CCR2001095AMENDED
COMMON COUNCIL -CITY OF MUSKEG0
RESOLUTION #95-2001
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE 2001 - 2005
PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
WHEREAS, The City of Muskego maintains a Park and Open Space Plan in order to
guide the development of the community's park system; and
WHEREAS, The Park and Recreation Department and Planning Department, under the
direction of the Park Board, have prepared an updated Park and Open Space Plan for
the years 2001 - 2005; and
WHEREAS, The Plan Commission held a public hearing to consider the
recommendations of the proposed plan; and
WHEREAS, The Parks and Recreation Board and the Plan Commission have
recommended approval of the 2001 - 2005 Park and Open Space Plan for the City of
Muskego.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the Common Council of the City of
Muskego, upon the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Board and the Plan
Commission, does hereby adopt the 2001 - 2005 Park and Open Space Plan for the
publication.
City of Muskego as amended, with technical spelling errors to be corrected prior to final
DATED THIS 2 DAY OF June ,2001
SPONSORED BY:
Ald. William Le Doux
Deferred: 5/8/01, 5/22/01
This is to certify that this is a true and accurate copy of Resolution #95-2001 which was
adopted by the Common Council of the City of Muskego.
/< 3nnd
v C?brk-Treasurer
5/0ljmb
I From: Jean Marenda
Tuesdav, June 05.2001 3:28 PM
Jill Blenski
FW: Final Draft of Park and Open Space Plan
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Zagar
Sent: Tuesday, lune 05, 2001 232 PM
TO: David DeAngelis; Aldermen; lean Marenda; Cathle Anderson cc: Brian Turk
Subject: Final DraR of Park and Open Space Plan
' Mayor, Aldermen, Jean and Cathie:
The final draft of Park and Open Space Plan reflects the comments/edits from the May 22, 2001 Common Council
meeting. The file can be found at:
S:\CITYHALL\PlanningiAdopted\ParkPlan Final Draft - 06052001
as '.pdf files in the same directory If you have any questions please E-mail me or call me at 679-5617 Thanks.
Note: This file does not contain the 2000 and 2010 Land Use maps (will be inserted as pgs. 12&13) These can be found
1
Jill Blenski
From:
@.Ent: cc:
Subject:
Brian Turk
Monday, April 16, 2001 11:OO AM
David DeAngelis; Aldermen
Cathie Anderson; Dustin Wolff; Tom Zagar: Jill Blenski; Department Heads
Park and Open Space Plan
The 2001-2005 Park and Open Space Plan was previously approved by the Park Board and Plan Commission. We held
off bringing it to Council until after the 2010 Comp Plan was complete, in order to avoid confusion.
This item will appear on the 4/24/2001 Common Council agenda.
The full document, including all maps and tables, is available to you in the
CityHall\Planning\Adopted folder. It is titled o~ens~ace~lan2001-2005com~iled.~df
The document is in PDF format, so you will need to have Adobe Reader or Acrobat installed on your PC.
In order to save on production costs, we will not be placing a paper copy in your Council packet unless you individually
request one ahead of time. Please contact me by Friday April 20th if you want one in your council packet. We will
produce paper copies for you following adoption of the document.
Thank you,
Brian
1
A PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
FOR THE CITY OF MUSKEG0
2001 - 2005
‘0
Approved by the City of Muskego Parks and Recreation Board
September 11, 2000
Adopted by the City of Muskego Plan Commission
October 17. 2000
Adopted by the City of Muskego Common Council
May 22,2001
”.
CITY OF MUSKEG0
ELECTED OFFICIALS
2001
Mayor
Honorable David De Angelis
Common Council
Council President Mark Slocomb, District 7
Alderman Patrick Patterson. District 1
Alderman Butch Le Doux, District 2
Alderman Chuck Wichgers, District 3
Alderman Nancy Salentine, District 4
Alderman Rick Petfalski, District 5
Alderman David Sanders, District 6
I
APPROVED
RESOLUTION #P.C. 167-2000
APPROVAL OF THE 2001-2005 PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLAN AND
RECOMMENDATION
OF SAME TO THE COMMON COUNCIL
WHEREAS, The City of Muskego maintains a Park and Open Space Plan in
order to guide the development of the community's park system, and
WHEREAS, The adopted Park and Open Space Plan was approved in 1993,
and had a planning window of five years, and
WHEREAS, The Park and Recreation Department and Planning Department,
under the direction of the Park Board, have prepared an updated Park and Open
Space Plan for the years 2001-2005, and
WHEREAS, On August 15, 2000 the Plan Commission held a public hearing to
consider the recommendations of the 2001-2005 Park and Open Space Plan.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Plan Commission does hereby
approve the 2001-2005 Park and Open Space Plan as recommended by the
Park Board on August 14,2000.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Plan Commission recommend the
adoption of the 2001-2005 Park and Open Space Plan to the Common Council.
Plan Commission
City of Muskego
e
Adopted: October 17, 2000
Defeated:
Deferred: September 5,2000; September 19,2000; October 3.2000
Introduced: August 15. 2000;
ATTEST. Sandi Asti, Recording Secretary
AMENDED
COMMON COUNCIL - CITY OF MUSKEG0
RESOLUTION #95-2001
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE 2001 - 2005
PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
WHEREAS, The City of Muskego maintains a Park and Open Space Plan in order to
guide the development of the community’s park system; and
WHEREAS, The Park and Recreation Department and Planning Department, under the
direction of the Park Board, have prepared an updated Park and Open Space Plan for the
years 2001 - 2005; and
WHEREAS, The Plan Commission held a public hearing to consider the
recommendations of the proposed plan; and
WHEREAS, The Parks and Recreation Board and the Plan Commission have
recommended approval of the 2001 - 2005 Park and Open Space Plan for the City of
Muskego.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED That the Common Council of the City of
Muskego, upon the recommendation of the Parks and Recreation Board and the Plan
Commission, does hereby adopt the 2001 - 2005 Park and Open Space Plan for the City
of Muskego as amended, with technical spelling errors to be corrected prior to final
publication.
0
DATED THIS 12 DAY OF June ,2001.
SPONSORED BY:
Ald. William Le Doux
Deferred: 5/8/01,5/22/01
This is to certify that this is a true and accurate copy of Resolution #95-2001 which was
adopted by the Common Council of the City of Muskego.
0 5/0ljmb
Clerk-Treasurer
.. . 111
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PARK AND RECREATION BOARD
Mr. Toby Whipple, Chairman
Mr. Howard Schneider, Vice-chairman
Mr. Jerald Hulbert
Ms. Kelly Koble
Mr. Richard Manchester
Alderman William Le Doux
Ms. Debbie Carlson, School Representative
PLAN COMMISSION
Mayor David De Angelis, Chairman
Alderman Butch LeDoux
Mr. Harry Brodel
Mr. Robert Gummer
Mr. Jerald Hulbert
Ms. Neome Schaumberg
Ms. Traci Smith
iv
CITY OF MUSKEGO STAFF
Mr. Craig Anderson, Director of Parks and Recreation
Mr. Brian Turk, Director of Planning
Mr. Dustin Wolff, Assistant Plan Director
Mr. Tom Zagar, Grant Administrator, Planning and Lake Projects
Ms. Emily Champagne, Geographic Information Systems Coordinator
Mr. Peter Theis, Parks Maintenance Supervisor
Ms. Sandi Asti, Planning Secretary
Ms. Sally Bukowski, BuildingPlanning Depts. Data Entry Clerk
City Hall Mailing. Address:
W 182 S8200 Racine Avenue
Post Office Box 749
Muskego, WI 53150-0749
Telephone:
(262) 679-4100
Web Site:
www.ci.muskevo.wi.us
"
0 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION
Foreword
Objectives
Park and Recreation Administration
Chapter 2 -COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
Physical Resources
Environmentally Significant Lands
Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitats ..... ...
Population
Transportation _.
Land Uses
...
...... ...
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . .
Chapter 3 - CITY OF MUSKEG0 PARK AND OPEN SPACE INVENTORY
Introduction
City of Muskego Park and Open Space Sites.
Public-Owned School Sites
Waukesha County Park and Open Space Sites
State of Wisconsin Park and Open Space Sites .......
Privately-Owned Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Sites
Chapter 4 - PARK CLASSIFICATIONS, STANDARDS, AND NEEDS
Introduction
Classifications and Standards
Needs.
Future Population Park and Open Space Needs .....
Summary . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Chapter 5 - RECREATION FACILITY STANDARDS AND NEEDS
Introduction
Recreation Facility Standards and Current Needs, ....
Recreation Facility Needs for the Year 2000
Summary.
Chapter 6 - RECOMMENDED PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Introduction .....
Improvements Planned for Existing Sites ...
Improvements Recommended for Existing Sites
Recommended Future Sites and their Facilities
Recommended Park Expansion and Open Space Acquisition
Urban Forestry Recommendations for Parks.
1
1
1
.3
.4
.4
.0
.8
.9
14
14
.21
.24
.24
.26
.27
.27
.20
.32
.32
.33
.33
..33
.34
.35
.35
.37
.30
.30
.40
vi
Summary. .._.
CHAPTER 7 - RECREATION TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Recommended Recreation Trail Additions
Trail Specifications
Summary .... ....
...
CHAPTER 8 - PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Introduction
Administration..
Regulation
Acquisition Techniques.
Summary ...
... ...
...
. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . ,
...
... ...
.40
.42
.42
.47
.4a
.49
.49
.49
.50
.51
vii
MAPS, FIGURES, APPENDICES
MAPS
Map 1
Map 2:
Map 3:
Map 4:
Map 5:
Map 5A:
Map 6:
Map 7.
Map 8:
Map 9:
Map 10:
Map 11
FIGURES
Figure 1:
Figure 2:
Figure 3:
Figure 4:
Figure 5:
Figure 6:
Figure 7.
