Parks Conserv Rec Plan 2017 FINAL
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Prepared by:
The Parks and Conservation Committee &
The City of Muskego Community Development Department
the City of
CITY OF MUSKEGO
ELECTED OFFICIALS
2016
Mayor
Kathy Chiaverotti
Common Council
Council President Alderman Rob Wolfe, District 1
Alderman Bob Hammel, District 2
Alderman Neil Borgman, District 3
Alderman Thomas Kapusta, District 4
Alderman John Englehardt, District 5
Alderman Kevin Kubacki, District 6
Alderman Eileen Madden, District 7
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
PARKS & CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
Toby Whipple, President
Alderman Bob Hammel (2015/16)
Alderman Kevin Kubacki (2016/17)
Jerald Hulbert
Howard Schneider
Barbara Erdmann
Bret Hyde
Bill Miller
Sharon Roy
Paul Peardon
CITY OF MUSKEGO STAFF
Jeff Muenkel, Community Development Director
David Simpson, Public Works Director
Tammy Dunn, Recreation Manager
Tom Zagar, Conservation Coordinator/City Forester
Adam Trzebiatowski, Planner
Paul Vepraskas, GIS Coordinator
Adam Young, Recreation Supervisor
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 – INTRODUCTION
Chapter 2 - COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
Chapter 3 –PARK, CONSERVATION, & TRAIL INVENTORY
Chapter 4 – NEEDS ASSESSMENTS
Chapter 5 – RECOMMENDATIONS
APPENDICES
A: 2016 Survey Summary
MAPS
1 Environmentally Significant Lands 24 Settlement Park Assessment
2 Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitats 25 Badertscher Preserve Assessment
3 Current Land Uses 26 Engel Conservation Area Assessment
4 2020 Land Uses 27 Recreation Trail Conditions
5 Current Park Sites 28 Bluhm Park Recommendations
6 Current Conservation Sites 29 Denoon Park Recommendations
7 Current Recreation Trails 30 Freedom Square Park Recommendations
8 Park Service Areas 31 Idle Isle Park Recommendations
9 Bluhm Park Assessment 32 Kurth Park Recommendations
10 Denoon Park Assessment 33 Jensen/Lee Hubka Parks Recommendations
11 Freedom Square Park Assessment 34 Lions Park Recommendations
12 Idle Isle Park Assessment 35 Manchester Hill Park Recommendations
13 Kurth Park Assessment 36 Moorland Park Recommendations
14 Jensen Park Assessment 37 Muskego Centre Park Recommendations
15 Lee Hubka Park Assessment 38 Park Arthur Recommendations
16 Lions Park Assessment 39 Schmidt Park Recommendations
17 Manchester Hill Park Assessment 40 Horn/Veteran's/Settlement Parks Recs
18 Moorland Park Assessment 41 Sand Hill Park Recommendations
19 Muskego Centre Park Assessment 42 Badertscher Preserve Recommendations
20 Park Arthur Assessment 43 Engel Conservation Area Recommendations
21 Schmidt Park Assessment 44 Conservation Prioritization Areas
22 Horn Field Assessment 45 Future Recreation Trails
23 Veteran's Park Assessment
RESOLUTION #P.C. 051-2016
RECOMMENDATION TO COMMON COUNCIL TO AMEND SECTION 41.06 OF THE
MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTION OF THE NEW PARK AND CONSERVATION PLAN
WHEREAS, Chapter 41 regulates Comprehensive Plan element regulations within the City of
Muskego, and
WHEREAS, A portion of Chapter 41 needs to be amended in order to adopt the new Parks
and Conservation Plan as a detailed component of the Comprehensive Plan, and
WHEREAS, This adoption gives the plan the weight it needs to enforce the recommendations
found within on future developments and decisions, and
WHEREAS, Parks and Conservation staffs have been preparing updates to the 2017-2021
Parks and Conservation Plan, and
WHEREAS, The Park Board and Conservation Commission have approved the 2017-2021
Parks and Conservation Plan, and
WHEREAS, A public hearing will be heard to consider the matter on July 26, 2016.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Plan Commission recommends the attached
amendment to Section 41.06 of the Chapter 41 Comprehensive Plan Ordinance to the
Common Council and adoption of the new 2017-2021 Parks and Conservation Plan as
approved by the City’s Parks and Conservation Committee.
Plan Commission
City of Muskego
Adopted: August 2, 2016
Defeated:
Deferred:
Introduced: August 2, 2016
ATTEST: Kellie McMullen, Recording Secretary
41.06 DETAILED COMPONENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Section 62.23(2) of Wisconsin Statutes provides that the City of Muskego may from time to time amend, extend or
add to the Comprehensive Plan or carry out any part of the subject matter in greater detail. The following are
more detailed components of the City of Muskego Comprehensive Plan, which shall therefore have the same
force and effect as the adopted Comprehensive Plan:
2017 - 2021 Parks and Conservation Plan, adopted by the Plan Commission on August 2, 2016 and
the Common Council on August 23, 2016. 2012 - 2016 Parks and Conservation Plan, adopted by the
Plan Commission on April 3, 2012 and the Common Council on April 24, 2012, as amended.
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Intent of Plan
The City of Muskego is pleased to present the City’s new 2017-2021 Park and Conservation
Plan. This plan is like no other park plan adopted in the past for the community. Each park
area, recreation program, and conservation area has been meticulously assessed unlike in
past plans. The result is a plan that has well thought out recommendations that are specific
to the needs of the community’s residents and visitors today. Muskego tossed out the
national standard statistical norm approach for how a community should site parks and
related activities. Instead, this plan presents recommendations for parks, recreation, and
conservation based on the community needs and desires solely. The intent of the following
plan is that it will shape a new direction for Muskego’s park, recreation, and conservation
efforts over the next five (5) years that will lead users of all age groups, and users of all
different preferences, to actively enjoy the city’s recreational system.
Foreword
Parks and conservation lands, along with the associated recreational opportunities of such
lands, are valuable attributes of a community. Outdoor recreation contributes to the mental
and physical well-being of the community’s citizens and developed park lands provide areas
for active recreation, entertainment, and education. Conservation lands provide natural
resource preservation, wildlife habitat, outdoor education and passive recreational activities.
Parks and conservation areas both provide transition and separation from more intensively
developed lands.
Objectives
The objectives of the City of Muskego Park and Conservation Plan are:
Provide for quality active and passive outdoor recreational opportunities of
various kinds to all current and future Muskego residents of all ages and abilities.
Evaluate how existing public recreation facilities (both active and passive)
address the present and future needs of the people of Muskego.
Identify areas where existing recreation facilities (both active and passive) are
inadequate to serve the present and future needs of the people of Muskego.
Provide for quality recreational programming opportunities to all current and
future Muskego residents of all ages and abilities.
Develop a plan of action to meet both the current and future recreational
demands of the public relating to active and passive park and conservation lands
in the community.
Evaluate and prioritize lands of environmental significance, scenic views, and
trail connectivity to be considered for preservation and provide strategies to
preserve them.
Provide the City of Muskego with policies and strategies for yearly budgeting of
planned passive and active recreational facilities as well as recreational
programming.
As a requirement for eligibility for Federal and State grant programs.
Parks, Conservation, and Recreation Administration
The planning of parks, conservation, and recreational activities are a joint effort by the
Community Development, Public Works, and Recreation Departments of the City of
Muskego. Many projects require cross discussions and cooperation before decisions are
made. The responsibilities and staffing of each department are as follows:
Community Development Department
The Community Development Department is the main author of this plan and is
responsible for parks planning (facilities, recreational needs, design) in the community
as well as housing the conservation, lakes, and urban forestry programs of Muskego.
Codes and land use planning objectives are implemented to guide residential and
commercial developments in a manner that also strives to preserve environmentally
significant lands and other open spaces. The department also establishes land
acquisition priorities and land management objectives.
The Community Development Department Director oversees the Planning, Building, and
Conservation Divisions of the Department. The Conservation Coordinator, who also
serves as the City Forester, reports to the Director and is responsible for forestry, lakes,
and conservation projects. The Conservation Coordinator oversees a half-time
Conservation Technician who assists in associated fieldwork and office duties. Some
conservation fieldwork is also completed with the assistance of the Public Works
Department.
Recreation Department
The Recreation Department staff is directly responsible for the administration of all
municipal recreation programs in the community. Staffing of the department consists of
the Recreation Manager, Recreation Specialist, and over 30 seasonal employees that
carry out the recreation programs from season to season.
Knowing the future and direction of Muskego’s recreational programming is a key
element to this Plan in order to provide for the appropriate facilities for the growth and
advancement of the programs. Further, many of the park facilities require day to day
maintenance for the various programming activities, thus cross departmental
cooperation is key as well.
Public Works Department
The Public Works Department staff is responsible for day to day maintenance of the
parks and park buildings/facilities in the community. Over the past couple years the
Public Works Department has taken a very active role in facility management which has
helped the city be proactive as well as saving the city money in daily maintenance
responsibilities. The Department also takes an active role in overseeing the various
maintenance contracts of various park and administration facilities for the city. Daily
interaction with the Recreation Department is key in order to assure that park lands and
facilities are appropriate for the recreation programming activities that may take place
from day to day. The Public Works Department is administered by the Public Works
Director who also serves as the City Engineer for the community. As many as 10
employees help in maintenance responsibilities during a busy summer day.
Parks and Conservation Committee
The City of Muskego Parks and Conservation Committee are composed of eight citizens
and one Common Council member and is advisory to the Common Council. The Committee
is responsible for many of the recommendations found in this Plan and will operate
throughout the planning timeframe of this Plan to implement the recommendations as
budgets and needs dictate. The Committee also provides input throughout a given year in
relation to parks, recreation, and conservation planning, programming, and maintenance.
CHAPTER 2
COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
Introduction
In determining adequate recommendations for this plan it is important to also understand the
various Muskego demographics and environmental resources that make up the community.
The following chapter discusses these attributes of the city which are later cross referenced
with identified park, recreation, and conservation needs to come up with reasonable and
guiding recommendations for Muskego’s passive and active recreational areas.
Geography
The City of Muskego is located in southeastern Waukesha County, and encompasses
23,023 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.
The topography of Muskego was largely formed by the Lake Michigan Lobe of the
Wisconsin glaciation event more than ten thousand years ago during the Pleistocene Epoch.
While the majority of the community has the flatter topography of outwash plains, the
northwestern portion of the city contains the rolling topography of moraines and drumlins.
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. Little Muskego Lake,
which covers 506 acres, contains shallow areas as well as a deeper basin that reaches 65
feet in depth. Lake Denoon, which is partially located in the Town of Norway, is a kettle lake
covering 162 acres with a maximum depth of 55 feet.
Significant tributaries in the watershed include Jewel Creek, which flows from Linnie Lac
Lake in New Berlin 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 flowing into Wind 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 Ocean 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 that ultimately drains into the Atlantic Ocean via the Great Lakes.
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 lakebeds. Soils in the remainder of the city are
well drained to somewhat poorly-drained and are derived from glacial till. Most soils in the
city have a relatively high clay component and some have a high content of organic
material. Many soils in the area have severe limitations for building 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 Soils Survey of Waukesha County,
Wisconsin.
Regionally Identified Environmental Lands
The two sections that follow describe environmentally significant areas within Muskego that
have been identified by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission
(SEWRPC). More discussion of environmentally significant lands in Muskego is presented
in Chapter 4 of this Plan. A more thorough description of plant coverage within Muskego is
detailed in Vegetation and Ecological Conditions of the City of Muskego System:
Opportunities for Restoration and Management – which was developed as a foundation for
and component of the city’s original conservation document: City of Muskego Conservation
Plan (2001).
Environmental Corridors and Isolated Natural Resource Areas
Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (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 the acquisition and development
of conservation and park lands. The SEWRPC-identified 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 Management Plan for Southeastern Wisconsin (1997).1 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.
1 This plan was updated by SEWRPC in December 2010.
J A N E S V I L L E R D
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Map 1Environmentally Significant LandsCity of Muskego Parks & Conser vation Plan
B i gMuske g oLake
L i t t l eMuskeg oLake
L a k eDenoo n
B a s sBay
P r i m a r y E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o r r i d o r
S e c o n d a r y E n v i r o n m e n t a l C o r r i d o r
I s o l a t e d N a t u r a l R e s o u r c e A r e a
Data is sourced from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Comm ision (SEWRPC), 2010
Critical species habitat sites (CSH) 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
conservation lands. Inventoried natural areas and critical species habitat areas within the
City of Muskego are summarized in the table below and depicted on Map 2.
No.
Map 2
Area Name Classification
Code
Ownership Size
(acres)
Description and Comments
1 Muskego Park
Hardwoods State
Natural Area
NA-1 Waukesha
Co. and
Private
100 Diverse hardwoods and spring flora.
Endangered Crow-spur sedge and
threatened blue ash grow here. Habitat
for Coopers Hawk
2 Big Muskego
Lake Marsh1
NA-2 State of
Wisconsin
and Private
3026 Large marsh with Forster’s Tern
(Endangered), Common Tern
(Endangered), Great Egret (Threatened),
and Black Tern (Special Concern)
3 Luther Parker
Cemetery
NA-3 City of
Muskego
1 Pioneer cemetery with remnant mesic
prairie
4 Ryan Road
Swamp
NA-3 Private 45 Lowland hardwood swamp with some
northern elements
5 Parker Drive
Woods2
None Private 123 Large forested area recommended for
State ownership by SEWRPC
6 Lake Denoon
Wetland
CSH Private 30 Habitat for Black Tern (Special Concern)
7 Muskego Canal CSH Private 2.4 Habitat for Lake Chubsucker (Special
Concern)
8 Muskego
Settlement Center
Woods
CSH City of
Muskego
and private
18 Endangered Crow’s foot sedge (Carex
crus-corvi) and Special Concern Red
trillium (Trillium recurvatum)
9 Janesville Road
Woods
CSH Private 2 Red trillium (Trillium recurvatum)
10 Schroeder Woods CSH Private 35 Red trillium (Trillium recurvatum)
11 Peters Woods CSH State of
Wisconsin
23 Oak woods with Great Blue Heron
rookery
Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Areas within the City of Muskego
1 Subsequent to the formulation of A Regional Natural Areas and Critical Species Habitat Protection and Management Plan for
Southeastern Wisconsin, Lake Chubsucker (State-designated Special Concern) was introduced to Big Muskego Lake in
conjunction with a rehabilitation project.
2 Although the site does not contain inventoried Natural Areas or Critical Species Habitat sites, acquisition is recommended by
SEWRPC for reestablishment of a relatively large forest interior.
Source: SEWRPC, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and the City of Muskego.
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Map 2Natural Areas & Critical Species Habitat SitesCity of Muskego Parks & Conservation Plan
B i gM u s k e g oL a k e
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L a k eD e n o o n
Ba s sBa y
!Natural Area or Critical Species H abitat Site
En vi ro nm e nt al ly Sig ni fi ca nt La nd s *
6
*Data is sourced from the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commision (SEWRPC), 2010
Population
The 2010 Census showed the official population of Muskego as 24,168 and an approximate
population of 24,410 as of 2015. This represents an ~13.0% increase since 2000, and a
~44% increase since 1990. The City of Muskego’s population growth is illustrated in the
chart below. Muskego is part of Waukesha County which had a 2010 population of 383,864.
Muskego represents 6% of the county’s population while also comprising 6% of the land
area. Located approximately twelve miles from downtown Milwaukee, Muskego is
considered to be within the socio-economic influence of the Southeastern Wisconsin region.
This region, which includes Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington,
and Waukesha Counties, has a 2010 population of 1,801,688.
1349 1318 1294
1576
2495 4157
8888
11573
15277 168
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
1900 1910 1920 1930 1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 19
Population
City of Muskego Population
Source: US Census Bureau and Wisconsin Department of Administration.
Transportation
The City of Muskego is well connected to the region. Interstate 43 runs just north of the city,
connecting Milwaukee to Beloit. County Trunk Highway (CTH) L, also known as Janesville
Road, is a highway serving the northern half of Muskego, running in a southwest to
northeast direction and into Milwaukee County. STH 36 (Loomis Road) is a four-lane
highway in southeastern Muskego that also connects to Milwaukee. CTH HH, also known
as College Avenue, forms much of the city’s northern border. CTH O (Moorland Road)
connects the north central part of the city to Interstate 43. CTH OO (North Cape Road) runs
in a north-south direction on the city’s east side. CTH Y (Racine Avenue) runs in a north-
south direction through the west-central part of the community.
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.
Commercial Development: Commercial uses in the City of Muskego are generally found in
three areas:
Janesville Road, including the Tess Corners area to the east, the Moorland Road
area, and Downtown which is from Moorland Road going west to Racine Avenue.
Racine Avenue between Woods Road and College Avenue, located in the north-
central and south-central neighborhoods.
Loomis Road/Drive near North Cape Road, referred to as the Durham Hill area,
located in the southeast 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.
Industrial/Business Development: The Muskego Business Park encompasses 200 acres of
land in the west-central part of the city. The business park is 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 northeast neighborhood. It
is currently built to capacity and fully occupied.
Landfill and Extractive Uses: The city is host to a number of 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. Veolia Environmental Services Emerald Park Landfill Incorporated
(formerly Onyx Emerald Park Landfill) 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. The city has approved an
additional 55 acres of expansion area.
The Payne & 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/Open Space: Agriculture/open space uses comprise the single-largest land use
category in the City of Muskego. Although farming was far more prominent a few decades
ago, croplands still constitute a significant portion of this land use category. However few
farms in the community still carry livestock. The active croplands are mostly located in the
southern and western portions of the community.
Recreational Development and Environmental Lands: Land uses within these categories
are the subject of this document. A detailed inventory of park and conservation lands within
the city can be found in Chapter 3.
Land Use Summary
The table below illustrates the land use composition of the City of Muskego in effect in
March 2016. Map 3 depicts the spatial distribution of these current 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 2020 per the adopted Comprehensive Plan.
