Wauwatosa Plans New Park On 116th Street With Federal Funds

WAUWATOSA, WI — A new park planned for Wauwatosa near 116th Street and Gilbert Avenue recently secured funding through the American Rescue Plan Act to progress, the city announced this week.

The Wauwatosa Common Council allocated $4 million from ARPA funds for renovations to the Muellner Building in Hart Park. Included in the allocation is money for the new park, the city announced Monday. Initial concepts for the park included walking trails, a sledding hill, a playground, a pavilion and a mountain bike pump track.

The park would be adjacent to the Wauwatosa Police Department and municipal garages. The park would face residential areas on 116th Street as well as homes on Gilbert Avenue. The site is less than a mile southwest of Mayfair Mall.

Significant savings could come for the park project through a partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the city said. Nearby highway projects will provide clean fill and rough grading services.

The next step for the parks is to hire a design and engineering firm to develop actual plans and public participation, the city said.

Alongside the new plans for the park, the city announced renovations to the Muellner Building.

The city plans tuck pointing, painting, roofing, windows, doors and fascia work for the exterior, while the interior will see renovations to the public restrooms, flooring, wall finishes, ceiling and lighting.

"This funding would allow the city to address many of the most pressing maintenance needs providing a better experience to users including members of the senior center, residents, renters, and members of the curling club," reads the city's news release.

Further steps for the Muellner building include hiring an architect and getting input from stakeholders, the city said.