Figure 8:
Figure 9:
Environmentally Significant Lands in the City of Muskego .5
Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Sites in the City
of Muskego ,7
Current (2000) Land Use 12
2010 Land Use Plan 13
Public-Owned Park and Open Spaces in the City of Muskego.17
(Inset) Public-Owned Park and Open Spaces in the City
of Muskego 18
City of Muskego Recreation Trails .23
Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area Project Boundary ,251
Areas Within the City of Muskego Served by Park Sites, ._. .29
Areas Within the City of Muskego Not Served by Park Sites .30
Recommended Park Plan for the City of Muskego .... .36
Proposed City of Muskego Recreation Trails .46
Park and Recreation Department Organizational Chart .2
Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Areas in the City
of Muskego
City of Muskego Population ...
.6
City of Muskego Land Use - 2000.
.8
11
Public-Owned Park and Open Spaces 15, 16
Per Capita Standards and Needs for Public-Owned Parks .28
Per Capita Standards and Projected 2010 Needs for
Public-Owned Parks .32
Recreational Facility Needs for the Current (2000) Population.33
Recreational Facility Needs for the Proiected
...
(2010) Population.
Figure 10: Proposed Recreation Trail Additions within the City
... ..... .34
of Muskego ... .45
Figure 11 Typical Bicycle Path Detail .47
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Private-Owned Open Spaces and Recreation Sites in the
City of Muskego. .52
viii
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Foreword
Parks and open spaces are important and valuable attributes to a community. Outdoor
recreation contributes to the mental and physical well-being of the community's citizens.
Developed park lands provide areas for active recreation, entertainment, and education.
Open spaces. or undeveloped park lands provide natural resource preservation, wildlife
habitat, outdoor education and passive recreational activities. Both developed and
undeveloped parks provide transition and separation from other developed land uses.
This Plan represents the first Park and Open Space Plan developed by Muskego's
municipal staff, and represents the first "Detail Plan" to be developed as a component of
the City of Muskego 2010 Comprehensive Plan. Adoption of this document updates A
Park and Open Space Plan for the Citv of Muskeao, which was prepared by the
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and adopted in 1992.
Objectives
The objectives of the City of Muskego Park and Open Space Plan are to:
Provide quality active and passive outdoor recreational opportunities of
various kinds to all current and future Muskego residents of all ages,
including the elderly and disabled
Evaluate how existing public recreation facilities address the present and
future needs of the people of Muskego
Identify areas where existing recreation facilities are inadequate to serve the
present and future needs of the people of Muskego
Develop a plan of action to meet both the current and future recreational
demands of the public
Provide the City of Muskego with a period of eligibility for cost sharing
assistance through the Federal and State grant programs administered by
the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Park and Recreation Administration
A re-organization occurred in 1998 that combined the Parks Department and the
Recreation Department into one municipal department. The Parks and Recreation
Department staff is directly responsible for park development, maintenance and
operations, as well as the administration of all municipal recreation programs. The
Parks and Recreation Department also oversees two public access cable channels and
the Muskego Historical Society activities.
The Department is headed by the Parks and Recreation Director The Parks
Supervisor, two Recreation Supervisors, and the Administrative Assistant report to the
Director, There are three full time Maintenance Workers and several seasonal
maintenance workers as staff to the Parks Supervisor, Each Recreation Supervisor
manages the instructors who teach recreation programs. e
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
0 The Parks and Recreation Director reports to the Mayor and Common Council, and
provides staff support to the Parks and Recreation Board. The City of Muskego Parks
and Recreation Board, composed of six citizens and one Common Council member, is
advisory to the Common Council.
1_1 Wrkand Fkcreallon a Director
Supervisor Supervisor
Instructors Instructors
I
Pdninistrative
ksistani
I I I
Maintenance Worker 111 Worker II Worker I
Mintenance Maintenance
Figure 1: Park and Recreation Department Organizational Chart
2
0 co Chapter 2
IMMUNITY ASSESS1
The following sections include excerpts from the 2010 Comprehensive Plan, and
provide an overview of Park and Open Space related matters which are set forth
in that document.
Geography
The City of Muskego is located in southeastern Waukesha County, and encompasses
23,018 acres of land, or approximately 35.8 square miles. The City is bounded to the
west by the Town of Vernon and Village of Big Bend, to the north by the City of New
Berlin, to the east by the Village of Hales Corners and City of Franklin, and to the south
by the Town of Norway.
Muskego is located in what is commonly known as Wisconsin’s Kettle Moraine. The
topography of the region is characterized by glacial features which are the result of
marginal deposits and geologic activities that occurred more than ten thousand years
ago during the Pleistocene Epoch. As a result. local conditions vary from rolling hills to
flat terrain.
Water Resources
Muskego has four major water bodies within its civil boundaries. Big Muskego Lake is a
shallow 2,260-acre lake that is fringed with wetlands and encompasses islands of cattail
marsh. Bass Bay is a 100-acre connected embayment of Big Muskego Lake and has a
deeper basin typical of other glacially formed kettle lakes in the region. Recent
rehabilitation efforts have enhanced the fish and wildlife of both Bass Bay and Big
Muskego Lake. Little Muskego Lake, which covers 506 acres, is relatively shallow
overall, but also has a deeper basin. Lake Denoon. which is partially located in the
Town of Norway, is a kettle lake covering 162 acres. Significant tributaries in the
watershed include Jewel Creek, which flows into Little Muskego Lake, Muskego Creek
(also locally known as Pilak Creek), which flows from Little Muskego Lake to Big
Muskego Lake, and Muskego Canal, which is the outlet of Big Muskego Lake. Tess
Corners Creek is located in the northeast part of the City. Numerous smaller surface
water bodies are distributed throughout the community.
Muskego is located along a sub-continental divide, wherein waters to the east of the
divide flow towards Lake Michigan and the Atlantic Basin, and lands to the west of the
divide flow towards the Gulf of Mexico. The City’s four major lakes drain into the Gulf of
Mexico via the Fox River, Illinois River, and Mississippi River Tess Corners Creek is in
the Root River watershed, which drains into the Atlantic via the Great Lakes.
0
Soils
Soil characteristics vary greatly within the community but generally fall into three soil
associations (or types). The soils of the northwestern portion of the City are well
drained soils derived from glacial till. Soils surrounding Big Muskego Lake are poorly
drained to well drained soils formed in shallow glacial lake beds. Soils in the remainder
of the City are well drained to somewhat poorly drained and are derived from glacial till. e
3
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
content of organic material. Many soils in the area have severe limitations for building
Most soils in the City have a relatively high clay component and some have a high
structures and the installation and operation of on-site wastewater treatment systems.
Soil characteristics and their suitability for development are discussed in greater detail in
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC) Planning Report
No. 8. Soils of Southeastern Wisconsin, and in the Soil Conservation Service
Survey of Waukesha County. Wisconsin.
Environmentally Significant Lands
SEWRPC has identified and delineated areas in the region which contain concentrations
of natural resource and resource-related amenities. Environmental corridors and
isolated natural resource areas contain almost all of the remaining high-value wetlands,
woodlands, wildlife habitat areas, major surface waters, and delineated floodlands and
shorelands. Primary environmental corridors are generally larger contiguous areas of
such lands, usually along major surface waters. Secondary environmental corridors are
shorter, narrower contiguous areas of environmentally significant lands. Isolated natural
resource areas are smaller concentrations of natural resource features. The protection
and preservation of such areas in essentially natural, open uses is considered by
SEWRPC to be critical to maintaining both the ecological balance and natural beauty of
the region. Consideration of these environmentally significant lands is therefore
important in both the acquisition and development of park lands. The environmentally
significant lands within Muskego are shown on Map 1,
Natural Areas And Critical Species Habitat Sites
SEWRPC also undertook the task of identifying all of the high quality natural areas and
critical species habitats remaining in the seven-county region. This inventory. as well as
a recommended plan for the management and protection of these areas, is detailed in
SEWRPC Planning Report No. 42, A Regional Natural Areas and Critical Species
Habitat Protection and Manaqement Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin (1997). Natural
areas are defined as tracts of land or water so little modified by human activity, or
sufficiently recovered from the effects of such activity, that they contain intact native
plant and animal communities believed to be representative of the landscape before
European settlement. Natural areas are classified into one of the following three
categories: natural areas of statewide or greater significance (NA-1); natural areas of
countywide or regional significance (NA-2); or natural areas of local significance (NA-3).
Classification into one of these three categories is based upon consideration of the
diversity of plant and animal species and community types present as well as size,
uniqueness, extent of disturbances, and educational value.
Critical species habitat sites are identified by SEWRPC as areas that support rare.
threatened, or endangered plant or animal species. These sites are separately
identified when they lie outside of the natural areas described above. Preservation of
natural areas and critical species habitat areas are an important consideration in the
planning of parks and City-owned open spaces. Inventoried natural areas and critical
sDecies habitat areas within the City of Muskeqo are summarized in Figure 2 and
0
- depicted on Map 2. -
4
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Map 1
ENVIRONMENTALLY SIGNIFICANT LANDS IN THE CITY OF MUSKEG0
LEGEND Q
5
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
1 No. I Area Name
Muskego Park
Hardwoods State
Natural Area
Lake Marsh
13 I Luther Parker
4
I Cemetery I Parker Drive
5
I Woods2 I Lake Denoon
Wetland
Classification
C"dP
Description and Comments Size Ownership
""" I I
NA-1 1 Waukesha I 73 1 Diverse hardwoods and sorino flora.
NA-3
NA-3
none
CSH
.I Co. and
State of
Private Endangered Crow-spur sedge and acres
(endangered), Great Fgret (threatened),
and Black Tern (rare)
and Private
Large cattail marsh with Forster's Tern 1061
(endangered), Common Tern acres Wisconsin
City of 1 acre Pioneer cemetery with remnant mesic
Muskego
Private
prairie
123 Large forested area recommended for
Private
acres State ownership by SEWRPC
30 Habitat for Black Tern frarel
for Coopers Hawk
threatened blue ash grow here. Habitat
I acres I ~ ~,
CSH I Private and I 1.3 1 Habitat for Redfin Shiner (threatened)
CSH Private Habitat for Lake Chubsucker (State- 2.4
I conservancy I miles I
miles designated Special Concern)
Flgure 2: Natural Areas and Crltlcal Species Habitat Areas wlthln the Clty of Muskego
Plan for Southeastem Wisconsin. Osprey (threatened) and Lake Chubsucker (Statedesignated Special Concern) wre
' Subsequent lo the formulation of A Regional Natural Areas and Critical Soecies Habitat Protection and Manaaement
introduced lo Big Muskego Lake in conjunction with a rehabilitation project.