Acres
Percent of
Total
Residential 6607 28.71%
Commercial 342 1.49%
Industrial 244 1.06%
Government and Institutional 396 1.72%
Recreational 2269 9.85%
Agricultural/Open 7629 33.14%
Surface Water 3009 13.07%
Rights-of-Way and Other Unclassified
Uses 1630 7.08%
Landfill/Extractive 894 3.88%
23020 100%
City of Muskego Existing Land Use – 2016
*Current as of Decmber 31st, 2015
Map 3Current Land UseCity of Muskego Parks & Conservation Plan
B i gM u s k e g oL a k e
L i t t l eM u s k e g oL a k e
L a k eD e n o o n
Ba s sBa y
Agriculture & Open Space
Recreation - Private
Recreation - Public
Govt. Institution, & Utility
Single Family R esidential
Multi-Family Residential
Retail & Service
Manufacturing
Landfill & Extractive
WAUKESHA
WALWORTH
RACINE
KENOSHA
OZAUKEEWASHINGTON
MILWAUKEE
J A N E S V I L L E R D
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*Current as of Decmber 31st, 2015
Map 42020 Land UseCity of Muskego Parks & Conservation Plan
B i gM u s k e g oL a k e
L i t t l eM u s k e g oL a k e
L a k eD e n o o n
Ba s sBa y
Rural Density R esidential
Low Density Residential
Medium Density Residential
High Density Residential
Commercial
Business Park
Recreation
Conservation
Industrial
Landfill & Extractive
Govt, Institution, & Utility
WAUKESHA
WALWORTH
RACINE
KENOSHA
OZAUKEEWASHINGTON
MILWAUKEE
CHAPTER 3
PARKS, CONSERVATION LAND, & TRAIL INVENTORY
Introduction
A current inventory of the park, conservation, and trails within the City of Muskego is a key
starting point in determining the future passive and active recreational needs of the
community. This chapter describes the size, location and amenities of publicly owned open
spaces in the Muskego community. Sections follow that describe the “active use” city parks
(Regional, Community, Neighborhood, and Special use), other public park lands,
conservation-focused lands, and lastly, the recreation trail system.
Inventory Overview
The City of Muskego currently has 36 park/lake access sites, which encompass 343 acres.
In addition, there are 6 Muskego-Norway school district recreation sites covering
approximately 267 acres. There is one Waukesha County Park, Muskego Park, which
covers 209 acres. In total, there are 43 publicly owned parks and school sites covering 761
acres or 3.0% of the surface area of the community. Additionally, the city owns 15 sites,
covering 417 acres that are not active use “parks,” but rather are exclusively for
conservation purposes. The City of Muskego also has an existing network of recreation
trails totaling approximately 31 miles.
Lastly, it is important to note that only land surfaces are tallied in the park and conservation
totals above. However, Muskego is fortunate to have several major waterways within its
boundaries including Big Muskego Lake, Little Muskego Lake, Lake Denoon, and Bass Bay
as well as smaller lakes and streams. The Public Trust Doctrine of Wisconsin establishes
that waterways are owned in common by all of Wisconsin’s citizens and are for everyone’s
use and enjoyment to fish, swim, boat, hunt, and simply enjoy the natural scenic beauty.
Thus public waterways should be recognized when evaluating the parks and conservation
attributes of the community. Collectively Muskego has 3009 acres of public surface waters
that provide open space, recreation and wildlife habitat.
Green space (and lakes) makes up 22% of the total City acreage, which equates to 204.5
acres of green space per 1000 Muskego residents. This eqauls 0.2 acres of public green
space per person.
Community Park Sites
Bluhm Farm Park: This 50-acre community park is located in the northeastern portion of the
city along McShane Drive. The park is actually separated by McShane Drive with 10 acres
to the north and 40 acres to the south. The park name is based upon the Bluhm family who
came to Muskego in 1863 and through sweat and strain cleared the lands that are now the
park lands. Existing facilities include a basketball goal, four softball/baseball diamonds,
areas for football/rugby, playground equipment, picnic areas, an open shelter, and indoor
restrooms. The playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5 and
5-12 year age groups. Off street parking is available in the parking lot to the south for 73
vehicles and a parking lot to the north for 63 vehicles. Bluhm Farm Park is shown as #1 on
the table and Map 5 below.
Denoon Park: This 63-acre community park is located in the southwestern portion of the
city along Crowbar Road just south of Lake Denoon Middle School and adjacent to the
northwestern shore of Lake Denoon. The park is named after James Denoon Reymert, a
dynamic early Muskego settler who published the first Norwegian newspaper in the U.S. and
was influential in shaping the Wisconsin constitution. The site has full court basketball, one
baseball/softball diamond, picnicking, playground equipment, soccer fields, snowmobile
trails, a walking trail, an open-air shelter, portable restrooms, and lake launching access with
associated launch parking. The playground equipment provided on the site accommodates
the 2-5 year age group and the 5-12 year age group. Lake Denoon Middle School utilizes
the park for outdoor physical education classes and accommodates a cross-country course.
Off street parking is provided for 100 vehicles. The park encompasses approximately eight
acres of upland woods. Over eight acres of prairie vegetation has been planted within the
park including wet prairie and oak savanna. A portion of the park is part of a primary
environmental corridor associated with Lake Denoon. Denoon Park is shown as #2 on the
table and Map 5 below.
Idle Isle Park: This 6.4 acre park was acquired in 1969 and is effectively an island
surrounded by Little Muskego Lake. The park is found on the north side of the lake off of
Hardtke Drive. Within the park are two (2) boat launching ramps, a swimming beach, a
fishing pier, picnicking, and an open air shelter with storage, concession area, and indoor
restrooms. Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates both the 2-5 year
and 5-12 year age groups. Off-street parking is available for 65 vehicles and 14 car-trailer
units. Overflow parking is available at nearby Park Arthur on Martin Drive accommodating
13 car-trailer units and 17 automobiles. A local water ski club, the Waterbugs, provides a
water ski show at Idle Isle one evening weekly during the summer. The park was formally
shown as Little Muskego Lake Access Site No. 18 in previous plans but is now primarily
known as a community park. Idle Isle Park is shown as #3 on the table and Map 5 below.
Park or Open Space Acres Park Type
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Bluhm Farm Park 55.6 Community 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 4
Denoon Park 63.2 Community 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Idle Isle Park (Was Lake Access No. 18) 6.4 Community 123 1 111 11 1 1
Moorland Park 36.9 Community 111111 1 1 1
Park Arthur 61.1 Community 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3
Freedom Square 0.9 Neighborhood 1 1
Horn Park 22.5 Neighborhood 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Jensen Park 3.7 Neighborhood 11 11 1 1
Kurth Park 18 Neighborhood 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2
Lions Park 3.8 Neighborhood 1 1111
Manchester Hill Park 15.2 Neighborhood 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Schmidt Park 6.6 Neighborhood 1 111 2
Veterans Memorial Park 8.9 Neighborhood 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
Sand Hill Park 19 Neighborhood
Old Muskego Settlement Centre 6.8 Special Use 1 1 1 1 1 1
Muskego Centre Park 0.3 Special Use 1 1 1
Lee Hubka Park " Little Muskego Lake Channel Access #1" (Was Lake Access No.
4) 0.7 Neighborhood 2 1
Lake Access No. 19 Silver Drive " Little Muskego Lake Channel Access #2" (Was
Lake Access No. 19)0.3 Special Use 1
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 1 Pearl Drive 0.3 Special Use 1
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 2 Emerald Drive 0.5 Special Use 11
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 3 Diamond Drive 0.3 Special Use 111
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 4 Ruby Drive (Was #5)0.2 Special Use 1
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 5 Pleasant View Drive (Was #15) 0.3 Special Use 111
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 6 Schubring (Was #14)0.2 Special Use 111
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 7 Center Drive (Wasn't numbered in past)0.4 Special Use 11 11
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 8 Michi Drive (Was #13)0.2 Special Use 1
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 9 Park Drive (Was #12)0.2 Special Use 11 11
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 10 Kingston Drive (Was #16)0.2 Special Use 11
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 11 Lincoln Drive (Was #17)0.1 Special Use 111 1
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 12 Oak Grove (Was #11)0.1 Special Use 1
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 13 Oak Court (Was #9)0.2 Special Use 11
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 14 Shore Drive (Was #8)0.3 Special Use 11
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 15 Lochcrest Boulevard (Was #10)0.9 Special Use 11
Little Muskego Lake Access No. 16 Hillview Drive (Was #7)0.2 Special Use 11
Big Muskego Lake Access (Durham)7.8 Special Use 1 11
Big Muskego Lake Access (Boxhorn)2.2 Special Use 1 11
CITY OF MUSKEGO TOTALS 343.4 134200018211236102810121610378906115410150
School Sites
Bay Lane/Country Meadows School 27 School 7 7 11 11 14
Lake Denoon Middle School 59 School 1 1 111
Mill Valley Elementary School 21 School 2 2 11 11 3
Muskego Elementary School 6 School 2 2 11 11
Muskego High School 86 School 2 1 111 33112
Tess Corners Elementary School 9.6 School 11 11
New MNSD Land South of Tudor Oaks 58 School
SCHOOL SITE TOTALS 266.6 0 2 12 12 000000000000010441066100004101120
Waukesha County Sites
Muskego Park 209 Regional 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
TOTAL (ALL PUBLIC PARK SITES)819 1 5 16 14 11019221246102812132014571516171158203181
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1 Bluhm Farm Park
2 Denook Park3 Idle Isle Park4 Moorland Park5 Park Arthur6 Freedom Square7 Horn Field8 Jenson Park9 Kurth Park10 Lions Park
11 Manchester Hill Park12 Schmidt Park13 Veterans Memorial Park
14 Sand Hill Park
15 Old Muskego Settlement Centre16 Muskego Center Park17 Lee Hubka Park - LML Channel Access No. 118 Silver Dr - LML Channel Access No. 219 LML Access - Pearl Dr20 LML Access - Emerald Dr21 LML Access - Diamond Dr22 LML Access No. 4 - Ruby Dr23 LML Access No. 5 - Pleasant View
24 LML Access No. 6 - Schbring Dr
25 LML Access No. 7 - Center Dr26 LML Access No. 8 - Michi Dr27 LML Access No. 9 - Park Dr28 LML Access No. 10 - Kingston Dr29 LML Access No. 11 - Lincoln Dr
30 LML Access No. 12 - Oak Grove31 LML Access No. 13 - Oak Ct32 LML Access No. 14 - Shore Dr33 LML Access No. 15 - Lochcrest
35 BML Access - Durham Dr36 BML Access - Boxhorn Dr
37 Bay Lane/Country Meadows38 Lake Denoon Middle School39 Mill Valley Elementary
40 Muskego Elementary41 Muskego High School42 Tess Corners Elementary43 MNSD Owned Land
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44 Muskego Park (Waukesha County Park)
34 LML Access No. 16 - Hillview Dr
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Little Muskego Lake Access Site
Big Muskego Access Site
County Park Site
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Moorland Park: This 37-acre park is located in one of the most traveled areas of Muskego,
along Moorland Road, just south of Janesville Road. The park accommodates a skateboard
park, portable toilets, and off-street parking for 75 vehicles. Two regulation soccer fields
were installed in 2011 on the east half of the park and considerable open turf area is found
to the west of the park as well. Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates
both the 2-5 year and 5-12 year age groups. Five acres of prairie were planted at the time
of developing the active use areas in the northern portion of the park. The southern portion
of the park is predominantly wetland and floodplain. Eleven acres of wet prairie and an
additional 5 acres of upland prairie were planted here in 2011. Collectively this site and the
adjacent Candlewood Creek site comprise a 25-acre restoration area where passive
recreational trails can be found. Moorland Park is shown as #4 on the table and Map 5
above.
Park Arthur: Park Arthur is named after Arthur Thiesenhusen and can be accessed from
Martin Drive to the south and College Avenue to the north. The 61-acre park site contains
four (4) baseball/softball fields, a sledding hill, an archery range, and an open air shelter with
bathrooms and concession area. Parking for over 200 vehicles is provided with some of the
parking stalls allocated for car-trailer parking as overflow from Idle Isle Park. Trails for
walking and equestrian use circle the majority of the parklands. The park contains 6 acres of
woodlands, 3 acres of wet woodlands, and 2 acres of wetland within an isolated natural
resource area. Park development includes the seeding of over seven acres of prairie
vegetation. Over 30 acres of the western half of the park is undeveloped and is leased out
for agricultural uses. Park Arthur is shown as #5 on the table and Map 5 above.
Neighborhood Park Sites
Freedom Square Park: This 0.9-acre park is located within the confines of Muskego’s
downtown along Parkland Drive just north of Janesville Road. The park provides full court
basketball and a tennis court. In 2015 a parking lot supporting 15+ vehicles was installed at
the cost of the commercial neighbors to the south. The parking lot is utilized for public use.
Freedom Square is shown as #6 on the table and Map 5 above.
Horn Park: This 22.5-acre neighborhood park is located in the north-central portion of the
city with primary access off of Pioneer Drive along Horn Park Drive. The park provides a
regulation baseball field, play equipment, and restrooms. Off street parking is available for
44+ vehicles. Playground equipment provided on the site accommodates the 2-5 year age
group. One acre of unused turf area around the outfield of the baseball field is planted as
prairie vegetation. Horn Park is contiguous to the Old Muskego Settlement Centre.
Together, the sites contain an isolated natural resource area with nine acres of woodlands
and ten acres of wetlands. The woodlands have a good diversity of hardwood trees and
spring ephemeral wildflowers. Horn Park is shown as #7 on the table and Map 5 above.
Jensen Park: This 3.7-acre neighborhood park is located northwest of Little Muskego Lake
along Diamond Drive just south of Gold Drive. The park was completed in 1977 and has
served as a neighborhood recreation center hub since this time. Existing facilities include a
baseball/softball diamond, rest rooms, and classroom space that currently accommodates
the dance/gymnastics programming. 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. Jensen Park is shown as #8 on the table and Map 5 above.
Kurth Park: This park is named after long-time resident Otto Kurth. The park has a very
unique footprint with access off of Woods Road to the south and via the subdivision road
Belmont Drive to the south. This 18-acre neighborhood park provides a paved pedestrian
trail that links Belmont Drive to Woods Road, playground equipment, two tennis courts, one
basketball hoop, restrooms, a baseball/softball diamond, and soccer fields. Playground
equipment provided on the site is designed to accommodate the 2-5 year and the 5-12 year
age groups. Tess Corners Creek and its associated secondary environmental corridor,
border the northeastern edge of the park. A prairie area of approximately one acre was
planted between the trail and the creek in 2001. Off-street parking is available for 96
vehicles and parking lots can be found at both the north and south access points. Kurth Park
is shown as #9 on the table and Map 5 above.
Lee Hubka Park: This park was renamed in honor of Leon Hubka who was instrumental in
establishing the park and basketball facilities here. This 0.7-acre park is found along
Diamond Drive and 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 an access point to the channel that feeds into Little Muskego Lake (more
info found in lake access sites section below). The park also provides two basketball courts.
No off street parking is available. Lee Hubka Park is shown as #17 on the table and Map 5
above.
Lions Park: Lions Park is a 3.8-acre neighborhood park located along Lions Park Drive just
north of Janesville Road and east of Racine Avenue. The park provides five (5) Pickleball
courts, an open play field area and restrooms. Playground equipment provided on the site
accommodates both the 2-5 year and 5-12 year age groups. Off street parking is available
for 8 vehicles. Lions Park is shown as #10 on the table and Map 5 above.
Manchester Hill Park: Developed in 1995, and formerly called Parkland Plaza, the park was
renamed to honor long-standing Parks and Recreation Board member Richard Manchester.
This 15.2-acre park is located along Parkland Drive about a quarter mile south of Janesville
Road. Facilities include a soccer field, shelter, picnic area, and portable toilets. A pond on
the park’s south end provides a lighted ice-skating rink during the winter months and fishing
during other seasons. 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. The park
contains 3 acres of woodlands, 1.7-acre prairie plantings, and 2 acres of wetlands within an
isolated natural resource area. Manchester Hill Park is shown as #11 on the table and Map
5 above.
Schmidt Park: This park is tucked away in the Hale Park subdivision and provides a place
for a quiet game of tennis and play activity. The park can be accessed from the south off of
Fleetwood Road and to the north off of Conrad Court. Located on 6.6-acres the park
contains two tennis courts, an open play field area, one basketball hoop, and playground
equipment for the 2-5 year and 5-12 year age groups. One acre of prairie vegetation is to
the east of the park that is mostly wetland. No off-street parking is available. Schmidt Park is
shown as #12 on the table and Map 5 above.
Veterans Memorial Park: This park was formally known as Leisure Park and was renamed
to honor our veterans. The 8.9 acre site is located north of Muskego’s City Hall and Police
Department along Pioneer Drive to the east. The park contains a shelter, restrooms, and
playground equipment for the 2-5 year and 5-12 year age groups. Lighted paved walking
paths in the park connect to a boardwalk nature trail, with interpretive nature signage,
through a 4.2-acre woodland area named “Betty’s Woods” in memorial of Betty Czarapata
who raised awareness of managing invasive plant species in the community. This trail
connects to the Old Muskego Settlement Centre. The open turf area is occasionally used
for soccer practice and recreation classes. This park hosts a summer playground program
and is the current site of the annual Muskego Community Festival. Off-street parking exists
along Pioneer Drive as well as shared parking with Muskego City Hall as needed. The 0.6
acre aforementioned woodlands contain endangered crow’s foot sedge as well as a diverse
assemblage of wildflowers and is recognized as a natural area of local significance. A small
patch of prairie was also planted adjacent to Racine Avenue. Veterans Memorial Park is
shown as #13 on the table and Map 5 above.
Sand Hill Park: This parkland was formally dedicated to the city in late 2015 as part of the
Aster Hills Estates Subdivision that was approved and built here at this time. The park
name was approved by the Parks and Conservation Committee in 2016. The park is to be
graded and seeded in 2016. Pending future improvements for the park will include off-street
parking, an open air pavilion, open turf recreational area, a sledding hill, playgrounds for the
2-5 year and 5-12 year age groups, and conservation trail connections to other Muskego
and Wisconsin DNR conservation areas to the south. Sand Hill Park is shown as #14 on the
table and Map 5 above.
