Muskego Parks Will Review Lake Park, But Not Yet

It's almost like a chicken-or-the-egg situation.

On one hand, Alderman Kert Harenda and many residents as well, would like more details on what a potential park on Little Muskego Lake's south shore will cost to maintain before a commitment to purchase is made.

On the other, it's a number that's impossible to give without more details on what is being purchased, according to the Muskego Parks and Recreation board.

"The city is relying on the Park Board to understand if we could handle the expense of another park," said Alderman Kert Harenda. "Maintenance will be a continuing piece of this.  I'm just hoping that we can get some ballpark on costs for this park."

Harenda cited a cost of maintaining Idle Isle of $27,000, and said he felt that the costs might be greater for the proposed park.

However, several members, including Parks Director Craig Anderson, said costs would be impossible to estimate, as they don't have an idea of what the actual parcel would end up being, and what would be negotiated with the city and neighbors abutting the land. In addition, Anderson said the proposed park would  be smaller than Idle Isle, which is about six acres, although the green space for each could be equivalent.

"I can tell you Muskego has been frugal in developing its parks," said Anderson, meaning that the purchase of lands for park use hasn't meant immediate expenses.

"Park Arthur's costs were about $600,000, but much of that investment was based on years of accumulated funds before it could start to be built," he explained. He also indicated that at the outset, costs would likely be minimal if the design was just for green space, a beach and potentially a parking lot.

Harenda also said the Parks board would likely have the job of overseeing the design, which held its own set of variables.

The common council has met in closed session (Dec. 13 and again upcoming on Tuesday night) to discuss a potential number if they were to make an offer to purchase, as well as what the parcel would end up including. While there seems to be speculation that a decision may come at the Jan. 24 council meeting, no confirmation has been made.

Public hearings on the matter should it progress will likely be held at the Parks Board level.