'Although the site does not contain inventoried Nalural Areas or Critical Species Habitat sites, it is recommended to be acquired for reestablishment of a relatively large forest interior by SEWRPC.
Source: SEWRPC. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and lhe City of Muskego.
6
I.
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
LEGEND I
7
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
0 Population
The 1990 Census indicates the official population of Muskego is 16,813. In October
1999 the Wisconsin Department of Administration estimated the City of Muskego
population to be 20.814. This represents a 24% increase since 1990, and a 36%
increase since 1980. The City of Muskego’s population growth is illustrated in Figure 3.
Located approximately twelve miles from downtown Milwaukee, the City of Muskego is
considered to be within the socio-economic influence of Southeastern Wisconsin.
including Milwaukee, Waukesha. Racine. Kenosha, and Walworth Counties. This area
has an estimated 1998 population of 1.715.716.
25000
20814
20000
3 15000 - - a
a $ loow-
5000 - 2495 4157
1349 1318 1244 1576 o,=:-;-!-:m:
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1950 1970 1980 1990 1999
est.
Year
Figure 3: City of Muskego Population
Source: US Census Bureau and Wisconsin Department of Administration.
Automobile Transportation
State Trunk Highway 24 I County Trunk Highway L (Janesville Road) is a two lane
highway serving the northern half of the community, generally in a southwest-to-
northeast direction. State Trunk Highway 36 (Loornis Road) is a four-lane highway
traversing the southern half of the community, also in a southwest-to-northeast direction.
State Trunk Highway 45 forms a part of the City’s border with the City of Franklin, in the
southeast corner of the City.
County Trunk Highway HH (College Avenue) forms much of the City’s northern border
with the City of New Berlin. County Trunk Highway 0 (Moorland Road) links Janesville
Road to Interstate Highway 43, located just north of Muskego. County Trunk Highway
00 (North Cape Road) runs in a north-south direction on the City’s far east side.
County Trunk Highway Y (Racine Avenue) traverses the community in a north-south
direction, and provides the City’s second connection to Interstate Highway 43.
Public transportation in the form of bus lines is not available to City residents. However,
the Waukesha County Department of Aging provides transit service to the elderly and
disabled residents of Muskego. ..
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
0 Other Transportation Modes
Commuter and long distance passenger service is available through Amtrak, with
service from downtown Milwaukee. Freight rail service is available through a number of
multi-modal transfer facilities found throughout southeastern Wisconsin. Air transit is
available at Waukesha County's Crites Field, located nine miles to the north. This
facility is capable of serving all types of recreational and business aircraft. Milwaukee's
General Mitchell International Airport is located eleven miles to the east, and is the
nearest scheduled passenger air carrier Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is
located seventy-eight miles to the south. The nearest water transit is located 16 miles
northeast of the City of Muskego at the Port of Milwaukee, and provides bulk freight
services to world industries.
Pedestrian and bicycle transportation is available through a network of trails within the
City. A detailed description of recreation trails is available in the next chapter,
Land Uses
Residential Development. The City of Muskego boasts a wide variety of residential
housing. Residential land uses range from low-density country estates, to clustered
planned unit development, to high-density lake homes and condominiums.
As of June 30, 1999, there are over 7,500 housing units in the City of Muskego. Overall,
the City of Muskego maintains a housing stock that is 80% single-family detached, 5%
duplex or single family attached (2 units per structure) and 15% of multi-family or single
family attached (3+ units per structure).
Commercial Development. Commercial uses in the City of Muskego are generally
found in three areas:
e
Janesville Road, including the intensely developed Tess Corners area, and
Downtown, located in the North Central Neighborhood and South Central
Neighborhood
Racine Avenue between Woods Road and College Avenue, located in the
North Central and South Central Neighborhoods, and
Loomis Road, referred to as the Durham Hill area, located in the South East
Neighborhood.
While there are other scattered commercial properties throughout the community, the
three locations identified above represent the bulk of commercial activity in Muskego.
Their functions vary from professional office uses, neighborhood and community
oriented retail uses, and highway oriented uses.
lndustrial Development. The Muskego Industrial Park encompasses 200 acres of
land in the west-central part of the City. To date 199 acres have been sold. The
industrial park is located in the South Central Neighborhood adjacent to County Trunk
Highway Y (Racine Avenue) and is just minutes from Interstate Highway 43. The Tess
Corners Industrial Park occupies 50 acres of land located in the North East
Neighborhood. It is currently built to capacity and fully occupied. *
9
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Q Landfill and Extractive Uses. The City is host to a number of small landfills and
extractive uses. Currently there are two landfill sites and one extractive site of
significant size within the City limits. The Waste Management, Inc. landfill site located
near the northeast corner of Janesville and Crowbar Roads is approximately 123 acres
in size and has been permanently capped. The Superior Emerald Park Landfill, Inc.
(SEPLI) site is located in the southeast region of the City, near State Trunk Highways 36
and 45. The site contains 480 total acres of property. However, only 35 acres are
currently engaged in landfill activities. An additional 55 acres of expansion area has
been approved by the City and, as of January 2000, is awaiting final Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources approval.
The Payne 8 Dolan, Inc. extractive site is located directly west of the former Waste
Management, Inc. landfill site, at the northwest corner of Janesville and Crowbar Roads.
The extractive use encompasses 293 contiguous acres and supplies various sand,
gravel, stone, concrete, and asphalt products to numerous projects in southeastern
Wisconsin.
Agriculture. A significant portion of the City of Muskego remains in agricultural use. In
fact, agricultural uses are the single-largest land use category in the City of Muskego.
These uses are predominantly found in the southern and western portions of the
community.
Recreational Development, Environmental Lands, and Open Space. Land uses
within these categories are the subject of this document. A detailed inventory of park
and open space lands within the City can be found in Chapter 3.
Land Use Summary
Figure 4 illustrates the land use composition of the City of Muskego in effect on January
1. 2000. Map 3 depicts the spatial distribution of these land uses within the City.
Clearly, non-urban agricultural land uses occupy the largest amount of land area in the
community. Environmental lands, including surface water, wetlands, and woodlands,
also occupy a substantial amount of land. Urban uses are predominately residential,
with commercial and industrial land uses being small by comparison. Map 4 depicts
proposed land uses for the year 2010.
0
IO
City of Muskeg0
Park and Open Space Plan
Totad 23,0181 100.0%1
Figure 4 Cltyof Muskego Exlsting Land Use - 2000
Source: SEWRPC and City of Muskego Planning Department
I2
0 01
I3
cr Y OF MI ;KEG0 PARK AND OPEN SPACE INVENTORY
Chapter 3
Introduction
An inventory of the park and open space sites within the City of Muskego was
conducted in January 2000. The City of Muskego owns 39 park and open space sites
that encompass 350 acres.' In addition, there are six Muskego-Norway school district
recreation sites covering approximately 63 acres. Also within the City is one Waukesha
County park, Muskego Park, which covers 209 acres. The State of Wisconsin
cover 143 acres. The State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is in the
Department of Transportation owns two wetland sites within the City tht collectively
process of acquiring lands within the City that surround Big Muskego Lake for the
establishment of a wildlife area, but has not taken ownership of any lands as of January
2000. Lake Districts and Conservancy groups own 81 acres of open space within the
City. There are also 43 privately-owned recreation and open space areas of significant
size which collectively encompass 417 acres. In total, there are 94 parks, open spaces,
and recreation areas covering 1,264 acres or 5.5% of the surface area of the City.
City of Muskego Park and Open Space Sites
Figure 5 summarizes the following data for each site and identifies a site number that
corresponds to their locations on Map 5.
Biq Muskeqo Lake Access: This nine-acre site located on the northern shore of Big
Muskego Lake in the east-central portion of the City provides the only public-owned
access to Big Muskego LakelBass Bay. The site provides a launching ramp,
snowmobile access, a public pay phone, and a portable rest room. The site includes
wetlands and primary environmental corridor along the lake's shore. There is an
associated one-acre site 600 feet to the southwest on Durham Drive that provides
additional parking. Collectively, there is off street parking available for 42 vehicles,
including 32 cadtrailer spaces. Big Muskego Lake and the surrounding marsh contain
habitat for two endangered bird species, the Forster's Tern and the Common Tern, and
one threatened bird species, the Osprey. The marsh is classified as a natural area of
local significance in the 1997 Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
document: A Reaional Natural Areas and Critical SDecies Habitat Protection and
Manaqement Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin.
Bluhm Farm Park: This 50-acre community park is located in the northeastern portion
of the City. Existing facilities include a basketball goal, three softballlbaseball diamonds,
a footballhugby field, playground equipment, picnic areas, an open shelter and indoor
rest rooms. The playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-
5 and 5-12 year age groups. The site is linked to the City-managed recreation trail
along the Wisconsin Electric Power Company right-of-way. Off street parking is
available for 90 vehicles. The site also encompasses woodlands designated as an
isolated natural resource area.
e
Power Company for recreation trails.
' This includes 61 acres of land along ten miles of right-of-way leased from the Wisconsin Electric
14
e a
ii W
MAP 5
PUBLIC-OWNED PARKS AND OPEN SPACES IN WE CITY OF MUSKEGO
17
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
MAP 5A
PUBLIC-OWNED PARKS AND OPEN SPACES IN THE CITY OF MUSKEGO
I COLLEGE AM 0
LEGEND 1
0 CllY OF MUSKEGO SITES SIGNIFICANT LANDS
ENVIRONMENTALLY = WAlER AREAS LESS THAN ~
WETLANDSANO SURFACE OWnKIC*LI
FIVE ACRES IN SIZE @ COUNTY. SlAlE OR OTHER PUBLIC SITE I,. I"""
li
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Citv Hall: There is approximately 2.5 acres of open space adjacent to the south end of
City Hall. This is a passive use area but is also used for parking vehicles during the
Muskego Community Festival. The paved lot provides parking for 109 vehicles.