Special Use Park Sites
Old Muskego Settlement Centre: This 6.8-acre site is located off of Racine Avenue in the
central portion of the city. The site is used in cooperation with the Muskego Historical
Society and has several replica and historic structures that have been relocated from the
surrounding area including the Old Muskego Town Hall. The Muskego Historical Society
sponsored events are held throughout the year and tours are conducted during the
Muskego Community Festival. The Old Muskego Town Hall structure is utilized for
recreation programming and rentals. Off street parking is available for 58 vehicles. Horn
Park is contiguous to the Old Muskego Settlement Centre to the north and Veterans
Memorial Park is contiguous to the east. Together, the sites contain an isolated natural
resource area with acres of woodlands and wetlands. The woodlands have a good diversity
of hardwood trees and spring ephemeral wildflowers. Conservation trails are found
throughout this shared environmental area as well. The Old Muskego Settlement Centre is
shown as #15 on the table and Map 5 above.
Muskego Centre Park: This 0.3 acre park is a passive use park that abuts Pilak Creek that
stems off the south side of Little Muskego Lake. The park is located along Pioneer Drive in
Muskego’s Historic Pioneer Drive District about a quarter mile south of Janesville Road. The
park has seating areas next to the creek along with small paved pathways. Fishing from the
Creekside or along the Pioneer Drive bridges can be found here. Muskego Centre Park is
shown as #16 on the table and Map 5 above.
Little Muskego Lake Access Sites: The City of Muskego provides seventeen (17) sites with
direct access to Little Muskego Lake and two (2) sites along the northern channel feeding
into Little Muskego Lake. The access points are shown as numbers 17 thru 34 on the table
and Map 5 above. All of these lands are unique in their own way. Some of the access
points contain large tracts of land while others are small in nature. Further, some of the
accesses are more developed with picnic areas and piers while others are very passive in
nature. Many of the points offer excellent access for kayaks, paddleboards, and canoes as
well as fishing opportunities. It should be known that each access point to Little Muskego
Lake is numbered for reference. Due to the addition of new access points the numbering
system for the various access points will be changed as per the adoption of this plan. The
old and new access point numbers are shown as #’s 17-34 on the table and Map 5 above.
Big Muskego Lake Access Sites: There are two (2) public-owned Big Muskego Lake/Bass
Bay access sites with boat launches. The first site is known as the Durham Drive Launch,
which is an eight-acre site located on the northeast shore of Big Muskego Lake along
Durham Drive providing a boat launching ramp, various car-trailer parking, and a portable
restroom. 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 for 17 vehicles with trailers. This one acre site was paved in
2011, with financial assistance through a DNR Waterways Commission grant. Collectively,
there is off street parking available for 22 car/trailer spaces (including 1 ADA stall).
The second site is known as the Boxhorn Drive Launch. This 2.2-acre boat access site is
owned by the City of Muskego and shares vehicular access with a commercial building to
the east and the Boxhorn Gun Club to the north. There are two launching lanes, a portable
restroom, and a lighted parking lot with 27 car/trailer spaces (including 2 ADA stalls). A
storage structure for Muskego conservation and Public Work uses is found onsite as well.
The access points are shown as #’s 35-36 on the table and Map 5 above.
Lake Denoon Access Site: An access site to Muskego’s Lake Denoon is found within
Denoon Park. The site contains a boat launch with associated car-trailer launch parking.
The access point is shown as #2 on the table and Map 5 above.
Waukesha County Park Site
There is one Waukesha County park known as Muskego Park which is located in the near
northwestern part of the city. This regional 209-acre park provides picnicking, camping, play
fields, swimming beach, and tennis court. Portions of the hiking trails in this park provide
opportunities for cross-country skiing and horseback riding. A 73-acre area of hardwood
forest and wetland is designated as a State Natural Area. Waukesha County owns and
manages Muskego Park, which contains 148 acres of lands with environmental significance.
A 100-acre forested area within this park is designated as a State Natural Area. The forest
has a diversity of hardwood species including the threatened Blue Ash as well as Kentucky
Coffeetree, a tree uncommon in Wisconsin. The endangered crow’s foot sedge grows on
the site as well as exceptionally diverse spring woodland flora. The amenities of the
Waukesha County Park are referenced as #44 on the table and Map 5 above.
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. The school sites are referenced as numbers 37
thru 43 on the table and Map 5 above.
Bay Lane Middle School/Country Meadows Elementary School: This school has five acres
of open space that provide seven basketball goals, four baseball/softball diamonds, soccer
facilities, a walking trail, and playground equipment for the 5-12 year age group.
Lake Denoon Middle School: This school has approximately 40 acres of open space with a
basketball goal and ponds. Other outdoor facilities are available at the neighboring Denoon
Park.
Mill Valley Elementary School: This school has a five-acre open area that provides
playground equipment for the 2-5 year and 5-12 year age groups, a basketball court, and
three baseball/softball diamonds. One of these diamonds has lighting for night games.
Muskego Elementary School: This school has a 1.5-acre open area that provides two
basketball goals, open playfields, and playground equipment for the 5-12 year age group.
Muskego High School: A 45-acre athletic complex provides a running track/football field
stadium, three softball diamonds, two baseball fields, three soccer fields, two football
practice fields, twelve tennis courts, indoor rest rooms, and a paved pedestrian path. There
is also an indoor pool that is leased to the South West Aquatic Team (SWAT) for offering
swim lessons/open swim times.
Tess Corners Elementary School: This school has a 3.5-acre open area that provides two
basketball goals, an open turf ball field area, and playground equipment for the 5-12 -year
age group.
New MNSD Land South of Tudor Oaks: This 58 acres has been owned by MNSD for the
last few years with anticipation of building a new middle school at this location. The land has
not been developed as of the time of adoption of this Plan.
City Conservation Sites
The City of Muskego owns 28 conservation sites that collectively cover 581 acres or 2.5% of
the community’s surface area. Of this total 147 acres lie within City of Muskego park sites
described in the previous section. Categorized by cover types, these lands collectively
encompass 120 acres of upland woods, 113 acres of prairie, 108 acres of general wetlands,
53 acres of wet woodlands, 61 acres of wet prairie, 27 acres of oak savanna, and 38 acres
of other surfaces.
Badertscher Preserve: This 104-acre conservation area was purchased in 2012. The site
has woodlands, rolling glacial topography, croplands, wetlands, and a tributary stream that
are headwaters to Little Muskego Lake. The city’s 27-acre “Ridges” conservation site lies
immediately adjacent to the north and both collectively create a 130-acre conservancy area.
Over four miles of hiking trails traverse these sites.
The wetlands include a relatively rare calcareous fen plant community situated in an area
formerly used to mine gravel. Some formerly drained & farmed fields had gone fallow over
the last few decades and are now cattail marsh, sedge meadow, and shrub carr wetlands.
In 2012, a 15-acre portion was restored through ditch plugs and “scrape” excavations to
form shallow ponds. The site was then seeded with diverse native wetland flora.
The woodlands on the site were historically oak woods/oak savanna with some oak trees up
to 200 years old. A 12-acre area of open-grown woodlands dominated by oak trees is being
managed as an oak savanna. Oak savannas are globally imperiled – comprising less than
one tenth of one percent of their historic coverage area. In 2012 invasive shrubs were
cleared from the understory and a yearly burn regimen commenced. A seed mix of oak
savanna species was also planted in the periphery and openings. Another 8-acre woodland
exists in the northwest portion of the property and contains a mixture of native hardwood
species. Other smaller wooded areas also exist throughout the property.
Over 30 acres of former agricultural fields were seeded with a rich diversity of prairie
vegetation. In 2014 an Eagle scout led a project to transplant 100 oak trees in various
portions of the prairie plantings. These trees are intended to create oak savanna cover in
transitions from prairies to woodlands.
Badertscher Preserve is shown as #1 on the table and Map 6 below.
1 Badertscher
Preserve 23.9 18.8 39.7 7.6 0.3 14 0 104.3 29 Muskego Park 119.6 19 4.7 5.1 148.4
2
Big Muskego
Lake Access -
Boxhorn
1.7 0.3 0.5 1.2 3.7
3
Big Muskego
Lake Access -
Durham
4.3 2.1 1.3 7.7 30
Big Muskego
Lake Wildlife
Area
80.4 492.2 83.4 84.9 25 170 910.9
4 Blattner
Preserve 1.3 5.6 0.3 7.2
5 Bluhm Park 16.7 6.1 6.1 0.3 0 1.9 2.3 33.4 31 Aster Hills
Subdivision 0.6 0.6
6 Candlewood
Outlots 0.5 0.4 0.9 0.1 6.6 1.4 9.9 32 Belle Chaase
Subdivision 12 19.4 0.9 4.4 36.7
7 Denoon Park 8.2 6.4 6.5 4.7 0.5 1.8 1.4 29.5 33
Big Muskego
Estates
Subdivision*
3 21.5 9.5 1.7 33.1 68.8
8
Durham Drive
Conservation
Site
20.5 1.7 27.1 49.3 34 Boulder Venture
(Kohl's)8.5 0.6 0.2 9.3
9
Engel
Conservation
Area
29.1 23.5 31.3 21.8 42 2.6 4.9 155.2 35
Candlewood
Creek
Subdivision
7.2 6.1 3.6 16.9
10
Forest Glen
Conservation
Site
0.3 2.1 2 4.2 8.6 36 Chamberlain Hill
Subdivision*6 1.3 2.9 2.5 12.7
11 Guernsey
Meadows 5.9 1.6 0.3 7.8 37
Champions
Village
Subdivision
9.9 9.9
12 Holz Island 1.2 1.2 38 Copper Oaks
Subdivision 4.5 4.5
13
Horn
Field/Historical
Area
8.4 9.7 0.7 0.6 0.4 19.8 39 Deer Creek
Subdivision 7.8 2.5 7.8
14
Kelsey
Conservation
Site
4.4 5 9.4 40 High School 9.6 9.6
15 Kurth Park 1.9 1.9 41
Lake Ridge
Condominiums
& Apartments
5.2 5.2
16 Library 0.9 0.3 1.2 42
Lakeview
Highlands
Subdivision
5.6 5.6
17 Luther Parker
Cemetery 0.6 0.6 43 Lakewood
Condos 7.8 7.8
18 Manchester Hill
Park 2.6 1.3 1.7 0.8 6.4 44
Lakewood
Meadows
Subdivision
3.4 3.4
19 Marlan
Meadows 7.6 0.5 1.9 10 45 Martin Estates
Subdivision*9.2 0.6 6.3 4.9 5.4 26.4
20 Moorland Park 9.8 0 11 8.1 28.9 46 Muskego Lake
CC 5.7 5.7
21 Park Arthur 5.7 1.6 7.4 2.9 1.4 19 47
Muskego Lakes
Land
Conservancy
2.3 2.3
22 Quietwood East
Wetlands 12.7 0.1 12.8 48 North Cape
Farms 44
23
Ridges
Conservation
Site
5.3 12.2 9.2 26.7 49 Oak Ridge Glen
Subdivision 4 4
24 Sand Hill Park 0.1 0.3 1.3 2.3 0.6 0.2 1 5.8 50 Pleasant View
Condominiums 15.1 15.1
25 Schmidt Park 0.3 0 0.9 1.2 51 Plum Creek
Subdivision 3.2 3.2
26 Veterans
Memorial Park 4.4 0.1 0.6 5.1 52
Prairie
Meadows
Subdivision
4.8 4.8
27 Woodcrest
Heights 0 7.4 0 0 0 0 2.9 10.3 53
Quietwood
Creek
Subdivision
4.6 14.9 2.9 22.4
28 Woods Road
Wetlands 0.6 3.1 0 0 0 0 0.4 4.1 54 Rosewood
Estates 1.8 1.8
CITY TOTALS 120.5 134.8 114.3 56.7 61.9 27.2 65.6 581 55 Stonebridge
Subdivision 11.6 11.6
56 Veolia
Environmental 24.4 21.5 35.7 0.2 81.8
57
Wind Lake
Management
District
70.8 6.5 77.3
Other Totals 66.5 244.4 40.2 13.8 35.7 0 58.6 459.2
TOTAL (All) 387 890.4 237.9 160.1 97.6 27.2 299.3 2099.5
CITY CONSERVATION SITES COUNTY CONSERVATION SITES
STATE CONSERVATION SITES
OTHER CONSERVATION SITES
Number
Map 6 Site Name
Wet
Wood-
lands
Wet
Prairie
Wooded
Prairie
(Savanna)
Other
Wood-
land
Acres
(Upland)
Wetland
Acres
Prairie
Acres
(Upland)
Total
Acres
Number
Map 6 Site Name
Wooded
Prairie
(Savanna)
Other Total
Acres
Wood-
land
Acres
(Upland)
Wetland
Acres
Prairie
Acres
(Upland)
Wet
Wood-
lands
Wet
Prairie
J A N E S V I L L E R D
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¬57
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¬53
¬30
¬19
¬27
¬49
¬41
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¬56
¬26
¬25
¬30
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¬36¬47
¬15
¬30
¬30
¬30
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¬39
¬54
¬55 ¬37
¬32¬32
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L i t t l eM u s k e g oL a k e
L a k eD e n o o n
B a s sB a y
BadertscherBML Access BoxhornBML Access DurhamBlattner PreserveBluhm ParkCandlewood OutlotsDenoon ParkHolz PreserveEngel Conservation AreaForest Glen Conservation Site
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45464748495051525354555657
Guernsey MeadowsHolz IslandHorn Field/Historical AreaKelsey Conservation SiteKurth ParkLibraryLuther Parker CemeteryManchester Hill ParkMarlan MeadowsMoorland Park
Oak Ridge Glen SubdivisionPleasant View CondominiumsPlum Creek SubdivisionPrairie Meadows SubdivisionQuietwood Creek SubdivisionRosewood Estates SubdivisionStonebridge SubdivisionVeolia Emerald Park LandfillWind Lake Management District
Park ArthurQuietwood East WetlandsRidges Conservation SiteSand Hill ParkSchmidt ParkVeterans Memorial ParkWoodcrest HeightsWoods Road WetlandsMuskego ParkBig Muskego Lake Wildlife AreaAster Hills SubdivisionBelle Chaase SubdivisionBig Muskego Estates SubdivisionBoulder Venture (Kohl's)Candlewood Creek SubdivisionChamberlain Hill SubdivisionChampions Village SubdivisionCopper Oaks SubdivisionDeer Creek SubdivisionHigh School
Lake Ridge Condominiums & ApartmentsLakeview Highlands SubdivisionLakewood CondosLakewood Meadows SubdivisionMartin Estates SubdivisionMuskego Lakes CCMuskego Lakes Land ConservancyNorth Cape Farms
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City Con ser va tion Site
Co un ty Co ns erv atio n Site
Sta te Co ns erv atio n Site
Oth er Co ns er vat io n Site
!6
Blattner Conservation Site: A seven-acre parcel of land containing open grown oak and
hickory trees and an isolated wetland was dedicated to the city in the platting of Boxhorn
Reserve Subdivision. This area is being actively managed to restore the rare oak savanna
cover type. Shown as #4 on the table and Map 6 above.
Bluhm Park: This community park contains 33 acres of conservation land including a 17-
acre older-growth oak/hickory dominated woods, 6 acres of wetland and 8 acres of prairie
and savanna plantings. Approximately one mile of hiking trails traverse this conservation
area. A recent land dedication from the adjacent Belle Chasse subdivision added almost 6
acres to this site. Shown as #5 on the table and Map 6 above.
Candlewood Creek Subdivision Outlots: Four separate outlot parcels comprising 12 acres
adjacent to an unnamed tributary to Bass Bay were dedicated to the city upon the platting of
Candlewood Creek subdivision. Approximately one third of the land cover is delineated as
wetland and the majority is in the 100-year floodplain. In 2010 the parcels north of
Cherrywood Drive were seeded with diverse wet prairie vegetation - creating a relatively
high quality “fresh meadow” wetland. Shown as #6 on the table and Map 6 above.
Denoon Park: This 63-acre community park is located in the southwestern portion of the
city and is adjacent to the northwestern shore of Lake Denoon. The park encompasses
approximately eight acres of upland woods. Over eight acres of prairie vegetation has been
planted within the park including wet prairie and oak savanna. A portion of the park is part
of a primary environmental corridor associated with Lake Denoon. Shown as #7 on the table
and Map 6 above.
Engel Conservation Area: This 155-acre site, the largest city-owned conservation site, was
acquired and developed for passive recreational use and outdoor education. There are 29
acres of upland woodlands, 87 acres of wetlands (including 22 acres of wet woodlands and
42 acres of wet prairie plantings), and 31 acres of upland prairie plantings within the
property. A 67-acre area on the northern half of the property was enrolled into the Natural
Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Wetlands Reserve Program. The US Fish &
Wildlife Service supported projects to re-establish the upland prairies and restore other
wetland areas. Several scout and volunteer projects have helped enhanced the habitats
and developed support facilities. Engel Conservation Area has off street parking for
approximately 16 vehicles and a portable restroom facility. The approximate four miles of
hiking trails that traverse the site have interpretive signage for self-guided nature walks.
Several outdoor recreation programs and events have been held at this site including the
observance of Arbor Day and International Migratory Bird Day. Engel is shown as #9 on the
table and Map 6 above.
Forest Glen Conservation Site: This nine-acre city-owned parcel north of Janesville Road
contains 2 acres of hardwood swamp. The northwestern portion of the site has a retention
pond built in conjunction with a residential development. Shown as #10 on the table and
Map 6 above.
Guernsey Meadows: These eight-acres of open space are located in the north-central part
of the city formerly known as Basse’s Woods. It contains a six acre hardwood forest with a
diverse assemblage of spring ephemeral wildflowers and is classified as an isolated natural
resource area. Combined with adjacent woods owned by Quietwood Creek Subdivision this
site encompasses approximately 10 acres of woodlands. In 2002, an adjacent old field of
1.5 acres was converted to prairie vegetation and planted with Bur oaks and Shagbark
hickories as a project to recreate an oak savanna cover type. Shown as #11 on the table
and Map 6 above.
