a whole self-sufficient. Program fees bring in approximately half of the departments $1 million budget, which also covers maintenance of its facilities, staffing and repairs.

For 2011, Anderson added, the department was slightly under budget.