Denoon Park: This 53-acre community park is located in the southwestern portion of
the City on the northwestern shore of Lake Denoon. The site has two basketball goals,
one baseball/softball diamond, picnicking, horseshoes, playground equipment, soccer
fields, two tennis courts, snowmobile trails, a walking trail, a shelter, portable rest rooms,
and lake launching access. The playground equipment provided on the site
accommodates the 2-5 year age group. Off street parking is provided for 52 vehicles.
Wetlands and woodlands within the primary environmental corridor associated with Lake
Denoon can also be found at this site. Lake Denoon provides habitat for the Black Tern,
a rare bird species.
Freedom Sauare: This one half-acre park provides a basketball court and a tennis
court.
Guernsey Meadows: This nine-acre open space located in the north-central part of the
City contains woodlands of mixed hardwood species within an isolated natural resource
area.
Holz Island: This two-acre island located near the eastern shore of Little Muskego Lake
is entirely forested with a mixture of hardwood trees. It is identified as being within the e primary environmental corridor,
Horn Field: This 12-acre neighborhood park located in the north-central portion of the
City provides a regulation baseball field, play equipment, a pay phone, rest.rooms. and a
meeting room. Off street parking is available for 44 vehicles. Playground equipment
provided on the site accommodates the 2-5 year age group. The site, which contains
some wetlands within an isolated natural resource area, is linked to the bike trail that
traverses the WEPCO right-of-way. Horn Field is contiguous to the Old Muskego
Settlement Centre.
Idle Isle Park: This seven-acre community park contains a boat launch (Little Muskego
Lake Access Site No. 18), a swimming beach, a fishing pier, picnicking, a pay phone
and rest rooms. Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-
5 year and 5-12 year age groups. Off street parking is available for 44 vehicles. A local
water ski club provides a water ski show here one evening weekly during the summer,
Jensen Park: This four-acre neighborhood park is located north of Little Muskego Lake
in the northwestern portion of the City. Existing facilities include a baseball/soflball
diamond, rest rooms and meeting rooms. Off street parking is available for 28 vehicles.
Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5 year and 5-12
year age groups.
Kurth Park: This 17.5-acre neighborhood park is located in the northeastern portion of
the City. Currently seven acres are developed. There are adopted plans to develop the
remaining 10.5 acres to the south. The park presently provides play equipment, two
tennis courts, rest rooms, a baseballlsoftball diamond, and a soccer area. Playground
equipment provided on the site is designed to accommodate the 2-5 year age group.
Tess Corners Creek. and its associated secondary environmental corridor. border the
19
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
northeastern edge of the undeveloped portion. Off street parking is available for 48
vehicles. Proposed development includes additional soccer fields, renovation of the
existing baseball/softball diamond, conversion of one tennis court to a basketball court,
new playground equipment. a walking/biking trail, and a parking lot on the south end.
Establishment of a native plant buffer is proposed between the trail and the creek.
Lee Hubka Park: This 0.8-acre park was formerly considered an annex of Jensen Park
across Silver Drive to its south. Located adjacent to Jewel Creek, a Little Muskego Lake
tributary, Lee Hubka Park is the site of Little Muskego Lake Access Site No. 4. The
park also provides picnic tables and two basketball courts.
Lions Park: Lions Park is a four-acre neighborhood park located in the north central
portion of the City. The park provides two basketball goals, an open play field area and
rest rooms. Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5
Year and 5-12 year age groups. Off street parking is available for 10 vehicles.
Little Muskeqo Lake Access Sites: The City of Muskego provides 18 sites with access
to Little Muskego Lake that collectively comprise 12 acres. The following lists these and
indicates any facilities in addition to the provision of lake access: No. 1, Pearl Drive,
providing a dock, No. 2, Emerald Drive, also providing a dock and picnic tables, No. 3,
Diamond Drive, No. 4, Hubka Park, providing access to Jewel Creek (Little Muskego
Lake tributary), as well as picnic tables and two basketball courts. No. 5, Ruby Drive,
No. 7, Hillview Drive, which provides a boat launch, No, 8, Shore Drive, providing a
dock, No. 9, Oak Court, which provides a boat launch, No. 10, Lochcrest Boulevard,
providing a dock, No. 11, Oak Grove, which provides a dock, No. 12, Park Drive, which
provides a dock and picnic tables, No. 13, Michi Drive, which provides a dock, No. 14,
Schubring Drive, No. 15, Pleasant View Drive, providing a boat launch, No. 16, Kingston
Drive, which provides a dock, No. 17, Lincoln Drive providing snowmobile access, No.
18, Idle Isle Park (described above), and No. 19. Silver Drive, providing access to Jewel
Creek (Little Muskego Lake tributary).
Luther Parker Cemeteq: This cemetery, covering 0.6 acres, contains the burial sites of
many of the early European settlers to this area including Luther Parker, who is credited
as the Muskego area's first European settler The site contains a remnant mesic prairie
of rich diversity and is identified as a natural area of local significance in: A Regional
Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Protection and Management Plan for
Southeastern Wisconsin (SEWRPC, 1997). Controlled burning is used on an infrequent
basis as a management strategy to suppress woody plants and weedy species.
Manchester Hill Park: Formerly called Parkland Plaza and renamed to honor long-
standing Park Board member Rich Manchester, this 15-acre park is located in the north
central part of the City. Facilities include a soccer field, picnic area, walking trail, and a
small wooded area. A pond on the park's south end provides ice skating during the
winter months. Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5
year and 5-12 year age groups. Off street parking is available for 42 vehicles.
Marlan Meadows Park: This nine-acre open space site located in the north central part
of the City is almost entirely forested with mature hardwoods and is classified as an
isolated natural resource area.
0
20
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
e Muskeao Recreation Trails: The City of Muskego leases approximately ten miles (61
acres) of Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCO) right-of-way. These trails
facilitate cyclists and pedestrians as well as leashed dog walking and cross country
skiing opportunities. The trail network connects several parks and numerous areas of
environmentally significant lands. A trail constructed of traffic bond extends five miles
from North Cape Road to the intersection of Janesville and Woods Roads. The
remaining 1.5 miles of this trail extending westward into Big Bend is dirt trail used for
horseback riding. There is also a 3.5-mile section of trail (completed in Summer 2000)
within a WEPCO right-of-way extending west along STH 36 from North Cape Road to
Muskego Dam Road. There are also approximately three miles of paved
biking/pedestrian trails within the City: along Moorland Rd. between College Avenue and
Janesville Road (1 mile); along Janesville between Pioneer Road and Bellview Drive (1
mile); along Lannon Drive between Janesville Road and the WEPCO trail (0.5 miles);
along Parkland Drive between Janesville Road and the WEPCO trail (0.5 miles); and
along Racine Avenue between the Muskego Centre and the WEPCO trail (0.5 miles);.
Locations of these trails are depicted on Map 6.
Old Muskeao Settlement Centre: This eight-acre site, leased to the Muskego Historical
Society, has five structures that have been relocated from the surrounding area. The
site also contains an isolated natural resource area of wetlands and woodlands with a
mixture of hardwood species. Civil War Days is held here in July, and tours are
conducted during the Muskego Community Festival.
Park Arthur: This 46-acre undeveloped area, located on the far north central part of the
City, contains open agricultural land, and areas of woodlands and wetlands within an
isolated natural resource area.
Ridaes Subdivision Park: This 27-acre open space site, located in the northwestern
portion of the City, encompasses high quality wetlands within a secondary
environmental corridor
0
Schmidt Park: This seven-acre park located in the northeastern part of the City has two
tennis courts, an open play field area, and playground equipment for the 5-12 year age
group.
Veterans Memorial Park: Formerly referred to as Leisure Park, this one-acre open
space area between City Hall and the Old Settlement Centre is the site of the annual
Muskego Community Festival. The site is occasionally used for soccer practice and
recreation classes.
Public-Owned School Sites
The Muskego-Norway School District has six schools located within the City. These
sites also encompass open area and provide outdoor recreational activities available to
the community at times outside of school uses. Figure 5 summarizes the following data
for each site and identifies a site number that corresponds to their locations on Map 5.
Bav Lane/Country Meadows Elementary School: This school has five acres of open
space that provides seven basketball goals, four baseballlsoftball diamonds, soccer
facilities, a walking trail, and playground equipment for the 5-12 year age group. Ample
off street parking is provided.
0
21
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Lake Denoon Middle School: This school has approximately 40 acres of open space
with a basketball goal, ponds, and a potential sledding hill. Other outdoor facilities are
available at the neighboring Denoon Park. Ample off street parking is provided.
Mill Valley Elementaw School: This school has a five-acre open area provides
playground equipment for both the 2-5 year, and 5-12 year age groups, a pay phone, a
basketball court, and three baseball/softball diamonds. One of these diamonds has
lighting for night games. Ample off street parking is provided.
Muskeqo Elementaw School: This school has a 1.5-acre open area that provides two
basketball goals and playground equipment for the 5-12 year age group. Ample off
street parking is provided.
Muskeqo Hiah School: The eight acres of open area provides a running track, football
field, two softball diamonds, eight tennis courts and rest rooms. There is also an indoor
pool used for aquatic recreation programs. Ample off street parking is provided.
Tess Corners Elementaw School: This school has a 3.5-acre open area that provides
two basketball goals, a ball field, and playground equipment for the 5-12 year age
group. Ample off street parking is provided.
22
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
MAP 6
CITY OF MUSKEGO RECREATION TWILS
23
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Waukesha County Park and Open Space Sites
There is one county park within the City, Muskego Park, located in the near
northwestern part of the City. This 209-acre park provides picnicking, camping, play
fields, swimming beach, hikinglcross-country ski trails, a public pay phone, and a tennis
court. Horseback riding is allowed on a 0.75-mile portion of these trails as well as on
the WEPCO right-of-way trail extending from the park west into Big Bend. There is a
73-acre forested area within Muskego Park designated as a State Natural Area. This
area contains a diverse number of hardwood trees including the threatened blue ash.