Holz Island: This undeveloped one-acre island located near the eastern shore of Little
Muskego Lake was dedicated to the city for conservation purposes by Rudolf Holz in 1972.
It is entirely forested with a mixture of hardwood trees and is classified by SEWRPC as
primary environmental corridor. Shown as #12 on the table and map above.
Holz Preserve: Formerly an outlot of Big Muskego Estates subdivision which was restricted by a
conservation easement, this 49-acre parcel was dedicated to the City by Towne Realty in 2016.
An ecological restoration project supported by a US Fish & Wildlife grant is planned which will
plant agricultural fields to native prairie/savanna and restore some small wetland areas.
Horn Field/Old Muskego Historical Center: This 30-acre park site contains almost 20 acres
of conservancy land including nine acres of woodlands and ten acres of wetlands. One
acre of unused turf area was planted to prairie vegetation. The woodlands have an
exceptional diversity of hardwood trees and spring ephemeral wildflowers. Shown as #13 on
the table and Map 6 above.
Kelsey Drive Retention Pond: This nine-acre open space has a one-acre retention pond on
the south end. Four acres of prairie was planted around the pond’s perimeter while the
remainder is leased for agriculture. Future plans will plant the remaining area to prairie.
Shown as #14 on the table and Map 6 above.
Kurth Park: This 18-acre neighborhood park is located in the northeastern portion of the
city. Tess Corners Creek and its associated secondary environmental corridor border the
edge of the park. Prairie vegetation was established on two acres of this park to buffer the
creek, reduce mowing costs, improve aesthetics, and provide wildlife habitat. Shown as
#15 on the table and Map 6 above.
Library: The Muskego Public Library has a one acre wetland and a prairie planting that
covers a third of an acre. Shown as #16 on the table and Map 6 above.
Luther Parker Cemetery: This cemetery, covering 0.6 acres, contains the burial sites of
some of the earliest 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. Seed from several
species are collected here and used for prairie restorations throughout the City. Shown as
#17 on the table and Map 6 above.
Manchester Hill Park: This 15-acre park, located in the north central part of the city, has a
1.7-acre prairie planting surrounding a 1.5-acre pond. It also includes 3 acres of
woodlands and 2 acres of wetlands within an isolated natural resource area. Shown as #18
on the table and Map 6 above.
Marlan Meadows Park: This 7.6-acre mixed hardwood forest site located in the north
central part of the city is classified as an isolated natural resource area. It was dedicated to
the city in the platting of Marlan Meadows subdivision. Shown as #19 on the table and Map
6 above.
Moorland Park: An unnamed Bass Bay (Big Muskego Lake) tributary stream bisects this
37-acre park. Five acres of prairie were planted at the time of developing the active use
areas in the northern portion of the park. The southern portion of the park is predominantly
wetland and floodplain. Eleven acres of wet prairie and an additional 5 acres of upland
prairie were planted here in 2011. Collectively this site and the adjacent Candlewood Creek
site comprise a 25-acre restoration area. Shown as #20 on the table and Map 6 above.
Park Arthur: This park contains 6 acres of woodlands, 3 acres of wet woodlands, and 2
acres of wetland within an isolated natural resource area. Over seven acres of prairie
vegetation was planted on sloped and perimeter areas when the park was developed in
2012. Shown as #21 on the table and Map 6 above.
Quietwood East Wetlands: Wetlands encompassing 12.7 acres adjacent to an unnamed
Bass Bay tributary stream were dedicated to the city upon the platting of Quietwood East
subdivision. Combined with conservation lands in Moorland Park and Candlewood Creek
Subdivision there are over 70 acres of protected land along this tributary corridor. Shown
as #22 on the table and Map 6 above.
Ridges Conservation Site: This 27-acre open space site located in the northwestern portion
of the city encompasses some relatively high quality wetlands and mixed hardwoods within
a secondary environmental corridor. The site has a spring-fed stream locally known as
“Spring Creek” that flows through a valley between drumlin glacial features and is tributary
to Little Muskego Lake. Land management at this site has included prescribed burns to
restore native vegetation, and disabling of drain tiles to restore hydrology. Combined with
the adjacent Badertscher Preserve there are over 130 acres of contiguous conservancy in
this important watershed area. Shown as #23 on the table and Map 6 above.
Sand Hill Park: This newly acquired 19.1-acre park contains 5.8 acres of conservation
land that includes wetlands and a prairie/savanna planting in a former agricultural
field adjacent to Blattner Preserve
Schmidt Park: This seven-acre neighborhood park has a one-acre prairie planting that is
mostly wetland. Shown as #24 on the table and Map 6 above.
Veterans Memorial Park: This park, located just north of City Hall, includes 4.4 acres of
woodlands and 0.6 acres of wet woodlands. The woodlot contains endangered crow’s foot
sedge as well as a diverse assemblage of wildflowers and is recognized as a natural area of
local significance. The forest was named “Betty’s Woods” to memorialize Betty Czarapata
who spearheaded invasive species management projects in Muskego. A boardwalk trail
with interpretive nature signage traverses Betty’s Woods. A small patch of prairie was also
planted adjacent to Racine Avenue. Shown as #25 on the table and Map 6 above.
Woodcrest Heights Wetlands: This 10.3-acre parcel located just south of Muskego
Business Park and north of Woods Road in the west central part of the city has 7.4 acres of
wetlands. Shown as #27 on the table and Map 6 above.
Woods Road Wetlands: This 4.1-acre parcel adjacent to Woods Road in the west central
part of the city has over three acres of wetlands. Shown as #28 on the table and Map 6
above.
County Conservation Lands: Waukesha County owns and manages Muskego Park, which
contains 148 acres of lands with environmental significance. A 100-acre forested area
within this park is designated as a State Natural Area. This woodland has a diversity of
hardwood species including the threatened Blue ash as well as Kentucky Coffeetree, a tree
uncommon in Wisconsin. Endangered Crow’s foot sedge grows on this site which also has
exceptionally diverse spring woodland flora.
State Conservation Lands: In 1999, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
(DNR) set a 3,800-acre project boundary for establishing the Big Muskego Lake State
Wildlife Area. However, only undeveloped lands with environmental significance and
restoration potential within this project area are typically sought. Land is acquired only from
willing sellers and with available funding. Thus, the realized size of the wildlife area can be
expected to be a fraction of the project area. The purpose of the wildlife 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 Big Muskego Lake State Wildlife Area is comprised of
approximately 889 acres of land. Big Muskego Lake and surrounding marshlands are
classified as a natural area of regional significance by SEWRPC. The area has habitat for
an exceptional diversity of wildlife including several critical species: Forster’s tern
(endangered), Great Egret (threatened), and Black Tern (special concern). Big Muskego
Lake was the first and currently one of the only places in Waukesha County to have nesting
Bald eagles and Ospreys. The rich diversity of wildlife associated with Big Muskego Lake
and surrounding marshlands has garnered the designation as an “Important Bird Area” and
as one of just 229 “Land Legacy” places in Wisconsin. Shown as #30 on the table and Map
6 above.
Other Conservation Lands: There are 450+ acres of lands within the community that are
conserved through other various mechanisms. This total includes hundreds of acres of land
within subdivisions and commercial properties that have preservation restrictions on their
recorded plats or surveys. (Note: This largely includes wetland areas but there are many
other privately-owned wetland areas within Muskego that do not have recorded deed
restrictions and thus not included in this category. However there are federal, state and
local laws that regulate wetlands which assures some conservation value to these areas as
well). This “Other Conservation Lands” category also includes 80 acres of lands owned by
lake districts and nonprofit conservation organizations for the purpose of conservation.
These areas are shown as numbers 28 thru 53 on the table and Map 6 above.
Muskego Recreation Trails
There are over 45 miles of trails within the City of Muskego recreational trail system. The
overall trail system consists of on- and off-road trails as well as passive and active trails.
Trails range from hard surfaces fit for bikes and active running to dirt or wood chipped
walking trails. While many of the city’s active trails adorn the sides of Muskego’s main
roadways there are an abundance of interior park and conservation land trails connecting
neighborhoods as well. All trail types can be found on Map 7.
WE Energies (ATC) Trails
The City of Muskego utilizes approximately ten miles of electrical line rights-of-way for trail
purposes. A portion leased from WE Energies extends east-west 6.5 miles between North
Cape Road to the east and the Village of Big Bend/City of Muskego border to the west
along Janesville Road. This trail system is predominantly constructed of crushed limestone
and millings. The western one and a half miles can also be used for horseback riding.
There is a 3.5-mile section of crushed limestone trail within a WE Energies electrical line
right-of-way extending west along STH 36 from North Cape Road to Muskego Dam Road.
In 2010, this trail was extended (.88 miles) along the south side of STH 36 from Muskego
Dam Road and over the Muskego Canal with a city installed bridge. This trail extends to the
southwestern city limits where it links with an existing Wind Lake (Racine County) trail.
Along this trail, next to the pedestrian bridge, is found the Wind Lake WDNR boat launch.
This is sportsman boat lunch where users can access Wind Lake to the south. Fishing
along this bridge and trail area can also take place. See the WE Energies trail areas
depicted on Map 7.
J A N E S V I L L E R D
W O O D SRD
UNION CHURCH DR
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DURHAMDR
M C S H A N E D R
RYAN DR
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Map 7Recreation TrailsCity of Muskego Parks & Conservation Plan
B i gM u s k e g oL a k e
L i t t l eM u s k e g oL a k e
L a k eD e n o o n
Ba s sBa y
Paved Recreation Trail
Unpaved Recreation Trail
WE Energies Trails
Park Sites
CHAPTER 4
NEEDS ASSESSMENTS
Introduction
As mentioned in Chapter 1 the City of Muskego is taking a unique approach in the
development of this Park and Conservation Plan in that the expectation of the resulting
recommendations from the plan will be mainly driven by community needs and wants. In
this chapter we will still review the national standards for locating active and passive
recreational areas. However, we will also examine how community leaders and individual
residents view the city’s recreational facilities. This is accomplished by field assessments of
city staff and the Parks and Conservation Committee. Further strategic surveys from the
daily users of the park and conservation areas are utilized. Ultimately, the combined data
will lead us to a series of recommendations that set a direction for increased recreational
opportunities for the residents and visitors of Muskego over the next decade.
National Park Classifications and Standards
Municipal park systems and conservation lands should encompass a variety of
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
parks and conservation needs in response to land use changes, population growth, and
transportation considerations. The classification of parks and open space types and the
preparation of standards is the first step in assuring that the community is meeting the
needs of its residents and visitors.
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), as well as park and planning
departments across the nation, are now placing more emphasis upon locally preferred
standards and levels of service. This change has occurred in recognition of the variability in
the social, economic, and physical aspects of our communities as such standards that work
well for one community are often not appropriate for another. This view promotes a
systems-based planning approach that translates local information into a framework for
meeting the physical, spatial, and facility requirements that enable a community to develop
local level of service guidelines.
To compare and evaluate various recommendations and standards in a meaningful manner,
a park classification system is essential. Such a system is also useful in the comparison of
different types of recreation and open space sites and facilities to one another during capital
and park dedication funding efforts.
Community 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, quality softball/baseball diamonds and soccer fields,
trail-oriented recreation, lake access, and winter sports. Support facilities, which
include restrooms, shelters, and parking, are found in community parks. They may
also contain areas of environmental significance that are classified as conservation
lands. They are usually within a short drive of the intended users but can also serve
the neighborhood park facility needs for the proximate residential areas. Community
parks should be within a comfortable driving distance of intended users, generally
not exceeding 2.5 miles. This category in Muskego includes the following parks:
Idle Isle Park
Bluhm Farm Park
Denoon Park
Park Arthur
Moorland Park
Neighborhood Parks
Typical Size: 5 - 20 acres
Per Capita Standard: 3.0 acres per 1,000 persons
Accessibility Standard: 1.0 mile radius
Neighborhood parks usually provide facilities for children’s outdoor recreation
activities. These typically include playground equipment, sandlot play fields, picnic
shelter, and basketball courts. Neighborhood parks should be within a comfortable
walking distance of intended users, generally not exceeding 1 mile. This category in
Muskego includes the following parks:
Freedom Square
Horn Field
Jensen Park
Kurth Park
Lions Park
Manchester Hill Park
Schmidt Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Sand Hill Park
Lee Hubka Park
Regional Parks
Typical Size: 200+ acres
Per Capita Standard: Not Applicable
Accessibility Standard: One hour driving time
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 parks and open space plan, and is typically initiated by higher
levels of government. This category in Muskego only includes the Waukesha County
owned Muskego Park.
Special Use Parks
Typical Size: Varies
Per Capita Standard: Not Applicable
Accessibility Standard: Not Applicable
Special use parks cover a broad range of recreation facilities oriented toward a
single purpose use. This category in Muskego includes the City’s lake acceses, the
Old Muskego Settlement Centre, and the Muskego Centre Park along Pioneer Drive.
Per Capita Park Needs
The table below illustrates how the existing acreage of public park sites serves the city’s current
population needs for park lands. As shown, the city’s current population is adequately served
by the existing neighborhood and community park acreage. No attempt was made to determine
how Muskego County 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. Further, special use
parks have no standards and would not have a per capita basis as well.
Per Capita Standards and Needs for Public-Owned Parks
Park Type Existing
Acreage
Acres/1000
persons
(Muskego 2015 pop.
~24,410)
Minimum
Acres Required
2015
Surplus or
Deficit Acreage
Neighborhood 99.3 4.07 73.23 +26.07
Community 217.6 8.92 146.46 +71.14
Special Use 20.9 .86 n/a n/a
Regional 209 n/a n/a n/a
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 and represent a
reasonable walking distance (1.0 mile) for most park users. The larger shaded areas show the
area served by a community park (2.5-mile radius) – typically a short drive for park users.
Muskego County Park serves the regional park needs of the entire city. The southeastern
portion of the city contains the largest contiguous area not served by community or
neighborhood parks.
Future Population Park Needs
Using Wisconsin Department of Administration population projections, the City of Muskego is
expected to have 25,792 persons in 2025. While this plan is designed to facilitate park planning
for a five-year period for DNR grant eligibility, the 2025 population level is used to coordinate
recommendations of this plan with the City of Muskego Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
The table below illustrates how the existing acreage of public park sites serves the city’s 2025
population needs for park lands. As shown below, existing neighborhood and community park
acreage would serve the city’s projected 2025 population. Future regional park needs were not
analyzed since the provision of regional parks is beyond the scope of this plan. Further, special
use parks have no standards and would not have a per capita basis as well.
Per Capita Standards and Projected 2025 Needs for Public-Owned Parks
Park Type Existing
Acreage
Acres/1000
persons
(Muskego 2015 pop.
~24,410)
Minimum
Acres Required
2025
Surplus or
Deficit Acreage
Neighborhood 79.6 4.07 77.38 +2.22
Community 207.3 8.92 154.75 +52.55
Special Use 20.9 .86 n/a n/a
Regional 209 n/a n/a n/a
The spatial distribution of neighborhood and community parks for the 2025 population will need
to accommodate any expansion of residential areas. As new neighborhoods are formed,
accessibility to existing parks should be evaluated. If existing parks are not accessible, then
new parks should be developed in these new residential areas.
J A N E S V I L L E R D
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Map 8Areas Served By Park SitesCity of Muskego Parks & Conservation Plan
B i gM u s k e g oL a k e
L i t t l eM u s k e g oL a k e
L a k eD e n o o n
Ba s sBa y
Neighborhood Park Radius = 1.0 Mile
Community Park Radius = 2.5 Miles
Community Survey Results
This section compiles the survey data employed during the formation of this Plan. The parks
and Conservation Committee took a strategic approach in surveying the residents of the
community in relation to the parks and open spaces. While all surveys that were sent out had
general community questions related to park and open spaces, the surveys were tailored to
specific geographic areas. This was done in order to gauge the true user-ship of the various
parks and open space sites in the community. The resultant data is used to provide further
recommendations for each individual area as to what may still be needed, or at times, what
amenities might now be no longer used and could be relinquished for future efficiency and
maintenance purposes.
2016 Surveys
Surveys were sent out in March 2016 that discussed specific questions relating to individual
park and conservation areas as well as questioning the overall user’s thoughts of the city’s park
and conservation system. Surveys were sent to property owners within a certain radius of each
park listed below. Further, all surveys were posted online for the general public to partake in the
various surveys as well. The city marketed the surveys in a citywide newsletter as well as
various public meetings throughout the beginning of 2016. The survey summary can be found
attached to this Plan as Appendix A. The survey results were used in determining the future
recommendations for the overall park and conservation system in the community. Specific
recommendations were also found based on the survey results for individual parks and
conservation areas in Muskego. The recommendations that were derived from this survey data
are shown in the recommendations section of this Plan noted with the symbol (S).
2008 Surveys
A section in the 2008 Comprehensive Planning Survey was in relation to parks, recreation, and
conservation lands. Recommendations for this element in relation to the 2020 Land Use Plan
are based upon the main responses from the survey discussed below.
The 2008 Comprehensive Plan survey inquired if current park facilities and lands were sufficient
in the respondent’s minds. The majority of the respondents agreed (49%). The second
question asked if there are areas in the City that people felt were underserved by parks.
Further, if the respondent believed there were underserved areas, where those areas might be
and what facilities may be needed. Only 15% of the people felt that there were areas
underserved by parks. Of those 15%, the following re-occurring responses were mentioned:
Southeast corner of Muskego
East side of Muskego
Parks and access enhancements to
Big Muskego Lake
Lighted softball/hardball diamonds
Need sledding hill
More recreational fields in general
(softball, baseball, football, soccer,
etc.)
More paved biking trails (College
and Martin)
Need Dog park
Community outdoor pool
More facilities at Moorland Park
Park near Martin/Janesville area
Develop Park Arthur
More basketball hoops at parks
Enhancements and identification of
lake access/view points
Bluhm Park upgrades
A community center or downtown
park (open space, city center,
playgrounds)
More beaches or enhance Idle Isle
beach
Mountain bike trails
Cross-country ski/ice skate areas
Add outdoor pool/water park
Bow range facility needed
Lastly, the survey requested if respondents believed that current conservation land facilities
were sufficient as well. While the highest response agreed (31%), many were neutral (29%) or
shared no opinion (16%) indicating many new little about the City’s conservation facilities.
