Public Hearing On Wanaki Golf Course Closure To Be Held

WAUKESHA, WI — The Waukesha County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the proposed closure of Wanaki Golf Course on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at the Waukesha County Expo Center Arena.

The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. with doors to the Expo Center Arena opening at 5 p.m. The Waukesha County Expo Center is located at 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha, WI 53188. The public can access parking at the Expo Arena through gate 1 and enter the building using door number 2.

The hearing will kick off with a presentation by Director of Parks and Land Use Dale Shaver on county golf course operations.

Members of the public will have the option to speak, register an opinion or provide written comments. Public comment will be taken following the presentation and may be limited to 2-3 minutes depending on the number of people wishing to speak.

Course Lost Money For Years

In spite of efforts to increase revenue, the golf course has operated at a loss for years, depleting Waukesha County's golf course reserve fund, Waukesha County officials said. In addition, Wanaki Golf Course requires over $645,000 in repair and replacement projects.

"While the decision to close Wanaki Golf Course is emotional, it's the only way to continue to offer any golf programs for residents," said Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow in a statement to Patch earlier this year. "Our staff has worked for years to bring in more revenue to keep the course open, but we've run out of options."

Waukesha County officials say that since 2001, Wanaki Golf Course has lost between $41,000 and $243,000 per year. In recent years, Waukesha County officials say they have tried a lot of different things based on recommendations provided by the National Golf Foundation to increase efficiency in operations and revenue, but could not offset losses.

Closure Part Of Budget Process

The County Board budget process kicks off on Tuesday, Sept. 24 when County Executive Paul Farrow presents his 2020 budget to the board. The proposed Wanaki closure will be voted on by the Land Use, Parks and Environment Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 1 and Finance Committee on Wednesday, Oct. 2.

Any amendments to the 2020 budget need to be drafted by Nov.5 for Finance Committee consideration. The County Board adopts the 2020 budget on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 9 a.m.