The endangered crow-spur sedge grows on the site as well as exceptionally diverse
spring woodland flora. The area also provides habitat for the Cooper’s hawk, an
uncommon bird species.
State of Wisconsin Park and Open Space Sites
In 1999, the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources began the process of
purchasing certain available properties within a 3,600-acre project area boundary of the
Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area. The realized size of this area is expected to be smaller
as lands will be acquired only from willing sellers. The proposed purpose of the area is
to protect, enhance, and manage the aquatic and terrestrial resources of Big Muskego
Lake and surrounding lands, as well as to provide public hunting, fishing, and
compatible recreational and educational opportunities. The area is classified as a
natural area of local significance by SEWRPC and contains several critical species
listed above in the description of Big Muskego Lake Access park site. The project area
boundary is illustrated on Map 7
Wisconsin Department of Transportation has two wetland sites within the City that total
144 acres. Locations of these are shown on Map 5.
0
24
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
MAP 7
BIG MUSKEG0 LAKE WlLDLlFE AREA PROJECT BOUNDARY
25
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
0 Privately-Owned Outdoor Recreation and Open Space Sites
There are 43 private-owned outdoor recreation sites and significant areas of open space
located within the City that collectively cover 417 acres. Open space acreage and
facilities offered at these sites is summarized in Appendix A. Those private areas that
cover significant areas of open space or provide recreational opportunities are described
below.
Bethel Lutheran Church: This church has 0.8 acres of open space that contains
playground equipment for the 2-5 year age group.
Boxhorn Gun Club: This trap shooting range, located on Big Muskego Lake’s eastern
shore, covers 28 acres. The site provides lake access to those who purchase a
membership and encompasses some wetlands and woodlands within the primary
environmental corridor
Hunters’ Nest: This trap and rifle range located on Big Muskego Lake’s northern shore
covers 6.3 acres. The site also contains wetlands and woodlands within the primary
environmental corridor,
Lakeview Rod 8 Gun Club: This 30-acre site on the north shore of Big Muskego Lake
offers trap shooting and cabin rentals. The site contains woodlands and wetlands within
the primary environmental corridor
Muskeqo Lakes Countrv Club: This eighteen-hole golf course covers 124 acres. The
site also contains wetlands and small woodland areas within the primary environmental
corridor
St. Leonard’s Catholic School: This church and elementary school area has nine acres
of recreation and open space area. Recreational facilities include basketball goals, a
soccer field, and playground equipment for the 5-8 year age group.
St. Paul’s Evanqelical Lutheran Church: This church and elementary school area has
five acres of open space encompassing school recreation areas, open spaces, and a
cemetery. Recreational facilities at the school include basketball goals, softball/baseball
diamonds, soccer fields, and playground equipment for the 5-8 year age group.
Valley Green Golf Course: This nine-hole par-three golf course and adjacent wetlands
cover twelve acres.
26
Chapter 4
PARK CLASSIFICATIONS, STANDARDS AND NEEDS
Introduction
Municipal park systems should encompass a variety of park classifications and offer
varied passive and active recreational opportunities. Development of the system is a
long term endeavor, requiring the community to continually evaluate its park system's
needs in response to land use changes, population growth, and transportation
considerations. The classification of park types and the preparation of development
standards, is the first step in assuring that the community is meeting the needs of its
residents and visitors.
Classifications and Standards
The City of Muskego utilizes standards formerly produced by the National Recreation &
Park Association (NRPA) as a guide for determining park needs for the community.
These standards are then modified according to local interest. Both per-capita and
accessibility standards are used to determine the number, size, and distribution of
outdoor recreation sites needed to serve the community.
Neiahborhood Parks
Typical Size:
Per capita Standard:
5 - 20 acres
3.0 acres per 1,000 persons
Accessibility Standard: 0.75 mile radius
Neighborhood parks usually provide facilities for children's outdoor recreation activities.
These typically include playground equipment, play fields, and basketball courts.
Neighborhood parks should be within a comfortable walking distance of intended users,
generally not exceeding three-fourths of a mile.
Communitv Parks
Typical Size: 25+ acres
Per capita Standard: 6 acres per 1,000 persons Accessibility Standard: 2.5 mile radius
Community Parks are intended to serve passive and active recreational needs of
several neighborhoods. These parks offer a diversity of community-oriented facilities
such as swimming beaches, softballlbaseball diamonds, and soccer fields. They may
also contain environmentally significant lands, trail-oriented recreation, lake access and
winter sports. Community parks are usually within a short drive of the intended users.
They can also serve the neighborhood park facility needs for the proximate residential
areas.
Reaional Parks
Typical Size:
Per capita Standard:
200+ acres
Not Applicable
Accessibility Standard: One hour driving time
0
0
27
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
8 Regional parks are intended to serve multiple communities over a diverse geographic
area. These parks encompass large areas and typically include surface waters and/or
environmentally significant lands. They may offer camping, swimming, and recreation
trails. These are facilities that may be found in community parks, but on a much larger
scale. The development of new regional parks is beyond the scope of this municipal
park and open space plan, and is typically initiated by higher levels of government.
Needs
Per CaDita Park Needs
Figure 6 illustrates how the existing acreage of public park sites serves the City's current
population needs for park lands. The City's current population is adequately served by
the existing neighborhood park acreage. There is a need for 15 additional acres of
community park lands. No attempt was made to determine how Muskego Park, the only
regional park in the City, serves the community on a per capita basis since this park
draws users from beyond city boundaries. Discussion of recommended actions to fulfill
park and open space needs is presented in Chapter 6.
Park Type Surplus or Minimum Acresll 000 Existing
Acreage persons Deficit Acreage Acres Required
0
1999
Neighborhood
125 6 110 Community
63 3 62 -1
Regional 209 nla n/a
-1 5
n/a
Figure 6: Per Capita Standards and Needs for Public-Owned Parks
NOTE: Muskeg* Norway School District elementary school recreation area acreage included in neighborhod park
total.
Site Needs Based on Accessibility
The spatial distribution of neighborhood and community parks should provide
convenient access to City residents. Map 8 shows the extent to which the City is served
by public park sites. The smaller shaded circles define the service areas of
neighborhood parks, while the larger shaded areas show service of a community park.
Muskego Park serves the regional park needs of the entire city. Map 9 identifies those
areas within the sewer service area that are not served by a park (The sewer service
area generally coincides with planned residential development). The southeastern
portion of the City contains the largest contiguous area not served by community or
neighborhood parks. Recommended actions to fulfill service area deficits are discussed
in Chapter 6.
28
MAP B
AREAS WITHIN THE CITY OF MUSKEG0 SERVED BY PARK SITES
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
29
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
MAP v
AREAS WITHIN THE CIM OF MUSKEGO NOT SERVED BY PARK SITES
LEGEND 1
30
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
a Other Park and Open Space Lands Need Assessment
Conservancv Lands
Conservancy lands are passive areas intended to protect surface waters, scenic vistas,
or critical species habitats. They may function as “green belts” or “buffer zones” to
preserve rural character, Determining the need for conservancy areas is difficult. The
need for conservancy areas is often a function of their availability, quality or uniqueness
of the resources they contain, and preferences of the surrounding community. Although
an area may have more conservancy lands than an adjacent one, additional lands may
warrant protective ownership because of their quality. Potential conservancy lands may
have regional significance extending beyond civil boundaries, so higher levels of
government may be involved in their acquisition.
Presently there are 1,,7 acres, owned by the Muskego Lakes Land Conservancy and 79
acres owned by the Wind Lake Management District which serve conservancy purposes
in the City. Within the past two years, there have been two significant developments
toward the establishment of additional conservancy areas within the City. In 1999, the
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approved a plan to develop Big Muskego
Wildlife Area within a 3,600-acre project boundary (depicted on Map 3) encompassing
Big Muskego Lake. In January 2000, the City of Muskego Finance Committee approved
soliciting requests for proposal from consultants for the development of a Conservation
Plan for the City. This plan would identify and prioritize acquisition of potential e conservancy lands generally located outside of the wildlife area project boundary.
Linear Parks
Linear parks typically follow natural corridors such as rivers or bluff lines. They are often
developed for modes of recreational travel such as hiking, biking or snowmobiling.
Linear parks can serve conservancy needs and provide links to other types of park sites.
It is also hard to quantify the community‘s need for linear parks. Although it follows
human-made corridors, the Muskego Recreation Trail addresses some of the linear park
needs of City residents. Development of the proposed portions of this trail will more
adequately fill this need.
Other Facilities
This category includes parks that do not fit any of those described above. Other
facilities may be created by a municipality or larger unit of government to take
advantage of natural or unusual features of the landscape, preserve areas of historic
value, or provide special outdoor recreation activities. These may include boat
launches, marinas, and golf courses.
As with the categories above, the community’s need for other facilities cannot be
quantified. The City’s boat access sites, Luther Parker Cemetery. and Old Muskego
Settlement Centre are examples of these other facilities within the city’s park system.
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
0 Future Population Park and Open Space Needs
Using Wisconsin Department of Administration population projections, the City of
Muskego is expected to have 22,915 persons in 2010. While this plan is designed to
facilitate park planning for a five-year period for DNR grant eligibility, the 2010
population level is used to coordinate recommendations of this plan with the City of
Muskego Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
Figure 7 illustrates how the existing acreage of public park sites serves the City’s 2010
population needs for park lands. Seven acres of neighborhood park area will be needed
to serve the City’s 2010 population. There is also a future need for 27 additional acres
of community park lands. Future regional park needs were not analyzed since provision
of regional parks is beyond the scope of this plan. Chapter 6 discusses recommended
actions to fulfill these future park and open space needs.