When asked if people believe the City should continue to pursue acquiring conservation lands,
however, the respondent’s overwhelming agreed (44%) to accomplish this task.
Park and Open Space Field Assessments
City staff completed field assessments of the publicly owned parks and open spaces as part of
this plan. Completing these assessments is key in determining the efficiencies as well as the
future needs of our park system. The city took a unique approach in the assessments in order
to gauge various perspectives on future recommendations for our parks and open spaces. The
assessments consisted of the Community Development Director (planning/design perspective),
Recreation Manager (recreation perspective), Public Works Director (maintenance perspective),
and City Conservationist/City Forester (conservation/landscaping perspective). Each
assessment was individually reviewed with the City’s Parks and Conservation Committee for
their input, perspectives, and recommendations as well. Lastly, each assessment included the
recreation perspective for each park and open space as the City’s various recreation clubs were
met with individually for their input on how they use the parks as well as what they see as
efficient/deficient in each area.
Park Assessments
The park and conservation assessments are provided in mapping format as outlined on the
following pages. It should be noted that Sand Hill Park does not have an assessment since
this park was in the initial building stages during the establishment of this Plan.
Lake Access Assessments
The lake access sites for Little Muskego Lake, Big Muskego Lake, and Lake Denoon were
specifically assessed and evaluated for upgrade and maintenance needs. The locations of
the sites can be found on Map 5 for Little Muskego Lake, Big Muskego Lake, and Lake
Denoon Park (Denoon Park). The assessments led to overall and specific
recommendations for the access sites as found in the recommendations chapter of this
plan.
Open Space Assessments
The two primary recreationally active conservation site assessments (Engel Conservation
Area and Badertscher Preserve) can be found via Maps 25 and 26. There are many
miscellaneous open space sites that are under the conservation umbrella for remediation
and maintenance as well. These sites are described in detail, and mapped, in Chapter 3.
Each site is managed per the City’s Open Space Management Plan from year to year and
this management program is kept up by the City’s Conservation Division in the Community
Development Department. The recommendations section in Chapter 5 details each of these
sites further on how they have been managed along with future recommendations for each
as per the City’s Open Space Management Plan.
BIGMUSKEGOLAKE
LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
LAKEDE NOO N
ASSESSMENT
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USE: Heav y b aseb all/softb all (Clu b & MAA) u se on Fields #3 and #4 (m id May-m id Ju ly); Heav y MAA footb all u se b etween Fields #3 and #4 (Au g .-m id Oct.); Am ple parking for each sport
No sig nag e denoting park on north side.
Du m pster & enclosu re not u sed.
No landscaping on Blu h m north .
City water close to Blu h m north b ath room b u ilding now.
Neig h b or b eliev ed to b e m owing g rass east of Field #3.
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SOUTH SIDEUSE: Heav y b aseb all (Clu b & MAA) u se on Fields #1 and #2 (m id May-m id Ju ly); Mu skeg o Ru g b y u se on tu rf west of b aseb all Field #2 (Au g .-m id Oct.); Am ple parking lot; 2-5 yr old & 5-12 yr old playg rou nd; b asketb all h oop; rentab le pav ilion with b ath room s; conserv ation trails.
Main sig nag e old wood sig n th at requ ires m aintenance.
Bleach ers for b aseb all fields #1 and #2 ag ing and a safety concern.
P ine trees a m aintenance issu e.
Hav e g arb ag e can plan (m any arou nd and alternate types).
Railroad ties sticking ou t of g rou nd arou nd parking lot serv e no pu rpose.
P rairie planting b eh ind Field #1, along first b ase side, cau ses issu es with b aseb all prog ram m ing .
Fencing arou nd Fields #1 and #2 ag ing .
Bench es on Fields #1 and #2 su b par. Don’t extend along wh ole du g ou t and cram ped.
P av ilion needs painting ; especially wood tim b ers.
Appears a portion of th e park was g raded for a form er ice skating rink.
No sig nag e/m ap for ov erall park and trail system .
Du m pster sh ou ld b e kept h ere; enclosu re ag ing .
Basketb all h oop is in parking lot.
Excellent trail system th rou g h env ironm ental lands on Blu h m sou th ; not m ade known or m arked well.
Blu h m sou th sh ort of parking on b aseb all g am e days.
Lig h ts on any/all Blu h m b aseb all/softb all fields wou ld h elp to expand prog ram s and allev iate need for oth er fields in city.
Lig h ts cou ld work well on Blu h m north for MAA footb all prog ram m ing as well.
Blu h m sou th b aseb all/softb all fields need m ore m aintenance on fencing , du g ou ts, b ench es, b leach ers.
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Main signage on north and we st e ntrance s is old e r and h igh m ainte nance .
Ove rall signage and path syste m signage sh ould be be tte r h e re (Map board s, QR Cod e s, e tc.).
Entire park h ard surface s re -pave d in late 2015.
Pavilion is ope n air picnic are a with out wate r for bath room s or e le ctric.
Port a pottie s ne ar front pavilion.
Rock s around pave m e nt are as m ainte nance issue and not re quire d .
S plit rail fe nce along frontage of park d e te riorating.
Playground not in d e sirable location for park use rs. Not ADA acce ssible as we ll.
Possible opportunity for re ntable pavilion close r to boat launch park ing lot.
Bask e tball court re pave d and re -fe nce d in late 2015 but a bitstill un-acce ssible ; S cout to ad d pine tre e s for wind scre e ning on bask e tball court in e arly 2016.
Gre at m ix of ope n land s and conse rvation land s for future frisbe e golf opportunity.
Le ss m owing of are as id e ntifie d in various locations.
Re c trial from Ke lse y going south could be m ore m e and e ring for be tte r ch aracte r rath e r th an be straigh t line .
More m owing id e ntifie d in som e are as .
De fine back trail th at goe s along back yard s of re sid e nts to th e e ast (grave l or d e fine with allowing som e of th e are a to be longe r grass). Use d to be d e fine d h e avily by a full grave l trail th at is now ove rgrown, but m owe d . Acce ss ways to subd ivisions part of De noon Park prope rty as we ll.
Lak e not ve ry acce ssible to public; re lative ly unk nown to public from front of park .
Boat launch could use a d re d ging as is sh allow.
Ge ne ral land scape cle anup around launch ne e d e d .
S id e s of boat launch h ave d ange rous h ole s.
Boat launch turnabout island could use le ss m ainte nance m ate rials so e quipm e nt d oe sn’t h ave to com e th is wh ole way.
Pe d e strian wood e n brid ge along conse rvation trail h as som e ne e d s for future safe ty.
Ope n turf are a along we st sid e of park h e avily use d by Kick e rs S occe r for gam e s and practice s.
One base ball fie ld in ce ntral are a of park use d m inim ally by base ball clubs (6 gam e s in 2015). Ge ts we t e asily and in rough e r sh ape th an oth e r fie ld s in com m unity.
Approx im ate ly four (4) Cross Country m e e ts h e ld h e re by S ch ool District.
Musk e go Football Club d e sire s se parate location th at th e y can inve st in for d istant future . Ope n turf are a and location d e sirable h e re for th e m .
North e rn turf by socce r are a is in rough sh ape /ge ts we t e asy.
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USE: Small neighborhood park with parking lot (shared with commercial business to south), a tennis court, and a full court basketball court.
Many weeds growing thru aging courts.
Tennis court net broken
-Find out if there is need for this parcel via survey.
-No complaints about condition of park in recent past.
-No rec programs exist here.
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PARKING
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Plenty of space for m ore parking lot to the west off existing ; utilize ifrecreational opportunities are expanded.
Overall parking lot pavem ent has 5-10 y ears life other than re-striping from tim e to tim e. Could m ake one lane or parallel parking east side.
Existing parking lot access to pavilion odd (Currently blocked off by m ovable wooden barrier).
Stones around parking lot not doing job; g aps.
Sing le g arbag e cans every where and random .
Two (2) enclosed dum pster locations exist in park and in m ain thoroug hfare, hig h-profile areas (next to boat launch and one at entrance to park).
Boat wash station is 200’ hose extending from pavilion all the way to the boat launch. Safety hazard and is not a perm anent option.
Play g round ag ing but in g ood shape with som e m aintenance needed in next 5 y ears; No ADA accessibility to existing play g round equipm ent. Play g round not close to beach area.
Trail along lake frontag e g reat asset. No connection thoug h around balance of park.
Many g roups g ather towards SW lakefront point with the shade and play g round close. Opportunity for another shelter/g azebo towards SW lakefront point. Rental/revenue opportunities for events along with overall beautiful location.
Existing shelter only has space for day to day use of beach activities. Another shelter could expand on opportunities.
Durable m em orial benches along lake frontag e trail (2 found so far).
Beach heavily used y et not that desirable. Opportunity to increase beach space to the west.
Lake frontag e around whole park very undesirable. Shoreline restoration project could be found.
Many kay akers found using lake and channels surrounding park all accessing water from Idle Isle. Great location for kay akers and paddle boarders due to channel calm ness surrounding park.
Weed m achines are allowed to be parked along the lake frontag e trail just west of the beach along m ain vistas of park to the lake. Unm aintained piers to access the weed m achines found along shoreline here as well.
Boat launch area unkept and sig nag e barely readable with overg rowth of weeds around them .
Sig nag e for entrance to park and around park very unorg anized and difficult to decipher/understand.
Park hidden from public.
Staff sits and collect fees from opposite side of street of cars entering .
Waterbug s using the city portion of concession area in pavilion in their day to day use.
Coniferous trees around play g round a m aintenance problem .
Lack of shade trees around park; opportunity for consistent landscaping prog ram for park.
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USE: Park run n in g n o rth to so uth fo r o ver a ¼ mile. Ho uses main ly so ccer activities (+ fill-in fo o tball p ractices) with club baseball field to n o rth . Parkin g lo ts at n o rth an d so uth en tran ces. Bath ro o m/sto rage structure to n o rth . Ten n is co urts an d o n e basketball h o o p to n o rth .
Main sign age o n bo th n o rth an d so uth sides are o ld wo o d sign s th at require main ten an ce.
Sto rage buildin g n eeds rep ain tin g an d h as graffiti (Sto rage buildin g used fo r Warrio rs baseball equip men t).
Dump ster/en clo sure n o t required an ymo re.
Parkin g is o verlo aded durin g so ccer game days (Issues with dro p -o ff/p ick-up ). Co mp lain ts abo ut p arkin g fro m area residen ts as well as fro m p eo p le co min g fo r so ccer games.
Basketball co urt in p arkin g lo t an d n o t lo n g term.
ADA access to ten n is co urts n o t fo un d.
Path aro un d n o rth west cen tral p art o f p ark n eeds care. Used to be TB/gravel like rest o f p ath an d is n o w mo stly grass.
Bath ro o ms in sto rage buildin g an d in OK co n ditio n .
Creek run s alo n g p ark east edge an d is main ly blo cked with vegetatio n .
Kurth h eavy fo r Milwaukee Kickers so ccer club. Used fo r main p ractice fields as well as so me game fields. Game fields gen erally at Kurth n o rth an d so uth with p ractices at Kurth cen tral. So ccer n eeds:• Better sign age n eeded to direct p eo p le fro m n o rth to so uth• Mo re p arkin g n eeded at Kurth n o rth
Kurth n o rth baseball field used by Warrio rs Baseball. Baseball n eeds:• Righ t field lin e n eeds tree trimmin g as it is creep in g o n field o f p lay.• Fen cin g curlin g at bo tto m in so me lo catio n s.• Ho me run fen ce wo uld be desirable by club.
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LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
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ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
USE: Large size baseball field found here that is minimally used and in need of a lot of maintenance. Large parking lot to rear for rec activities, playground, and two-story rec programming structure.
Recreational building in bad condition inside/out (unclean); Upstairs a great dance studio.
Playground newer and in great shape.
Parking lot at dead end.
Parking lot orientation could change without rec building.
Undesirable trees around parking lot and outfield.
Baseball field in rough shape; grades along infield and down lines are off, fences in bad condition, need new benches, bleacher area behind backstop a mess of seating (old timbers, old cement (failing), new decking, etc.).
Port-a-potty area could use cleanup.
Main signage old wood sign that requires maintenance.
Unused flag pole found here.
Field very minimally used for club baseball/softball practices.
A lot of open turf that may be used well for other sports.
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LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
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ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
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USE: Small park off of Gold Drive that houses two (2) full court basketball courts along with miscellaneous hard surface space (2,000+ SF). Has access to Little Muskego Lake channel to east.
Pavement is flat and relatively uncracked. Pavement could use a re-lining and possibly resurface in next couple years.
Floodplain encumbers this whole lot.
Where are property lines? Seems in orthophotos that parcel extends further north into neighbor used area.
Considered as Lake Access #4. Being a lake access is very unknown to public and not advertised at park. This is actually access to channel that leads to Little Muskego Lake.
Channel found to be very shallow and covered with stones. Channel access very hard to navigate (no trail, overgrown, shoreline overgrown as well).
No parking is found here; only street parking. Ditches along street leave cars into street.
Chance to turn one basketball court plus the extra asphalt space here into tennis court if desired.
-Use survey to question how much this park is used.
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ACTIVE REC. OPEN TU RF
PLAYGROU ND AREA
PARKING
STRU CTU RES
PARK BOU NDARY
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Main signage old wood sign that re quire s mainte nance
Parking lot is in fair condition (10 y e ars of life le ft).
No ADA acce ss from parking lot to pickle ball courts.
Pickle ball addition in 2015 he avily use d. Sche dule for four (4) morePickle ball courts, re placing baske tball court, in 2016.
Incre ase d parking de mand found he re due to Pickle ball usage . Alte rnative s may be ne e de d.
No handicap parking.
Asphalt around building and pathway s aging. Rough and not e asily trave rse d.
No good se ating around Pickle ball and play ground.
Building in good condition and curre ntly use d for storage and re strooms. Le aks in inte rior wall of me n’s bathroom found.
Building could be conve rte d for future conce ssions if re c programs for park warrante d.
Painting of outside of structure ne e de d, has some old cove r-up graffiti on south side of building.
Limite d lighting around building.
Building is on we ll sy ste m. Wate r ve ry brown and staining plumbing.
Storage room in building consists of storage for Public Works and Pickle ball ite ms.
Base ball diamond isn’t use d like in the past; dirt infie ld has since fille d in with grass. Base ball backstop and foul line fe ncing still e xists. Fe ncing works we ll to box in turf are a of park. Backstop could use re -fe ncing.
Smoothe r transition for ADA is ne e de d at play ground.
Mature tre e s with large mulch rings unmaintaine d and we e dy.
More tre e s could be use d around play ground for future shade opportunitie s. More tre e s could be adde d down Lions Park Drive to frame in park.
Appe ars park use d to be floode d in an are a along the SW portion for an outdoor ice rink.
Ope n turf are a primarily use d for pe e we e Muske go Youth Football.
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Main signage old wood sign that requires maintenance.
Dumpster/enclosure not required.
Port-a-Potty here OK.
Not all areas of park need to be mowed.
Possibility to increase rentals here with cleanup of various itemsand additions of other items (Ex. bathrooms and more parking).
Great trail system but lacks identification.
Ice rink enhancements a possibility here.
Pond enhancements would make park more desirable.
Playground aging and in use of touchups (15 yrs+ old).
ADA access from parking lot to playground not good.
Mature trees with large mulch rings unmaintained and weedy.
Middle tree line between pavilion and soccer fields divides park a bit.
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LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
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ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
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PARK BOUNDARY I
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USE: Large p ark with turf area to east an d west, large p arkin g lo t cen trally lo cated n ext to skatep ark an d 2-5 yr o ld/5-12 yr o ld p laygro un ds.
Sign age: Main sign age o n SW co rn er o f San dalwo o d an d Mo o rlan d is o ld wo o d sign that requires m ain ten an ce. Sm all sign at en tran ce to p arkin g lo t. Skatep ark sign age agin g an d m issin g wo rdin g. “In p ro Skatep ark” sign in go o d co n ditio n .
No sign age n o tin g trails aro un d p ark o r p ark am en ities.
Wo o dchip s un even thro ugho ut p laygro un d.
Playgro un d access fro m p arkin g lo t via wo o dchip s, n o t hard surface. Parkin g lo t has n o hash m arks where access is to p laygro un d.
Dum p ster an d p o rt-a-p o tty go o d here. En clo sure fo r p o rta-a-p o ttyweaken in g/ADA ram p o ff. En clo sure fo r dum p ster n eeds do o rs.
Cam eras n o t fun ctio n in g an ym o re.
Lan dscap in g aro un d p ark m in im al.
Fro n tage o f San dalwo o d deterio rated with m iscellan eo us p rairie p lan tin gs; p rairie failin g in tho se lo catio n s.
Co n n ectio n o f trail fro m Can dlewo o d Creek Subdivisio n an d n ature area fro m the so uth better to the m ain p arkin g lo t area o f Mo o rlan d Park.
Go o d lo catio n to exp an d p ark am en ities in cludin g p o ssible san d vo lleyball, ren table p avilio n .
Tree lin e in back o f p laygro un d an d skate p ark co uld use clean -up /o ut
-Sen io r co n tin gen t in area; fo cus o n sen io r sp o rts m ay be go o d.
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ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
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Shoreline cleanup required annually.1
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ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
S TRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
US E: Mu lti-u se com m u nity park with am ple parking lots, rentable larg e pav ilion with bath room s/concessions, h ig h g rad e lig h ted baseball field s (4), lig h ted sled d ing h ill, arch ery, and conserv ation trails th at allow equ estrian.
Baseball field s and all tu rf areas of park are in rou g h sh ape and need top d ressing .
Field Nu m bers on baseball field s sm all and h ard to find .
Land scaping lacking arou nd park.
Main entrance sig ns on north and sou th are new and com posite m aterials. Howev er, som e form er Cod e nu m bers exist th at will requ ire rem ov al.
Park am enities aren’t fou nd v ia sig nag e well from parking lots; Trail sig nag e lacking .
Many m ore park am enities are lacking for a com m u nity park th is size wh ich cou ld inclu d e: playg rou nd , Frisbee g olf, ice rink, sand v olleyball.