Park Type Surplus or Minimum Acresll 000 Existing
Acreage Deficit Acreage Acres Required persons 2010
Neighborhood
nla nla nla 209 Regional
-27 137 6 110 Community
-7 69 3 62
0
NOTE: Muskeg- Norway Schwl District elementary school recreation area acreage included in neighborhwd park
Flgure 7: Per Capita Standards and Projected 2010 Needs for Public-Owned Parks
lotal.
The spatial distribution of neighborhood and community parks for the 2010 population
formed, accessibility to existing parks should be evaluated. If existing parks are not
should accommodate any expansion of residential areas. As new neighborhoods are
accessible, then new parks should be developed in these new residential areas.
Summary
The park acreage deficits shown above for the City’s 2010 population translate into a
need for at least one additional neighborhood park and one additional community park.
The analysis of spatial distribution of the City’s parks indicates that these additional
parks should likely be sited in the southeastern portion of the City. The next chapter will
analyze how well the recreation facilities offered within the parks meet the needs of City
residents.
32
Chapter 5
RECREATION FACILITY STANDARDS AND NEEDS
Introduction
The adequacy to which existing numbers and sizes of park sites meet the needs of City
of Muskego residents was addressed in the previous chapter The next step in
evaluating the community's park system is to compare the types and numbers of
recreation facilities offered within the system to established criteria. The Southeastern
Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission provides a detailed guide to the accepted
level of service standards for leisure-related park improvements. This list is adjusted to
reflect local needs. Unlike the analysis of park sites, recreation facilities are evaluated
on a per capita basis only in this document. It is generally not feasible to provide
uniform spatial access to all recreation facility types.
Recreation Facility Standards and Current Needs
Figure 8 lists selected recreation facilities, and the number of these facilities needed per
1000 persons. Using the City's current (2000) population, the numbers of each facility
required to support the population was calculated. The table then identifies current need
by comparing the required number of facilities to the existing number and reporting a
deficit or surplus for each facility type.
a Flgure 8: Recreational Facility Needs for Current (2000) Populatlon
75 picnic tables of lhe 300 available at Muskeoo County Park, were considered available 10 City of Muskego residents
Recreation Facility Needs for the Year 2010
Figure 9 lists selected recreation facilities, the number of facilities necessary to SUPPOrt
the City's 2010 population, and the existing number of each facility. The table then
identifies need (deficits or surpluses) for each facility type to meet the demand of the
projected 2010 population.
33
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Figure 9: Recreational Facillty Needs for the Projected (2010) Population
a 75 picnic tables of lhe 300 available at Muskego County Pa*, were considered available lo City of Muskego residents
Summary
The current population is generally well served by the existing number of recreational
facilities offered. Overall, modest facility increases will be needed to accommodate the
future population. These include additional picnic areas, skating rinks, soccer fields,
and a baseball diamond.
It should be noted however, at certain times, facilities located at school district sites may
not be available to the general public. For facilities such as playgrounds, basketball
goals, softballlbaseball diamonds, and tennis courts, a significant number of the
available facilities are offered at school sites. Although the population may be
adequately served by the overall numbers of these facilities, consideration should be
given to providing more availability within the City park sites.
There were several recreational facilities that were not evaluated in Figure 8 because of
the difficulty of developing a standard. These include boat launches, conservancy
areas, horseback riding, sledding, cross-country skiing and volleyball. The need for
facilities to accommodate these other activities will none-the-less be taken into
consideration in the park recommendations of the next chapter,
0
34
Chapter 6
RECOMMENDED PARK AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Introduction
The previous chapters presented an inventory and analysis of how existing park and
open space sites and facilities meet the needs of the current and future population of
the City of Muskego. The next step in the planning process is to make
recommendations to fulfill the identified needs. These include additional facilities at
existing sites, land acquisition, and development of facilities at proposed park sites.
Locations of the recommendations outlined below are depicted in Map 10. This
recommended plan will serve as a guide in the decision making process in the
acquisition and development of parks and open spaces in the City of Muskego.
Improvements Planned for Existing Sites
Prior to the development of this plan, several improvements at various park sites have
been planned by the Park and Recreation Department and approved by the Park and
Recreation Board. This section includes these planned improvements and recommends
additional improvements to address the 2010 Muskego population needs.
Kurth Park
Kurth Park contains two portions of undeveloped land on its south end. These
collectively cover 10.5 acres. On the developed northern section of the park, there are
plans underway to renovate the existing baseballlsoftball diamond, convert one tennis
court to a basketball court, install new playground equipment, repave the parking lot and
rehabilitate the building exterior Planned development on the central section includes
two to three soccer fields and a recreation trail constructed of traffic bond. The
establishment of a prairie vegetation buffer along Tess Corners Creek is also proposed.
A vision barrier of coniferous trees is planned adjacent to residences to the south and
west.
Possible improvements to the southern section of Kurth Park include an additional
soccer field, a parking lot, playground equipment, and extension of the recreation trail.
This area would also have a vision barrier of coniferous trees adjacent to residences to
the south.
Veterans Memorial Park
There are plans to provide a pavilion, a building with a storage area and restrooms. a
playground, pedestrianlbicycle paths. A boardwalk trail is proposed through the
woodlands and wetlands to link to the Old Muskego Settlement Centre to the northwest.
Luther Parker Cemetery
Plans for this historic and environmentally significant site include improved signage,
restoration of deteriorating tombstones, and replacement of the split rail fence.
0
35
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Mop IO
RECOMMENDED PARK PLAN FOR THE CllVOF MUSKEG0
0
36
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
0 Improvements Recommended for Existing Sites
Park Arthur
This 46-acre park is undeveloped as of July 1, 2000. Although specific plans have not
been drafted, the Park and Recreation Board have agreed that certain facilities are to be
developed at Park Arthur, A rink to provide ice skating and hockey in winter, and in-line
skating and skateboarding during the rest of the year, is tentatively planned to be
located at this park. Other planned improvements include enlarging an existing hill to
accommodate sledding, a pavilion with restroom facilities, playground equipment, picnic
areas, a parking lot, up to three softballlbaseball diamonds, playfields to accommodate
soccer and a boardwalk trail traversing the wetlands between the east and west ends of
the park. Recreation trails should also be developed within the park which link to
proposed trails on Martin Drive and College Avenue. Once developed, the City will have
an adequate amount of community park acreage for the 2010 population.
Old Muskeqo Settlement Centre
Conceptual plans include development of a building location plan, relocation of the
historic Muskego Town Hall structure to this site, restrooms. and the development of a
parking lot. Establishment of an area of native tallgrass prairie vegetation adjacent to
these structures has been favored by the Muskego Historical Society.
0 Bluhm Farm Park
An additional softbalVbaseball diamond and updating of the playground equipment is
proposed for the northern section of Bluhm Park. Although the City is served by the
existing number of diamonds, most of these are owned by the Muskego-Norway School
District and their availability to the general public at times limited. Expansion of the
parking lot in this area is also recommended.
Denoon Park
It is recommended that the playground equipment be updated.
Freedom Sauare
Resurfacing and general repair of the tennis court is recommended.
Schmidt Park
Resurfacing and general repair of tennis courts is recommended.
Kurth Park
Resurfacing and general repair of the tennis court is recommended.
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
0 Recommended Future Sites and their Facilities
This section outlines land acquisitions and facilities development (improvements)
needed to fulfill 2010 needs. The conceptually planned recreation center is also
discussed here.
New Neiqhborhood Park - Southeast side
A neighborhood park of at least 20 acres in size is recommended for the southeastern
portion of the City, in U. S. Public Land Survey Section 24 or 25. Acreage for this park
could vary depending on the amount of passive use/environmentally significant lands it
may contain. Proposed facilities include a playground, a basketball court. two tennis
courts, a softball/baseball diamond, a play field (soccer) area, archery range, picnic
facilities, restrooms and appropriate support facilities. Trail links to other recreation
trails are also recommended.
New Neiqhborhood Park - Northeast side
A neighborhood park at least 20 acres in size is recommended for the northeastern
portion of the City, ideally located in U. S. Public Land Survey Section 12. Proposed
facilities include a playground, a basketball court, picnic facilities, a play field (soccer)
area, restrooms and appropriate support facilities. Trail links to other recreation trails
are also recommended. It is recommended that secondary environmental corridor lands
associated with Tess Corners Creek are included as passive recreation open space
within this park.
Community Recreation Center
In June 2000, the City of Muskego Committee of the Whole recommended that the City
purchase land for the future development of a Community Recreation Center This
facility has been proposed to be located on the near northeast side of the City. Although
it will generally offer indoor recreation, the site could include an outdoor park area with
such facilities as tennis courts, playfields, and open space areas of environmentally
significant lands.
Recommended Park Expansion and Open Space Acquisitions
ExDansion of Veterans Memorial Park to Horn Field
The Park and Recreation Board has recommended the purchase of lands which
generally lie to the north of Veterans Memorial Park. Together with the existing Old
Muskego Settlement Centre site and Horn Field lands, this 14-acre expansion would
preserve most of an isolated natural resource area. If acquired, trails are recommended
through this area of woodlands and wetlands. The Park and Recreation Board has also
recommended an additional 0.5-acres of land be acquired near the entrance of Horn
Field should it become available.
38
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Expansion of Ridaes Subdivision Park
The Park and Recreation Board has recommended the purchase of 16 acres of land,
which would include 11 acres of secondary environmental corridor This would provide
access to this existing open space area. Nature trails, capable of accommodating cross
country skiing in Winter, should then be developed.
Expansion of Bluhm Farm Park
It is recommended that lands to the south or west of the southern section of this park be
acquired for both active recreation and preservation of environmentally significant lands.
Parker Woods Acauisition
Although this forested area of secondary environmental corridor is now within the project
boundary of the Big Muskego Wildlife Area, the City of Muskego Park and Recreation
Board had previously recommended acquisition of this site. SEWRPC also
recommends acquisition of property in this area to reestablish a large forested interior
Park Arthur
The Park and Recreation Board has recommended acquisition of any available lands
which abut Park Arthur,
Bia Muskeao Lake Wildlife Area Acauisitions
The City of Muskego should support and facilitate efforts of the Wisconsin Department
of Natural Resources (DNR) to acquire, from willing sellers, properties within the
planned Big Muskego Lake Wildlife Area project boundary. The City of Muskego. in
certain cases, may be able to act more quickly than the DNR to purchase lands within
the project area and procure public ownership. The City could then sell these properties
to the State. Although the project area boundary encompasses 3.800 acres, the
realized size of this wildlife area will likely be significantly smaller Map 7 in Chapter 3
depicts the project area of this site.
Other Open Space Acauisitions
The City of Muskego has hired a team of consultants to develop a Conservation Plan for
City for the purpose of preserving the community's rural character, and improving the
overall quality of life. The goal of the Conservation Plan is to have a working document
with an implementation strategy that includes ranking the importance of conservation
lands, and protecting said lands with regulatory and non-regulatory means. The
Conservation Plan will be used for long-term (10 year) implementation and shall include
a strategic plan for immediate (two year) implementation. Distinctive elements of the
conservation plan include:
e Summary of Comprehensive Plan's land use component
Identification of Critical Species Habitats
e Identification of Areas with Slopes in Excess of 12%
e Identification of Natural Resource Areas and Environmental Corridors
e Identification of "Viewsheds" and Areas of Scenic Value
0
0
39
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
1
I
I 0
Identification of "Green Belts" or "Buffer Zones" which may preserve and enhance
A system for evaluating and ranking /prioritizing the lands targeted for conservation
Recommendation of implementation tools which may include but are not limited to
Purchase of Development Rights (PDR), Transfer of Development Rights (TDR)
Alternate Scenarios for Rural Development Opportunities, including "cluster
development", 'conservation subdivisions"
Recommended amendments to zoning ordinances, land division ordinances, and
other regulatory devices necessary for Plan implementation
the rural character of the community
It is anticipated that the City of Muskego Conservation Plan will be written and adopted
by the end of 2001 When adopted, it will become a companion to this park and open
space plan and serve as the City's ruling document for the purposes of open space
acquisition and preservation recommendations. Until that time, open space acquisition
and preservation recommendations of this document should prevail.
Urban Forestry Recommendations for Parks
All forestry planning and operations within City parks should follow recommendations
outlined within the City of Muskego Urban Forestry Strategic and Management Plans'
These plans provide recommendations for the establishment and management of the
tree population within the City's parks. The Urban Forestry Strategic Plan establishes
the goals and objectives of the City's urban forestry program. The Management Plan
provides recommendations for staff, equipment, and training. This plan also outlines a
timeline for specific tree management activities such as planting and pruning and
projects a five-year budget to complete the recommended activities.
Summary
This plan proposes two new neighborhood parks that would address areas with
accessibility needs described in Chapter 4. These parks, together with proposed
expansion of existing parks, would provide up to 100 acres of additional active use park
land. Proposed open space acquisitions would provide up to an approximately 150
acres of additional conservancy and passive use areas. If fully implemented, the plan
would provide the following additional facilities: six playfieldslsoccer fields, five
recreation paths, five playgrounds, four restrooms, three picnic areas, three parking lots,
up to four softballlbaseball diamonds, two basketball courts, two tennis courts, two
boardwalk trails, two pavilions, an archery range, a skating rink and a sledding hill. The
soccer fields, picnic areas, and skating rink address 2010 population needs described in
Chapter 5. Development of the other facilities outlined above, provide improved spatial
distribution of recreational facilities.
The additional sites and land acquisitions proposed in this chapter should provide a
balance of parks and open spaces for the future population of Muskego. Development
of the recommended facilities would provide the City residents a wide variety of
2
were adopted by the City ofMuskego Common Council on July 1 I, 2000
City of Muskego Urban Forestry Strategic Plan and City of Muskego Urban Forestry Management Plan
40
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
accessible recreational opportunities. To adequately service these additional park sites
and facilities, consideration should be given to staffing and equipment needs.
41
Chapter 7
RECREATION TRAIL RECOMMENDATIONS
Introduction
Recreation trails described in this chapter are facilities located within existing or planned
rights-of-way. These trails should serve to link the City of Muskego together with a
system of safe and functional off-street recreation trails to facilitate such activities as
running, biking, cross-country skiing, in-line skating, hiking. and nature study.
Recreation trails should be thought of as extensions of the transportation system of the
City that are intended for the exclusive or preferential use of non-motorized
transportation modes in much the same way as freeways are intended for the exclusive
or preferential use of motor vehicles.
Recreation trails should follow utility and principal arterial road corridors to facilitate
travel across the City and connect to other trails in the region. It is also recommended
that a citywide system of supplementary local trails be developed to connect the existing
and planned City of Muskego parks and open space sites and Muskego Park
(Waukesha County Park System). All future land developments and subdivisions
should be requested to make trail connections within reasonable distances to existing
parks and other recreation trails.
Recommended Recreation Trail Additions
Descriptions of proposed trail additions are presented below and summarized in Figure
10. The locations of these recommended trails are depicted on Map 11 All new trails
should conform to the specification shown in Figure 11
Colleqe Avenue
A paved recreation trail is proposed to be located within the right-of-way on the south
side of College Avenue between Moorland Road on the east and Racine Avenue on the
west. The trail (2.3 miles) should be separated from the outside edge of the shoulder of
this rural roadway by a minimum of nine feet.
Martin Drive
A paved recreation trail is proposed to be located within the right-of-way on the south
side of Martin Drive between Lannon Drive and Hardtke Drive. The trail (0.6 miles)
should be separated from the outside edge of the shoulder of this rural roadway by a
minimum of nine feet.
Hardtke Drive
An on-street recreation trail is proposed to be located on Hardtke Drive between Martin
Drive and Idle Isle Park (0.2 miles).
Lannon Drive
A paved recreation trail is proposed to be located within the right-of-way on the west
side of Lannon Drive from Martin Drive to Janesville Road. The trail (0.9 miles) should
0
e
42
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
be separated from the outside edge of the shoulder of this rural roadway by a minimum
of nine feet.
Janesville Road
A paved recreation trail is proposed to be located within the right-of-way on the south
side of Janesville Road from College Avenue to Lannon Drive on the west. Several
short segments of this trail currently exist. A trail addition is also proposed to connect to
an existing trail on the north side of Janesville Road that extends from Lannon Drive to
Pioneer Road. This section should also be developed on the north side right-of-way and
extend from Pioneer Road westward to Racine Avenue. The trail connections (2.9
miles) should be situated a minimum of three feet from the outside edge of the existing
or proposed curb of this road in urban sections and a minimum of nine feet from the
edge of the shoulder on rural sections.
Racine Avenue
A paved recreation trail should be located within the right-of-way on the west side of
Racine Avenue extending from College Avenue on the north and link to the existing
portion in front of the Muskego Centre on the south. This trail should also continue from
the south end of the existing section at the WEPCO trail intersection and extend
southward to Muskego Dam Road on the City's south border The trail connections (6.1
miles) should be situated a minimum of three feet from the outside edge of the existing
or proposed curb of this road in urban sections and a minimum of nine feet from the
edge of the shoulder on rural sections.
Moorland Road
A paved recreation trail is proposed to be located within the right-of-way on the west
side of the proposed Moorland Road extension from the intersection of Janesville Road
on the north extending southeastward to Woods Road. The trail (0.9 miles) should be.
separated from the outside edge of the shoulder of this rural roadway by a minimum Of
nine feet.
Durham Drive
A paved recreation trail is proposed to be located within the right-of-way on the south
side of Durham Drive from Woods Road to North Cape Road. The trail (2.1 miles)
should be separated from the outside edge of the shoulder of this rural roadway by a
minimum of nine feet.
Woods Road
A paved recreation trail is recommended within the Woods Road right-of-way On the
north side of the road. This trail would extend from the City's eastern border westward
to Racine Avenue. The trail (4.6 miles) should be separated from the outside edge of
the shoulder of this rural roadway by a minimum of nine feet.
Wisconsin Electric Power Companv (WEPCO) Riaht-of-way
0
43
i *.
City Of Muskeg0
Park and Open Space Plan
0 A recreation trail extension of crushed limestone traffic bond is proposed within the
Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCO) right-of-way adjacent to Janesville Road
on the City’s west side. This trail (1,7 miles) would extend from the west end of the
existing WEPCO trail near Muskego Park to the City’s western boundary. This utility
corridor currently has a dirt trail used by horseback riders.
North Caoe Road
A paved recreation trail is proposed to be located within the right-of-way on the west
side of North Cape Road extending from Durham drive southward to the WEPCO trail
adjacent to Loomis Drive. The trail (1.2 miles) should be situated a minimum of three
feet from the outside edge of the existing or proposed curb of this road in urban sections
and a minimum of nine feet from the edge of the shoulder on rural sections.
Loomis Drive WEPCO Riqht-of-way
A recreation trail extension constructed of crushed limestone traffic bond is proposed
within the Wisconsin Electric Power Company (WEPCO) right-of-way adjacent to
Loomis Road on the south side of the City. This trail (1 .O miles) would extend from the
existing portion southwest to the City’s southern boundary where it would link to the trail
in Racine County.
Muskeao Dam Road
A recreation trail constructed of traffic bond is proposed to be located within the right-of-
way on the north side of Muskego Dam Road from Loomis Road westward to Racine
Avenue. This trail may either follow Muskego Dam Road entirely, or extend directly
west from the intersection at Kelsey Drive should a road be constructed from that point
to Racine Avenue. The trail (2.4 miles) should be separated from the outside edge of
the shoulder of this rural roadway by a minimum of nine feet.
Crowbar Drive
A recreation trail is proposed to be located within the right-of-way on the east side of
Crowbar Drive from the intersection with the WEPCO trail southward to Kelsey Drive.
This trail, constructed of crushed limestone traffic bond, is expected to be open to
horseback riders. The trail (2.2 miles) should be separated from the outside edge of the
shoulder of this rural roadway by a minimum of nine feet.