West sid e of park continu es to be u nd eru tilized .
Problem with people d riv ing on th e sou th ern access trail off of Martin Driv e.
Larg e stones along m ain d riv e m ay not be d oing job intend ed .
Keep d u m pster h ere bu t th ere is no enclosu re.
Lot of open areas th at m ay be u sed for Frisbee g olf.
Less areas to m ow h ere id entified .
Dog park requ est h as com e u p in past and cou ld be u tilized with ease on S W portion of Park Arth u r.
Path u p sled d ing h ill h ard to m anag e (h oles/ru ts).
ADA accessibility to bleach ers on all fou r baseball d iam ond s h ard to m anag e.
S led d ing h ill h as d ang erou s sid es sh u t d own for sled d ing v ia sig nag e.
Heav y u sag e of baseball field s by clu b team s; m ainly g am es.
S coreboard s requ ested for field s with d efinite cost sh are th ru clu bs/MAA.
Playg rou nd requ ested wh ere parents can see kid s.
Rem ote concession stand by field s #1-3 requ ested .
Hitting /Pitch ing cag es between Field s #2-3 requ ested .
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PARKING
ST RUCT URES
PARK BOUNDARY I
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USE: Sm all ne ighborhood park with acce ss to north and south and no parking lots. Contains large ope n turf are a, two (2) te nnis courts, half court of baske tball, and 2-5 y r old/5-12 y r old play grounds.
Main signage on north and south side s are old wood signs that re quire m ainte nance .
T e nnis court fe ncing in bad shape with gaps all along bottom .
No parking is found at this park, y e t de m and is the re with te nnis program m ing at tim e s.
A lot of ope n “flat” turf; not use d for any club or re cre ation program s.
Play ground 6 y e ars old and in good shape .
Be nche s surrounding play ground ne e d re place m e nt.
No line s on baske tball court.
Backstop on southe ast corne r of park unuse d and age d.
T e nnis le ssons he re in fall/spring with e ight (8) kids at a tim e
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ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
USE: Large baseball field with many amenities including fencing, bleachers, bullpens, and netting. Storage structures with concessions and bathrooms. Playground and swings. Conservation trails surrounding.
Overall signage and path system signage should be better found throughout Veterans Park to Settlement to Horn.
Main signage along Pioneer Drive is old wood sign that requiresmaintenance.
Fence dividing parking lot on south side now; used to be used for Safety City.
Concrete approach from old Horn structure unneeded.
Overhanging limb of tree along playground a safety concern.
Opportunity for more trails cut in woods south of park building.
Dumpster here unneeded.
Batting cage along left field line and bullpen along right field line in rough shape.
Homerun fence cleanup needed.
Bleachers in odd locations.
Various Baseball clubs (Rebels/Avalanche) use Horn for practices and/or games from April-October
Lighting here could open up more opportunities in future.
Poor left field drainage.
Better maintenance of bullpens/hitting cage.
Scoreboard currently not used/working.
-Overall lacks charm and seems more of a utility use other than use for baseball.
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PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
USE: Large park with pavilion, playground, open turf, and conservation related trails. Used heavily by resident and for summer rec programming.
Overall signage and path system signage should be better found throughout Veterans Park to Settlement to Horn.
Landscape bed in Vets area to west in rough shape.
Mulch areas around mature trees weedy and maintenance issue.
Turf around pavilion/playground has issues.
Pavilion needs repainting and replacing of various boards.
Storage area directly adjacent to covering in pavilion is currently under-utilized by City Parks system as it is currently utilized for storage of annual MuskegoFest.
Large turf area found in middle of park that is underutilized. Mainly due to festival scheduled for last weekend in August of each year.
Bird (Swallow) problem under pavilion.
Grill by pavilion could use replacement.
Playground in good shape. Need of some minor repairs or re-coatings in future.
More shade around playground needed.
More recreational opportunities could be found in park to benefit everyday users as well as summer rec program.
Boardwalk in central woods is aging; future repairs required.
Summer Rec Program utilizes pavilion and lands all summer months.
No use of large turf area by club programs.
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USE: Lands with Historical Society buildings upon them. Large Old Town Hall building used for rec programming and Historical Society Museum in basement.
Main Settlement sign requires maintenance and not maintained well as of now.
Overall signage and path system signage should be better found throughout Veterans Park to Settlement to Horn.
Structural repairs needed for various Historical Society buildings.
Old barn in woods could be great asset once open for business in future.
Landscaping around Old Town Hall in need of care.
Could add more trees in areas.
Less mowing could be done in some areas.
Summer Rec program heavy use at this location.
Old Town Hall: Used for rec programming and requires maintenance inside/outside. Aging building.
Downstairs used for Historical Society Museum. Has kitchen and large inner open meeting area that could have more alternative uses for the city.
Dumpster required at this location.
More paths could be found in the woods east of Settlement.
Victory garden on northeast portion.
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Hiking trail crosse s varying te rrain with some su rface s re lative ly smooth and dry while othe r are as are ste e p, rocky, or se asonally we t. While su ch challe nging su rface s are inhe re nt to hiking trails the re are some are as that shou ld be improve d for u sability.
Portable re stroom is some what u nsightly.
Hiking trail doe s not have “inte rpre tive ” signage .
A sce nic vista e xists on the northe rn part of the oak savanna re storation.
No she lte r or e du cation ce nte r e xists he re .
Bridge s ove r variou s wate r crossings are re qu ire d.
Parking lot in rou gh shape at time s du e to cars driving e rratically.
Parking lot has a stone pillar/ce dar log fe nce arou nd a portion of its pe rime te r that was constru cte d by an Eagle Scou t.
Parking lot cou ld u se de finition and cu rbing to de note are a be tte r.
Still many ash tre e s arou nd.
Maps/data in ple xiglass information booth re qu ire s pe riodic change ou t/u pdating.
Main sign ne e ds mainte nance .
Main e ntryway ne e ds to be cle are d of old bru sh and tre e s so pe ople know the are a is the re .
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STRUCTURES
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LEGEND
Po rtio ns o f the sp lit ra il fence a ro und p a rking lo t ha ve been va nda lized o r in disrep a ir. Fence wa s co nstructed to o fa r fro m edge o f p a vem ent – crea ting a strip o f vegeta tio n tha t is difficult to m o w.
There is a ca p p ed a rtesia n well o n the no rthern p o rtio n o f the site.
The a rtesia n well o n the no rthern p o rtio n o f the site is lea king a nd wet so il is so ftening the a dja cent hiking tra il a nd m a king it difficult to p a ss thro ugh this a rea with the m o wer.
A sho rt tra il segm ent lea ding to the bridge tha t cro sses to the High Scho o l a thletic fields tra verses a lo w a rea tha t is inunda ted in wet wea ther. A bo a rdwa lk wa s co m p leted o n a p o rtio n but do es no t sp a n the entire wet a rea .
Signa ge: Interp retive signa ge needs rep la cem ent/up da ting. Missing hiking signs fo und in a rea s.
Wa sh o ut o f entra nce drivewa y o ccurring when flo w exceeds ca p a city. Ma ny p o tho les o ver co urse o f ea ch yea r.
Po rta ble to ilet enclo sure needs m a intena nce.
Sm a ll o a ks p la nted yea rs ba ck rea dy fo r thinning o ut; distributio n to o ther co nserva tio n a rea s
Telep ho ne p o les a ro und p a rking lo t no t required a ny lo nger
Still m a ny a sh trees a ro und.
Ma p s/da ta in p lexigla ss info rm a tio n bo o th requires p erio dic cha nge o ut/up da ting.
Tra il still exists a ro und o ld ho use a nd is unneeded.
Certa in tra il cro ssings need future m a intena nce a nd/o r bridging o f ga p s (SE co rner tra il, west centra l tra il, scho o l cro ssing o n NE side, cro ssing to go to Wo o ds Ro a d o n NW side).
Access fro m Wo o ds Ro a d ha s gra vel ro a dwa y a nd no signa ge.
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Trail Condition Grade
A Grade
B Grade
C Grade
D Grade
Not Graded
WE Energies Trails
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Muskego Recreation Trail Assessments
The Muskego trail system consists of larger connector trails and loops thru the community as well
as many off road internal park trails that are both hard surfaced as well as passive mowed trails.
The city completed a full trail assessment in 2015-16 on all trails in the city system. The
assessment consisted of city staff walking all pathways in the community while utilizing a Global
Positioning System (GPS) to track exact locations of the trails. Further, the GPS was used to rate
all trails via a grading system. This grading system was used to show the current condition of the
various sections of trails. The “A-F” grading system is noted below along with a series of maps
denoting the location, type of trail surface, and grading of all the trails in Muskego. Such an
assessment is used to ultimately provide a base for core recommendations found later in this Plan.
Grading System of trails
A – Informational rating or a warning of potential damage to trail in the future. Trail or area of trail is like new and in no
need of repair. Example of such damage would be a hairline crack or a small 4in long crack forming across the trail.
B – Area of trail where damage exists yet is too premature for repair. Trail or area of trail is safe for travel. Damage
wouldn’t pose a threat to safety until the distant future if it were to progress. An example of such damage would be a
crack that is the full width of the trail at 0.25in or less wide.
C – Area of trail that is functional yet has damage that may be worth fixing in the near future. An example of such
damage would be a crack that is the full width of the trail and 0.25-0.5in wide.
D – Area of trail that is top priority once maintenance is set to begin. Trail or area of trail may be functional yet is
damaged to the point where if left untreated could very easily become a future safety hazard. An example of such
damage would be a crack that is the full width of trail and 0.5-1in wide.
F – Area of trail that is currently or could be in the very near future a pedestrian safety concern. Damage should be
fixed sooner rather than later as continued damage to area could increase safety risk or even cause injury. A large,
1in or greater, crack that could cause someone to trip and fall would be an example of such damage.
Summary
Map 27 shows overall grading system of the various sections of trail as well as denotes the surface
types of each trail in the community. Overall, the following characteristics are found:
Paved Pathways: 19.5 miles at A or B, 1.2 miles at C, and 4.5 miles at D
Un-paved Pathways: 7.75 miles at A or B, .8 miles at C, and 2.5 miles at D
Five plus miles currently un-graded
NOTE: No overall section were rated with an F, however, there are certain spots rated with an F. It
was the intention of the Public Works Department during the course of this assessment process to
make repairs to any spots marked by an F rating as time allowed.
The overall assessment of the many Muskego trails has found that each section of trail is unique in
its own way. Some serve more intense purposes while others are simply for passive connectors in
internal park systems. The recommendations derived in Chapter 5 regarding trails are specific to
the grading system presented above.
WE Energies (ATC) Trails
There are a few longer sections of the Muskego trail system that have warranted their own
individual staff assessment. These trail sections include the WE Energies trails that traverse the
community to the north and south as shown on Map 27. The assessment for these trails are as
follows:
North Trail
-Public Works installed new millings from west gateway to Woods Road (horse trail portion) in
late 2015.
-Crossing of County Hwy L by substation near Stagecoach Inn bar could use better detail for
safety for both trail users and cars.
-First large trail system sign begins at Woods Road and in rough shape.
-Various benches exist along trail
-Overall signage needs evaluation:
-Traffic control signs exist at some locations but not others.
-Some traffic control signs old and failing.
-Brown wooden signs old/failing and not at every crossing.
-First Adopt a Trail sign begins at Woods Road portion; some in bad shape.
-No gateway signage at west end denoting trail system.
-First sign is at Crowbar denoting equestrian trail.
-First map sign is at Crowbar; Map signs built and installed by scout a few years back;
map signs facing west to east.
-Signage tagged to various posts inconsistently.
Hwy 36 Trail
-Many parts of trail with some overgrowth and undefined (especially south of Muskego Dam).
-No portion of trail extends northeast into Franklin (stops at North Cape).
-Trail does not cut thru boulevard of Champions Drive along Hwy 36.
-No benches exist along trail
-Overall signage should be evaluated:
-Traffic control signs exist at some locations but not others; especially not found at
private driveways.
-Better traffic control bike crossing signs at intersection of Muskego Dam/Hwy 36 for
safety.
-Some traffic control signs old and failing.
-No signs about trail in this Hwy 36 portion like found on northern ATC trail.
-First Adopt a Trail sign begins at North Cape Road portion and in rough shape.
-No gateway signage at either end denoting trail system.
-No map signage along this trail system.
-Opportunities to note environmental areas along trail could be found.
-Wind Lake Canal Public Access at sound end of trail (which is within Muskego proper) is a
great community asset. Well maintained by WDNR with ample gravel parking. Good place for
Muskego signage about trail system (gateway). Public boat access to Wind Lake; may be more
of a sportsman’s entrance as channel is shallow here. Great pedestrian/bike bridge that is
owned/maintained by city is found here.
CHAPTER 5
RECOMMENDATIONS
The previous chapters presented an inventory and analysis of how well the existing parks, open
space sites, and trails 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 can include additional facilities at existing sites, land acquisition, land
sales, and/or development of facilities at proposed park and open space sites.
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 for the next five years. City
staff and the Parks and Conservation Committee will utilize this plan for yearly
park/conservation budgeting and prioritization efforts.
The following recommendations are separated into the three main categories of parks, open
spaces, and trails. The recommendations are further categorized in relation to the overall city
as well as the individual parks, open spaces, and trails themselves. Further, this plan digs
deeper into each recommendation by providing cost approximations and cost sharing/saving
options where applicable. The sites and facilities proposed in this chapter should provide a park
and open space system that meets the needs of the future population of Muskego.
It should be noted that not all recommendations found herein will be able to be realized within
the five (5) year planning period found in this plan due to staffing and/or budgets from year to
year.
Park Recommendations
General Recommendations
The following recommendations are considered general in nature and intended to apply broadly
in relation to the overall park system.
1. Based on the Parks and Conservation Survey for this Plan the following should be
discussed over this Plan’s planning period for consideration in the parks system:
a. Splashpad
b. Disc Golf
c. Ice Skating
d. Allowance of Dogs with associated regulations
e. Dog Park
f. More Trails
g. More Shade Trees in key areas
2. The Parks and Conservation Survey noted that underserved areas for parks include
downtown Muskego and the Big Muskego Lake area.
3. Identify active use parks for clustering outdoor athletic facilities and continue
discussions on partnering with rec clubs and school district for development of more
clustered indoor/outdoor facilities.
4. Continue discussions with school district for determining public use times/access for
indoor/outdoor athletic facilities.
5. Funding for Parks Acquisitions and Developments: New land developments are
required to dedicate park and open space lands where designated by the
Comprehensive Plan or any plan component (i.e. this Plan). If an area of
development does not encompass a planned park or open space then a fee in lieu of
park dedication is imposed. These monies are collected in a segregated account for
acquisition and development purposes.
6. The current landfill agreement between the City of Muskego and Superior Emerald
Park Landfill (now Veolia Environmental Services) requires that not less than 10% of
the city’s annual direct payment is directed to the park dedication fund. This plan
recommends the continued terms of this agreement with consideration of also
utilizing some funds from the unallocated portion of the annual direct payment to
further assist in park development and acquisition.
7. Actively pursued federal, state, and private grants to financially assist the acquisition
and management of parklands.
8. Update and market Adopt-a-Park Program. Ensure groups continually committed
every year and assuming clean up duties.
9. Urban Forestry Recommendations for Parks: All forestry planning and operations
within city parks should follow recommendations outlined within the adopted 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.
Specific Park Recommendations
The park recommendations are presented in a graphical format and can be found outlined on
Maps 28 - 41 herein below. Please note that the listed “maintenance” for each park are
considered minor improvement projects that the Public Works Department will cover over the
planning period of this plan as their time and means allow.
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CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
PICTURESTRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Add main park sign on north side and replace south main sign. (S)
Possibly add a sign with an overall park map noting amenities; Add trail identification/interpretive signage. (S)
Keep basketball hoop as is but consider new half court outside of parking lot in future via road program. (S)
Consider connecting northern building to water now that it is close(Northern building on well).
*Purchase one new set of bleachers for fields #1 and #2; Remove old.
*Replace dugouts on Fields #1 and #2. Expand and install new benches.
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*Replace fencing around Fields #1 and #2 (w/in 5 years).7
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*Consider adding lights to NORTH baseball/softball/football fields toincrease usage and availability.
*Add more parking at Bluhm south for baseball/softball.
^Consider tree planting plan and plant trees on Bluhm north; Use Urban Forestry Grant when available.
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Remove dumpster & enclosure from Bluhm north.
Redevelop/paint dumpster enclosure on Bluhm south.
Stock park with same consistent garbage can; remove all others.
Paint Pavilion once consistent park pavilion color is established.
Remove pine trees from Bluhm south.
Remove railroad ties sticking out of ground around south parking lot.
Remove prairie planting behind Field #1, along first base side, and return to open turf.
No need to mow east of Field #3 in event neighbor stops mowing this area.
North side goose problem; unsanitary. Abatement required annually. (S)
Add woodchips/re-grade path in woods (avoid flooding) (S)
Add back bat houses. (S)
Maintain Pavilion Annually (paint, etc.) (S)
Consider playground upgrade within 5 years. (S)11
Consider paved connection trail to Tudor Oaks along McShane. (S)12
(S) Recommendation based on survey results * Cost share possibility ^ Volunteer aid possibility
Determine uniformed dog use and/or enforcement for park. (S)
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GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONSRemove split rail fence along frontage of park.
Remove rocks around pavement areas for less maintenance.
Identify areas to mow less (north trail leading to Kelsey; keep wide enough for cross country runners though).
Identify areas to mow more (Around back parking lot).
Removal of some brush/tree lines in areas by back parking lot for safety/aesthetics.
Mow rec trail from Kelsey going south to be more meandering rather than be straight line.
Cleanup around launch (trees, brush, buckthorn).
Fix cement area around boat launch that has holes.
Replace grass with decorative stone in boat launch turnaround island for less maintenance.
Pedestrian wooden bridge along conservation trail: redo south sideboardwalk approach; pound in posts for safety; remove railroad ties for safety on south side of bridge leading to bridge on the hill.
Fill in stone gaps along front drive.
Replace main park sign.
Possibly add a sign with an overall park map noting amenities; Add trail identification/interpretive signage. (S)
Determine how to make basketball court more accessible to rest of park.
Find way to make the lake more accessible to public than just a boat launch. Possibly bring trail system down to boat launch area. (S)
Consider permanent bathrooms. (S)
Consider moving playground to around back parking lot or more visible location of main recreational activities in park. (S)
Explore pavilion addition towards rear parking lot. (S)
*Determine disc golf possibility here (S). Ability to have course in open areas as well as meandering through conservation trail area.
Define back trail that goes along back yards of residents to the east. Add directional signage as well.
*Dredge boat launch for easier navigation. (S)
*Establish area for Muskego Youth Football here for long term game and practice facilities. Central area of park has space to facilitate.
*Work with Muskego Kickers on their needs to west.
Evaluate need to re-grade/seed north half of turf area where it is rough and gets wet easily.
Determine uniformed dog use and/or enforcement for park. (S)
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ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
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(S) Recommendation based on survey results * Cost share possibility ^ Volunteer aid possibility
Area north of Kelsey Dr
PICTURES
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CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
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PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Kill weeds in courts annually.
Fix tennis court netting/equipment.
Update court surfaces and equipment. (S).
Conisder wind netting for play and aesthetics.
Keep park and do not sell. Heavily used by neighborhood. (S)
(S) Recommendation based on survey results * Cost share possibility ^ Volunteer aid possibility
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TRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
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PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Consider plan to have unmovable garbage can locations in strategic places in park. Increase litter cleanup/enforcement. (S)
Minimize dumpster locations with enclosure to one central location; removing enclosure and container at entrance would be advisable.
*^Boat launch area should be revitalized with new signage and low maintenance vegetation/hardscape. (S)
Schedule daily beach cleanup of seaweed removal and/or raking. (S)
Remove all coniferous trees around playground.
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*^Improve boat launch landscaping and piers. (S)
Consider lifeguards and staff led concessions. (S)
Consider rentals such as canoes/kayaks/paddleboards. (S)
Investigate actual parking needs and consider expansion if desired. (S)
Possibly have one-way parking lot layout to maximize space and safety.
Removal of wide vehicular access to pavilion straight from main parking lotmay be required.
Consider alternatives to blocking traffic from parking lots to turf area other than stones.
*Find permanent solution to boat wash station. (S)
Keep existing playground location but update and expand. MakeADA accessible. (S)
Consider trail loop around water frontage of whole park for increased walkability and recreational opportunity at park. (S)
Consider opportunity for another shelter/gazebo towards SW lakefront point that could be used for rentals/revenue.
Possibly have another location for open air shelter for rental as existingshelter only has space for day to day use of beach activities.
^Add more memorial benches along lake frontage trail; keep to same theme for any seating area.
*Increase beach to the west of existing beachfront. (S)
Lake frontage around whole park very undesirable. Shoreline restoration project should be considered along with beach extension project. Shoreline restoration would include removing all weeds/brush/old trees along shoreline throughout park and replace with grass and new riprap. (S)
Consider weed machines finding new locations not along the main vistas of thefrontage of the park to the southern portion of the lake.
Consider area for staff to collect fees and provide information in safer formatand more desirable location to entering vehicles.
Find end use for city portion of concession area and ensure any Waterbug use of this area is first approved in an agreement (Current agreement up in 2017).
Resurface parking lots in 5-10 years; restripe as needed.
Increased picnic/grill areas should be found.
Increase Police presence. (S)
Possibly create a consultant led park revitalization plan that focuses on park beautification/rejuvenation, increased usability, revenue opportunities, awareness, and accessibility.
Consider fee restructuring w/ increases and better fee enforcement. (S)
New Signage plan for entire park should be accomplished.
Wayfinding signage to park should be looked into more to have park marketed better in future.
Setup policies for use of city portion of concession area for private use if desired. Use for future rentals via recreation program OR for leasable private use. Should be request for proposal process and not first come first serveif private use is desired in future.
Have new landscape plan for park recognizing preservation of vistas whileincreasing shade opportunities in certain areas; tree plan along a lakefrontage trail. (S)
Increase goose abatement. (S)
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PICTURES
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PARKING
STRUCTURES
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LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Repaint storage building and use uniform city color.
Remove dumpster and enclosure.
Add ADA access hard surface path to tennis courts main gate.
Trim trees along right field line at Kurth baseball field north.
Replace main park signs on north and south sides.
Add wayfinding signs and/or map of park amenities/trails by parking lots. (S)
*Determine remedies for soccer parking including possible parkingexpansion, signage, scheduling, and increased Police enforcement. (S)
Rehab storage/bathroom structure. (S)
Remove basketball hoop for safety and create new separate basketball area in park. (S)
Update all rec trails annually. Consider gravel and/or paved surfaces. (S)
Update playground equipment in around 5 years time. (S)
*Add homerun and foul line fencing at baseball field.
*Clean up creek edge and make amenity of park and trail system. (S)
*Fix base of baseball field fence where curling.
Determine uniformed dog use/enforcement. (S)
Add more landscaping to park. (S)
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PICTURES
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ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
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PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Remove existing recreation building and find alternative for programming opportunity expansion in community.
Re-orient parking lot (Jensen) and get rid of unneeded hardscape if building goes away.
Parking lot (Jensen) could be one-way for safety and have exitat Silver Drive. (S)
Replace main sign (Jensen).
Enhance baseball field and bleacher area. Consider alternativerec uses (football, softball, soccer, rugby, etc.) for open turf area. (S)Basketball court pavement could use a re-lining and possibly resurface in next couple years (Lee Hubka).
Formally survey park in future to determine and formally markproperty lines (Lee Hubka).
New Plan will see this water access as Channel Access #1. Signage denoting channel access should be found(Lee Hubka).
Replace one of the basketball courts with a tennis court. See if parkingcan be added on this surface as well (Lee Hubka). (S)
Determine uniformed dog use/enforcement. (S)
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Remove undesirable trees around parking lot and outfield (Jensen).
Clean up bleacher/backstop/fencing around baseball field;Re-grade/establish baseball field.
Cleanup around port-a-potty area (Jensen).
Remove unused flag pole (Jensen).
Cleanup channel shoreline/access. (S)
(S) Recommendation based on survey results * Cost share possibility ^ Volunteer aid possibility
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BIGMUSKEGOLAKE
LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
LAKEDE NOO N
CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
PICTURESTRAILS
ACTIV E REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
^Pain tin g outside of structure.
Repair leaks in in terior wall of m en ’s bathroom .
Add sm oother tran sition to playg roun d for ADA aid.
Rem ove larg e m ulch rin g s aroun d m ore m ature trees an d replace with g rass for easier m ain ten an ce; protect trun ks with som e type of drain tile plastic if n eeded.
Add trail con n ection from parkin g lot to n earest courts (aids ADA as well).
Replace m ain sig n (sig n better suited at south en d of park).
Determ in e lon g -term approach to parkin g in lig ht of Pickleball usag e. (S)
Add han dicap parkin g closer to buildin g an d tie in to pathways.
Replace asphalt aroun d buildin g an d pathways in 2-5 years. Roug h an d n ot easily traversed especially ADA con cern . (S)
*Add m ore ben ches/picn ic table aroun d Pickleball an d playg roun d. (S)
*Con sideration for usag e of structure for con cession s.
Fix up bathroom s an d storag e buildin g . (S)
*Con sider spot lig htin g aroun d buildin g for in creased safety.
Con sider hookin g storag e structure to city water in future; would have to run about 450’ from the n orth.
Determ in e lon g term n eed of baseball backstop; Re-fen ce or rem ove when kn own .
*Possible future bocce ball location that would work well with Pickleball prog ram m in g .
^Create lan dscape plan for in creased shade an d trees aroun d park. Urban Forestry g ran t possibility. (S)
*Allow con cession s for Pickleball rec prog ram m in g . (S)
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BIGMUSKEGOLAKE
LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
LAKEDE NOO N
CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
Replace main park sign (low maintenance signage that is consistent throughout all parks)
Better mark/promote/identify trails. Enhance trail around pond. (S)
Add asphalt connection path from parking lot to playgrounds to enhance ADA.
Pond enhancements: Consider fish stocking program (Fisheries grants)pier addition, and shoreline cleanup to make access more desirable up toand around pavilion. (S)
Consider playground replacement in next five years or maintenance touchups. (S)
Consider adding bathrooms (location may be more appropriate between soccer fields and pavilion). (S)
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PICTURES
TRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Remove dumpster & enclosure
Re-identify what areas need to be mowed and which areas can growfallow or be prairie.
Work with Muskego Kickers and their maintenance crew on cost sharing on yearly soccer field maintenance (cost-share)
Clean out middle tree line dividing soccer fields and pavilion.
Add more landscaping/shade around park. (S)
More parking closer to pavilion (could have own access off of Parkland Drive).
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(S) Recommendation based on survey results * Cost share possibility ^ Volunteer aid possibility
Consider pavilion update. (S)
Consider Ice rink enhancements (access, benches, lights, pond cleanup, etc.) (S)
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Remove large mulch rings around more mature trees and replace withgrass for easier maintenance (protect trunks with devices as needed)
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BIGMUSKEGOLAKE
LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
LAKEDE NOO N
CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
PICTURES
TRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Annually redistribute the woodchips in the playground to keep even. (S)
Maintain port-a-potty enclosure; hookup ADA ramp.
Add enclosure doors for dumpster area.
Cleanup tree line in back of playground and skate park.
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(S) Recommendation based on survey results * Cost share possibility ^ Volunteer aid possibility
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Replace main park sign.
Add updated overall signage plan for park denoting rules and regs.
Add trail sign system. (S)
Add basketball here.
Consider rentable pavilion with bathrooms/electric. (S)
Add hard surface access from parking lot to playground; stripe parking lot where access to playground is for safety instead of having parked cars there.
Update camera system if needed.
*Possibility to add rubber base at least under swing system. Would help with ADA. (S)
*Re-dress open turf areas to make facility more utilized for soccer in future. (S)
Remove prairie planting berms along roadways.
*Create landscape plan for park (create more shade). (S)
*Consider as possible location for Pickleball/Bocce here due to senior contingent in area. (S)
Update trail system with signed connections to Candlewood Creek Subdivision and other nature areas to the south (more loops, etc.).
Consider stocking storm pond to south with fish and have fish rec programat this location in future (small pier). (S)
Consider splash pad here. (S)
Don't expand skatepark but maintain. (S)
Don't add community garden here. (S)
BIGMUSKEGOLAKE
LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
LAKEDE NOO N
CORE RECOMMENDATIONSTRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Remove vegetation/stumps along whole shoreline annually.
NONE
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BIGMUSKEGOLAKE
LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
LAKEDE NOO N
CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
PICTURESTRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
*Re-seed/Top-dress all turf areas around park. (S)
Add dumpster enclosure w/gate.Add bollards to southern access trail along Martin Drive.
Re-identify mowed areas. Some could be less.
Re-grade path up sledding hill; possible use of TB/millings. (S)Remove overgrown tree/bush at Martin Drive west entrance.
Better maintenance of roadway edges. (S)
Update main entrance signs with proper code numbers.
Possibly add a sign with an overall park map noting amenities.
Add trail identification/interpretive signage. (S)
Add more trail loops; Add trail section by north east portion of central woods and on west side of park. (S)
Have larger field number signs on baseball fields and in locations seen from parking lots.
Have new landscape plan for park with more shading. (S)
Keep dumpster here but there is no enclosure.
Add playground (east of pavilion so kids can be seen by parents frombaseball fields). (S)
Improve storm pond for winter skating here in future w rentals. (S)
Consider options/costs for utilizing west side of park for future; do not sell. (S)
Add better ADA accessibility to bleachers on all four baseball diamonds.
*Add scoreboards to baseball fields contingent on cost share (or in full) by clubs/MAA. (S)
Add remote concession stand by fields #1-3 contingent on cost share (or in full) by clubs/MAA.
Hitting/Pitching cages between Fields #2-3 contingent on cost share (or in full) by clubs/MAA.
Upgrade all baseball facilities contingent on cost share options presented by clubs/MAA.
Investigate ways to avoid adding turning lanes on the west side at College Avenue.
Consider soccer and football for west side of park in future. (S)
Cross-country trails might work here; grooming thougha maintenance issue.
Consider exercise trail in park.
Add more picnic areas. (S)
Consider speed deterrence options/more police enforcement in park. (S)
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(S) Recommendation based on survey results * Cost share possibility ^ Volunteer aid possibility
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BIGMUSKEGOLAKE
LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
LAKEDE NOO N
CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
TRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
Replace main park signs.
Add more landcaping and shade trees. (S)
Replace tennis court fencing to alleviate bottom gaps. (S)
Consider pickleball lines in tennis court. (S)
Replace benches around playground and add picnic tables. (S)
Leave as neighborhood park solely; no club programming here in open turf area. (S)
Add soccer goal in open turf area. (S)
No need for increased parking here. (S)
Upgrade basketball area. (S)
Upgrade playground equipment in next five years. (S)
Discuss possible removal of prairie grass areas. (S)
Determine uniformed dog use/enforcement rules for park. (S)
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(S) Recommendation based on survey results * Cost share possibility ^ Volunteer aid possibility
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BIGMUSKEGOLAKE
LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
LAKEDE NOO N
CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
TRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Remove fence dividing parking lot; re-line parking lot to increase parking for area (Horn).
Remove concrete approach to old Horn building.
Remove tree, or limb of tree, over playground for safety OR consider moving playground to more desirable location.
Remove growth along fence lines.
Move bleachers to appropriate locations and fix scoreboard.
Update trail surfaces throughout (wet surface areas). (S)
Cleanup Veteran's raised landscape area annually. (S)
Update landscaping around Old Town Hall and maintain. (S)
*Replace main park signs throughout parks.
^Cut new trails south of storage structure of Horn Field and throughoutforest area connecting back to Settlement. (S)
*^Refurbish Horn Field and regrade wet areas (left field). (S)
Plan alternative uses for Horn Field turf areas. (S)
*^Cleanup batting cage along left field line and bullpen along right field Line (Horn).
Upgrade playground equipment at Horn. (S)
Add permanent basketball at Settlement parking lot and Veteran's Park. (S)
New homerun fence a possible need in future (Horn).
Add trail connection along left field to existing west trail (Horn).
Consider Veteran's Park as future splashpad location. (S)
Add more landscaping/shade to Veteran's Park. (S)
Consider more rec opportunities at Veteran's Park to benefit summer recprogram such as basketball, tetherball, or smaller scale disc golf. (S)
Determine how turf area (Veteran's Park) could fulfill rec needs incommunity yet fit around fair schedule.
Band Shelter at Veteran's Park could have benefits.
Add new grill at Veteran's Park. (S)
*Identify structural repairs needed for various Historical Society buildings yearly and cost share where possible; Barn a priority. (S)
Add features to Old Town Hall building to possibly be used for futurevarious dance/gymnastics programs (mirrors, etc.).
*Find way to utilize downstairs of Old Town Hall (Has kitchen and open meeting area for rec programming in future).
Determine uniform dog use/enforcement. (S)
Add overall interpretive and path system signage throughout Veterans Park to Settlement to Horn (Map boards, QR Codes, etc.). (S)
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HORNFIELD
SETTLEMENT
VETERAN'SPARK
(S) Recommendation based on survey results * Cost share possibility ^ Volunteer aid possibility
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BIGMUSKEGOLAKE
LITTLEMUSKEGOLAKE
LAKEDE NOO N
CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
TRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
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-Sand Hill Park grading and parking lot/paths take place in 2016
-Continue budgeting for full park implementation yearly
-Look for playground and/or pavillion for 2017
-Possible water and bathrooms upon increased future use
-Park open turf seeded with rec grade seed for possiblefuture baseball/soccer practice and/or game fields
City owned strip tosouth as well
Lake Access Recommendations
The lake access sites recommendations for Little Muskego Lake, Big Muskego Lake, and Lake
Denoon can be found below in relation to overall and specific site recommendations.
Little Muskego Lake Access Sites:
Overall Recs-
Renumber sites due to changes in past year
Have numbered signs located at both the street sides and lake sides for
identification purposes
Consider picnic tables and/or permanent benches at vista accesses
Consider split rail fencing better denoting property accesses in most locations
Have all launches have the same uniformed signage
Pearl Drive
Keep as Lake Access #1
City mows/maintains
Cleanup lake frontage; make access sign more apparent
Cleanup brush along Pearl Drive frontage; move access sign to roadway where it
can be seen.
Another good exploited access for paddle boarding/kayaking
Emerald Drive
Keep as Lake Access #2
Remove pine tree along Emerald
Has small removable pier (by PW)
Remove overgrown brush (vines) and small trees along lake frontage
Another good exploited access for paddle boarding/kayaking
Diamond Drive
Keep as Lake Access #3
Has great frontage that could use string trimming up to shoreline
Good area for fishing rec program due to deeper depths and island here
Have pier section here for increased fishing
Add new picnic table
Another good exploited access for paddle boarding/kayaking
Ruby Drive
Make Lake Access #4, was Lake Access #5
Not much use
Could be a good, calm exploited access for paddle boarding/kayaking
Frontage brush cleanup and/or tree trimming would be needed
Pleasant View Drive (LAUNCH)
Make Lake Access #5, was Lake Access #15
Boat Launch here where people pay launch fees/have stickers
Beautiful Vista (only one on east side of lake)
Room here to make seating area/picnic table
Increase launch sticker patrols; however, no parking at this launch as is
Too much signage/references old code numbers; have all launches have the same
uniformed signage; add access point sign here
Paybox cleanup (no maintenance stone base around paybox/sign)
Cement approach on launch in great condition
Weed conveyor sits here during summer months.