Kelsev Drive
A recreation trail is proposed to be located within the right-of-way on the north side of
Kelsey Drive from Racine Avenue to Crowbar Drive. This trail, constructed of crushed
limestone traffic bond, is also expected to be open to horseback riders. The trail (1.2
miles) should be separated from the outside edge of the right-of-way of this rural
roadway by a minimum of three feet.
0 Martin DrivelQuietwood Drive
A paved recreation trail is recommended within the right-of-way on proposed roads in
the Quietwood Creek subdivision. This trail would extend from Janesville Road
44
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
0
e
l
0
~
southward to Woods Road. The trail (1.0 miles) should be separated from the outside
edge of the curb of this urban roadway by a minimum of three feet.
Bay Lane Drive
A paved recreation trail is recommended within the right-of-way on the eastern side of
Bay Lane Drive. This trail would extend from Janesville Road southward to Woods
Road and facilitate pedestrian traffic to Bay Lane Middle School. The trail (1.0 miles)
should be separated from the outside edge of the curb of this urban roadway by a
minimum of three feet.
I I I
17
I Quietwood Dr. I Bay Lane Dr. I Janesville Rd. to Woods Rd. I 1.0 I East I Asphalt
Total I I I 31.3 I I
Flgure IO: Proposed Recreation Trall Additions wlthin the Clty of Muskego
45
. -* .
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
MAP 11
PROPOSED ClN OF MUSKEGO RECREATION TRAILS
46
. -.
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Trail Specifications
The following are the minimum specifications for off-street recreation trails constructed
in the City of Muskego:
1 Cross section may be straight grade or crowned with a one percent slope as
conditions warrant.
2. Base construction of nine foot wide by six inches thick %-inch compacted crushed
limestone (traffic bond) meeting requirements of State Gradation Number Two.
3. Eight feet wide by two inches thick bituminous concrete base course pavement
(asphalt) conforming to the City Street Specifications.
4. Subgrade. gravel grade and pavement grade must be set to adequately drain water,
The lease agreement with WEPCO requires that recreation trails not be permanently
constructed. Thus, trails within WEPCO corridors should be constructed of crushed
limestone traffic bond. These trails preclude recreational activities such as in-line
skating that require a smooth paved surface.
PAVED RECREATION TRAIL DETAIL
li i 2" SURFACE COURSE. STATE GRADATION
NO. 3 BITUMINOUS CONCRETE
6 OF 314" CRUSHED
LIMESTONE T.B.
FIGURE 11 NOT TO SCALE
41
. *.
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
\ 0 Summary
The thirteen miles of existing recreation trails within the City of Muskego are well used
by bicyclists, runners, and pedestrians. Horseback riders and cross-countly skiers also
utilize portions of these trails. Consideration is being given for equestrian activity on
unpaved recreation trails. The addition of 31 trail miles proposed in this plan would
facilitate more users and produce a City-wide network of safe routes for non-motorized
transportation which would link residential areas to parks and open spaces.
i
48
.
Chapter 8
PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
Introduction
The recommendations and proposals presented within this document can become
reality through the adoption of a sound implementation policy. Public policies and the
various regulatory measures that Muskego now exercises should continue to be directed
toward bringing about a variety of recreational facilities and activities for all ages,
including the elderly and the handicapped. It must be recognized, however, that
implementation is subject to funding, legal, and coordination limitations.
Administration
City staff should continue to develop park site plans and prepare grant applications.
Detailed site plans should be developed for all new and existing parks. The City of
Muskego Parks and Recreation Department should continue to be responsible for park
dedication or fees in lieu of land dedications for future park development from all new plans, development and maintenance. The City should continue to accept land
residential developments to provide adequate outdoor recreation space for the future
residents. The dedication requirements should be updated annually to remain
consistent with the current standards. This plan should be updated every five years to
maintain eligibility for recreation grant funds.
a Regulation
Several regulatory techniques are available to the City. These include:
This is the regulation of the use of private property, for the purpose of promoting the
orderly development of the community and furthering the health, safety and general
welfare of its residents. Public parks are usually within the OIP Institutional and Public
Services Overlay District. Floodplains, woodlands and wetlands are usually protected in
the floodland as conservancy districts. Environmentally sensitive lands can. in many
cases, be effectively protected through zoning. All lands within 300 feet of a navigable
river and within 1000 feet of a lake are classified as shorelands. All wetlands within
shorelands fall under regulations of the Department of Natural Resources. All wetlands
are regulated by the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
Other traditional zoning standards can also protect our community's open space.
Required yards, density controls and lot coverage controls provide valuable open space
to the community while also providing groundwater recharge areas.
Subdivision Control
Subdivision control is the exercise of the right to withhold the privilege of public record
from subdivision plats which have been poorly or inappropriately designed. Wisconsin
authorities in the unincorporated territory within 1-112 miles of its corporate limits. Land
Statutes vest control over subdivisions within Muskego. and provide certain review
suitable for park development can often be secured without cost to the general public
through dedication or fee in lieu of dedication.
0
49
. \, L
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
c Official MaDDinq
Although official mapping is commonly associated with future acquisition of road right-
of-way, it can also be used to identify future park lands. With this technique, future park
areas are identified on a map, duly recorded, and approved by the governing body.
These areas are then prohibited from being developed, offering the community time to
purchase the site.
Acquisition Techniques
The acquisition of land is often the most challenging aspect of developing a municipal
park system. A number of techniques are available to municipalities to acquire land.
These are:
Fee SimDle Acquisition
The landowner is given a sum of money for all rights to a specific piece of land or
property. In Wisconsin, fee simple acquisition is the most common way of acquiring
public lands for recreational uses. A land contract may also be used as a form of fee
simple acquisition.
Purchase of Tax Delinquent ProDerty
This technique can only be used when back taxes on land have not been paid. Where
such lands are needed for outdoor recreation and open space purposes, the purchaser
pays the back taxes. The fair market value minus the cost of the back taxes is paid to
the former owner
Advanced Purchase
This method of implementation requires a purchase agreement to acquire outdoor
recreation lands prior to the actual purchase. The agreement fixes the price of future
acquisition and may relieve the landowner of up to 100 percent of the property tax
burden.
Lease or Easement
This technique provides for the recreational use of land for a designated period of time
but without fee simple acquisition. An easement of lease can be written to allow or
restrict public access and use of private land. Restricting access can encourage the
preservation and creation of scenic views. Easements can also be used to provide
limited trail access for recreation purposes. Because of their versatility easements are a
valuable implementation tool.
Eminent Domain
Eminent domain is the power of a governmental body to condemn private land for public
purposes upon payment of just compensation. This is traditionally a method of last
resort.
50
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
0 Land Bankinq
The land bank, which can be set up as a part of local government or a self-governing
entity, can purchase land and then sell it for recreational purposes. Proceeds from the
sale of land could be used for subsequent purchases. Initial financing could be provided
through grants or by the issuance of bonds.
Conversion of Landfills
Former landfills can often be used for recreational purposes. A variety of open space
uses can be supported in these areas provided the material making up the landfill has
adequately settled and poses no danger to the public.
Trust for Public Lands
Private groups or organizations such as the Trust for Public Land or the Nature
conservancy can purchase outdoor recreation lands and hold these lands until a public
agency can acquire them.
Donation
This technique is the least expensive means of acquiring land for outdoor recreation and
open space uses. Tax Deductible contributions can be in the form of a lease,
0 easement, or outright title to a piece of property.
Summary
Implementation of the plan will require a coordinated effort by private interests and the
federal, state, and local government and the funding agencies involved. Implementation
of the recommendations set forth in this plan should result in a park system for the City
that can serve the dual purpose of preserving and enhancing the natural environment
for the existing population, and future residents.
51
City of Muskego
Park and Open Space Plan
Appendix A
SltO Acres
Bethel Lulheran Church I 0.8 lopen space wlplayground
Description
Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church I 1.5 lopen space w/cemetery Boxhom Gun Club I 28 IGunciub I I
Calvary Evangelical Free Church I 4 lopenspace
Deer Creek Homeowners Association 13 sites) I 12 kubdivision outlots I I
Denwn Estates Corporation I 0.5 IPrivate lake access
Durham Meadows Association I 3.5 ISubdivision outlot
Durhamswwd #2 Homeowners Association I 5 !Subdivision outiol lstormwater oond) ..
Hale Park Meadows
Subdivision ouUots 8 lake 20 Lake Brittanv Homeowners Association 12 sites)
Private lake access 0.5 Krcgman's FirSt Addition
Subdivision oullols w/playground. pool. and tennis mum 3.5 Kristin Down Homeowners Association (3 sites)
Outlot whvetlands and creek) 1.3 Kimberly Estates Homeowners
Gun club 6.3 Hunters Nest
Private lake access 0.7 Hillview Advancement Association
Open space 4 Heritage Presbyterian Church
Subdivision outlot 12
Lake Forest Homeownen Association (2 sites)
Subdivision outlols 8 lake 11 Lake Lore Estates (3 sites)
Wetlands and detention pond 2 Lake Forest Residential Development
Subdivision outlots w/playground. play fieid 4
Lake Ridge Aparlmenls I 5 lopenspace
Lakeview Develooment Parlnershio (4 sites) ! 6 !Subdivision outlots .. I I
Lakeview Rod 8 Gun Club I 30 lGun dub. cabin rentals
Laked Development Group (3 sites) I 1 /Subdivision outlols
Loval Order of Mme I 2 looen soace wihorseshoes I
Malone 8 Hyde (Sentry wetland) I 4.6 IWeUand
.. 1
Muskego Apostolic Tabernacle I 1 lopenspace
Muskeao Lakes Countrv Club I 124 Iiahole reaulation aolf murse - I I - -
Muskego Shore Advancement Association (2 sites) I 0.7 IPrivate lake access 1
National Regency of New Berlin I 3 IDetentionpond
Oak Ridae Advancement Association (4 sites) 1 1 IPrivate lakeaccess - I I
Park Estates Homeowners Association I 1.5 ISubdivision outlot
ers Association (8 sites) ivision outlots whvetiand
Appendix A Prlvate-Owned Open Spaces and Recreatlon Sites In the City of Muskego
52