Financial partner possible here (LML District)
Schubring Drive
Make Lake Access #6, was Lake Access #14
Path entrance under forest canopy; clean up brush in forest; define path
Access actually includes open land along west property line. Define with split rail
fence and maintain
Remove garbage can and old jet ski lift
Nice picnic table here; add permanent bench
Another good exploited access for paddle boarding/kayaking
Center Drive
Make Lake Access #7, wasn’t numbered in past
Tree near frontage needs removal
Very nice access with no immediate needs
Has pier for docking boats; people dock and walk to Janesville Road from here
Michi Drive
Make Lake Access #8, was Lake Access #13
Define with split rail fencing as this access is tough to navigate
Remove island of brush on south side and return to mow able grade or riprap
Clean out brush and invasive brush along trail on north end all the way to lake edge
Remove large ash tree
Not too desirable of a view/access
Park Drive
Make Lake Access #9, was Lake Access #12
Area for parking
Whole access from road could use upkeep.
Path to frontage has failing asphalt and hard to maintain edges; remove stone and
weeds and replant with long grasses around trail
Stairwell down to frontage in disrepair; consider removal of all railroad ties/asphalt
and return to turf. Flatten out area at base by pier for picnic table or permanent
bench.
Clean up treeline of invasive/junk brush
Make vista more manageable; access sign seen from lake
Move pier lower if stairwell grade is redone
Kingston Drive
Make Lake Access #10, was Lake Access #16
-Small pier; everything in good condition as is
Lincoln Drive
Make Lake Access #11, was Lake Access #17
Picnic table here in good condition
Do snowmobiles enter here? If so, make more known (signage); current signage
denotes no motorized vehicles.
Oak Grove Drive
Make Lake Access #12, was Lake Access #11
Smallest access at 13 feet wide; noted on access signs
Good shape and maintained
Remove No parking signs on telephone poles along oak Grove (put up by neighbors)
Oak Court (LAUNCH)
Make Lake Access #13, was Lake Access #9
Boat Launch here where people pay launch fees/have stickers
Increase launch sticker patrols; however, no parking at this launch as is
Too much signage/references old code numbers; have all launches have the same
uniformed signage; add access point sign here
Cement approach on launch in good condition with cracking; consider replacement
in 5 years
Weed conveyor sits here during summer months and there is not ample room for
conveyor and launching of boats
Widen launch; can clean up west side with less maintenance material (currently
weeds and could be groomed gravel); could use east side space to make bigger as
city owns while homeowner maintains
Re-riprap culvert area/clean up weeds
Paybox cleanup
Improve approach to lake frontage when widening
-Look for financial partners (LML District)
Shore Drive
Make Lake Access #14, was Lake Access #8
Large pier with lifts for Police boat and Police wave runner
Gravel parking area along road for Police; consider paving in future
Clean up lake frontage; removal of cattails in full or at least around pier access
Neighbor dumping of vegetation has occurred by frontage that needs cleanup
Cleanup of lake frontage will make lake access sign more apparent for lake users
-Another good exploited access for paddle boarding/kayaking
Lochcrest Blvd
Make Lake Access #15, was Lake Access #10
People can park at end of Lochcrest
Remove bad tree that can fall toward
lake frontage
-Lake access sign needed at end of
Shore Lane; maybe Lochcrest west as
well (This area is around private lots
though?)
Water frontage has nice pier
(ownership unknown)
Another good exploited access for
paddle boarding/kayaking
Hillview Drive (LAUNCH)
Make Lake Access #16, was Lake Access #7
Boat Launch here where people pay launch fees/have stickers
Increase launch sticker patrols; however, no parking at this launch as is
Neighbors private subdivision lake frontage lot adjoining to north
Lake access not numbered or signed well here; have all launches have the same
uniformed signage; add access point sign here
Cement approach on launch in good condition with cracking; consider replacement
in 5 years
Weed conveyor sits here during summer months with ample room for launch traffic
Lee Hubka Park
Have sign denoting “LML Channel Access #1” (instead of old Lake Access #4) and
have Silver Creek be Channel Access #2 instead of “Lake Access” point.
Possible bike racks
Clean channel access
Survey use of basketball
Encouraging parking may not be best idea for neighbors
Silver Drive
Access to Dam along LML Channel; Dam pending removal from WDNR
Remove invasive brush along creek outlet along owned area
Remove old electric box (WE Energies?)
Define boundaries better for public and neighbors benefit; Possibly define access
with fence line to avoid west neighbor property issue
-Have sign denoting “LML Channel Access #2” (instead of old Lake Access #19) and
have Lee Hubka Park be Channel Access #1 instead of “Lake Access” point.
Idle Isle Park
See Idle Isle Park recommendations per Map 31.
Big Muskego Lake Access Sites:
Boxhorn Boat Launch
City owns storage building on east end; consider selling to Boxhorn Gun Club but
preserve easement to launch
Redo Signage by launch
Cleanup around sign (use no-maintenance materials in future; stone)
Remove dumpster
Remove concrete blocks and tower around dumpster
Consider adding new boardwalk with fishing/docking/viewing pier on south side of
existing boat launch pier; would allow area boats to dock and visit commercial entity
as well; commercial entity cost sharing?
Add new port-a-john plus structure surround
Durham Boat Launch
Make area low maintenance (no mowing)
Add new port-a-john plus structure surround
Remove small pole light along front north portion of launch area; Consider adding a
couple lights to tornado pole to spread light over balance of parking lot.
Remove post (w/out sign) by pier
Remove split rail that is deteriorating around parking lot.
Clean up brush around parking lot (push brush back a bit that is encroaching)
Add better directional signage from overflow lot to main launch (have people cross
Durham and use trail, not private lot owners lots).
Clean up brush along Durham for better view corridors.
Lake Denoon Access Site (See Map 29 for Denoon Park)
Conservation Recommendations
General Recommendations
The following recommendations are considered general in nature and intended to apply broadly
in relation to the overall conservation system.
1. Any conservation effort should work to meet the following guidelines:
Preservation of rural character
Preservation of native plant communities
Protection of wildlife habitat
Creation of passive and active outdoor recreation opportunities
Reduced development sprawl and overall population density
Reduced vehicular traffic
Reduced stormwater runoff and flooding
Cleaner surface waters
Groundwater recharge
Air pollution reduction
2. Based on the Parks and Conservation Survey for this Plan the following
considerations should be discussed over this Plan’s planning period:
Consideration for snowshoe and cross country ski trails
Consideration for conservation workshops/conservation events
Consideration for outdoor education center
Consideration to allow dogs in conservation areas
3. A prioritization of environmental lands in the community can be found on Map 42.
These lands should be considered for conservation efforts as developments or land
remediation efforts are requested. Areas identified by SEWRPC as natural areas,
critical species habitats, environmental corridors, and isolated natural resource areas
are all included. Essentially all wetlands and older-growth forest areas of significant
size are also included in the prioritization. The most important factor considered in
the ranking is the ecological significance; the diversity of the plant community and
quality of wildlife habitat. The size of an ecologically significant land area also plays
a role in ranking as larger contiguous tracts of habitat typically support a greater
diversity of plants and wildlife. The lands are divided into high, medium, and low
conservation priority areas per the following:
High Conservation Priority Areas: Lands classified as a “High Conservation
Priority” are generally larger tracts of land with higher quality environmental
features such as older growth forests or larger, contiguous wetland areas. Land
areas that provide continuity between large tracts of high quality environmental
features are also included. Strong consideration should be given to acquiring
lands in this designation should they become available. Those lands not
acquired should be protected through other conservation planning techniques.
Medium Conservation Priority Areas: These lands are basically a continuum
between high conservation priority areas and the low conservation priority areas
described below. Tracts are moderately sized and/or the environmental features
that they contain may be of somewhat lower quality than those designated as
high priority.
Low Conservation Priority Areas: These land areas are generally smaller tracts
of environmental features. This designation includes drained or degraded
wetlands or lower quality woodlands. Also included are extensively fragmented,
older-growth woodland areas that remain after previous subdivision or other
development of land. In most cases, low conservation priority lands would be
protected through means other than acquisition - such as isolated wetlands that
are protected through state and federal land use regulations.
4. Planning Process for Conserving Prioritized Lands: This Plan recommends that the
city consider conservation of all prioritized areas. While it is certainly not feasible to
acquire these lands through fee simple purchase they may be preserved through
land dedications, conservation easements, preservation restrictions, conservation
developments, or other means. The Parks and Conservation Committee shall review
all land division and land development proposals that would affect conservation
priority areas. With staff guidance, the Committee shall recommend a strategy to the
Planning Commission and the Common Council to preserve or minimize the
development impact of such lands.
5. Conservation lands should be managed in a manner to preserve and enhance their
ecological quality. Invasive species control and establishment of native plant
communities are requisite in the stewardship of conservation lands. It is
recommended that the City of Muskego continue to maintain a separate planning
document, Management of City of Muskego Conservation Lands, in addition to this
document to outline specific management for the conservation lands that it owns.
This document shall include a work plan with a prioritization and timeline for
completing the recommended conservation management activities.
6. The current landfill agreement between the City of Muskego and Veolia
Environmental Services Emerald Park Landfill Incorporated requires that 10% of the
city’s annual direct payment is directed to a Land and Open Space Conservation
Fund to purchase land and/or conservation easements that will provide for open
space preservation. This Plan recommends the continued terms of this agreement
with consideration of also utilizing some additional funds from the unallocated portion
of the annual direct payment to further assist in conservation acquisitions. Similarly
fees in lieu of land dedications should continue to be collected as a funding source
for land acquisition.
7. It is recommended that the city maintain a specific budget for land management and
facilities development costs. Sources for this funding could include the unallocated
portion of the landfill settlement fund, the city’s general fund, state and federal
grants, and private sources. To fund special projects the city also should seek
partnerships and financial assistance from private conservation organizations, local
lake districts and associations, local service groups, and scouting groups in the area.
8. It is recommended that efforts be made to recruit volunteers to help the community
meet its conservation objectives. Involving the community will raise a sense of
stewardship for the city’s natural resources. Volunteer activities can range from
assisting in land management tasks such as tree planting, seed collection, or
invasive plant control, to fundraising efforts. Existing partnerships with scout groups
and students should continue and new partnerships with conservation-related
associations and groups should be sought.
9. The City Conservation Coordinator should maintain a capacity of consultation to the
community on conservation related issues. Outdoor education classes and special
events should periodically be offered through the city’s recreation programming.
10. In cases where residential development will occur within wooded areas, measures
should be taken to minimize the removal of trees and adequately protect the trees
that are to remain. Building envelopes should be established and preservation
restrictions placed upon the lands outside of the development area. Steps should
also be taken to alleviate any construction damage outside of the cleared area.
11. Promotion of conservation sites: Citizens should become aware of conservation
sites in the city so that they can be visited and appreciated. Modest signage should
be placed at each of the smaller sites. An “Adopt a Conservation Site” could be
started where neighboring residents would help with land management activities and
develop a sense of stewardship for the site.
12. Big Muskego Lake State Wildlife: It is recommended that the City of Muskego and
the Big Muskego Lake/Bass Bay Protection and Rehabilitation District collaborate
with the Wisconsin DNR in continuing to acquire/manage key parcels to protect the
best remaining lands in the project area and create larger contiguous conservancy
areas around Big Muskego Lake.
Specific Open Space Recommendations
The recommendations for the two primary recreationally active conservation sites (Badertscher
Preserve and Engel Conservation Area) can be found via Maps 43 and 44.
J A N E S V I L L E R D
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Map 42Conservation Prioritization AreaCity of Muskego Parks & Conservation Plan
B i gM u s k e g oL a k e
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Conservation Priorities Areas
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CORE RECOMMENDATIONSTRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Utilize e xistin g portable /re m ovable pie r se ction for a stre am crossin g in the Ridg e s parce l.
Re -g rade park in g lot pe riodically.
Con tin ue cle an out of ash tre e s whe re the y are locate d close to targ e t are as (trails, park in g lots, e tc.).
Chan g e out Maps an d in form ation in ple xig lass in form ation booth an n ually.
Touchup m ain sig n .
Con tin ue m ak in g trails acce ssible as possible (m ain te n an ce an d crossin g spriority (boardwalk s)). (S)
Cle an out old brush an d tre e s alon g Fie ld Drive to de n ote e n tran ce m ore .
Mow trails m ore in sum m e r m on ths. (S)
Add m ore private prope rty sig n s alon g borde rs. (S)
^Con struct a stairway on this portion of trail that has a ste e p slope .
^W ork with Eag le Scout to con struct a cle ar span bridg e (allowin g passag e of lig ht ve hicle s) alon g this stre am crossin g .
Don 't pave park in g lot. (S)
^Ston e pillar/ce dar log fe n ce aroun d a portion of park in g lot could be e xte n de d aroun d e n tire lot an d drive way.
Con struct e n closure for portable re stroom .
De ve lop in te rpre tive sig n s at various poin ts alon g hik in g trail. (S)
*^Con struction of an obse rvation platform /towe r could be con side re d for the sce n ic vista on n orthe rn part of oak savan n a are a. (S)
*Bade rtsche r Pre se rve (or En g e l) could be the site of an in te rpre tive outdoor e ducation ce n te r sim ilar to W e hr (Hale s Corn e rs), Re tze r (W auk e sha), Schlitz Audubon (Fox Poin t), or Rive re dg e (Sauk ville ). Such a facility would lik e ly be con structe d an d m ain tain e d larg e ly or e xclusive ly with private fun din g rathe r than tax dollars.
Con side r de ve lopin g se lf-g uide d “sm art phon e tour” with an app that could utilize GPS an d/or QR code s. (S)
*Con side r an y abuttin g parce l acquisition s afte r e valuation of n e e d an d quality of lan ds as the y re late to the e xistin g own e d m un icipal con se rvation lan ds. For Bade rtsche r the Little Musk e g o Lak e District could partn e r in n e ig hborin g acquisition s he re . (S)
More use by g roups should be e n courag e d. Provision of outdoor e ducation prog ram m in g throug h re c prog ram should be con side re d.
Con side r trail cam s in are as to capture wildlife for prom otion ofcon se rvation are a.
Con side r future e ducation al e ve n ts he re (Maple tappin g e ve n t, n ature walk s, e ducation al e ve n ts, e tc.).
Mark e t Con se rvation are as m ore .
De te rm in e un iform e d dog use /e n force m e n t. (S)
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LAKEDE NOO N
CORE RECOMMENDATIONS
TRAILS
ACTIVE REC. OPEN TURF
PLAYGROUND AREA
PARKING
STRUCTURES
PARK BOUNDARY I
LEGEND
GENERAL/MAINT. RECOMMENDATIONS
Relocate split rail fence closer to pavem ent around parking lot. Repair portions with salvag eable pieces from the Denoon Parkfence to be dism antled.
Annually repair g ravel access drive. (S)
Replace m issing hiking sig ns.
Replace Bird City W isconsin sig n.
Replace/update interpretive sig ns.
Install sig nag e at trail connection on W oods Road.
Enlarg e culvert under entrance driveway.
Portable toilet enclosure rehab required.
Rem ove telephone poles around parking lot.
Continue clean out of ash trees where they are located close to targ et areas (trails, parking lots, etc.).
Chang e out Maps and inform ation in plexig lass inform ation booth annually.
Let trail around old house g o fallow.
Continue m aking trails accessible as possible (m aintenance and crossing s priority ). (S)
Mow trails m ore in sum m er m onths. (S)
Fix artesian well leak, perm anently cap the well, or re-direct the water.
^Extend boardwalk along short trail seg m ent leading to bridg e that crosses to the Hig h School athletic fields.
Extend boardwalks throug hout all roug h trail areas. (S)
*Eng el Conservation Area (or Badertscher Preserve) could be the site of an interpretive outdoor education center sim ilar to W ehr (Hales Corners),Retzer (W aukesha), Schlitz Audubon (Fox Point), or Riveredg e (Saukville). Such a facility would likely be constructed and m aintained larg ely or exclusively with private funding rather than tax dollars. (S)
Add m ore perm anent trail crossing s where too wet in rain events including SE corner trail, west central trail, school crossing on NE side, crossing to g o to W oods Road on NW side.
Make access from W oods Road m ore evident with sig nag e and m apping ; possibly have area for a couple cars to park; define g ravel drive with perm anent barrier to reduce car traffic.
Add m ore views to water vistas from trails. (S)
Consider developing self-g uided “sm art phone tour” with an app that could utilize GPS and/or QR codes.
Encourag e ecolog ical restorations on adjacent lands rem aining in ownership by others.
*Consider any abutting parcel acquisitions after evaluation of need and quality of lands as they relate to the existing owned m unicipal conservation lands (dedication or purchase).
Consider trail cam s in areas to capture wildlife for prom otion of conservation area.
Consider future educational events here (Maple tapping event, nature walks, educational events, etc.). (S)
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Trail Recommendations
General Recommendations
The following recommendations are considered general in nature and intended to apply broadly
in relation to the overall trail system.
1. Recreation trails are extensions of the transportation system of the city that are intended
for the use of non-motorized modes of travel. Most recreation trail facilities are located
within existing or planned rights-of-way while others traverse public land holdings or are
located within land easements from private owners. These facilities should serve to link
the City of Muskego together with a system of safe and functional off-street recreation
trail connections to accommodate such activities as walking, running, biking, cross-
country skiing, in-line skating, and hiking.
2. Recreation trails are proposed to follow road rights-of-way, utility corridors, and
easements to facilitate travel within the city and also connect to trails in adjoining
communities as part of a regional trail network.
3. It is recommended that future subdivision and other land developments construct
proposed trail sections that are adjacent to or within their proposed development area.
4. Trails should have a paved surface in urbanized areas and conform to the specifications
provided by the City’s Public Works Department.
5. Inspections should take place at least bi-annually on all Muskego trails to determine if ay
sections are deteriorating so plans for repairs can be made and/or budgeted for.
6. Future trail additions to the City of Muskego trail system are found on Map 45. The
future trails have a priority level based upon past Park and Conservation committee and
Council discussions. The Council and Committee shall utilize this map annually before
budget time to recommend any new trail design and/or construction. Trail
recommendations shall be made based on public demand, trail main loop connections,
trail main link connections, and as road construction projects take place.
Planning/design for any new trail is recommended to commence at least one year
earlier then construction (NOTE: Any trail segment addition to the community is solely
up to the Council and their annual prioritization schedule).
7. Based on the Parks and Conservation survey the following trail sections were requested
for increased consideration to complete loops and link residents to the overall system:
a. Add a trail on Racine Avenue south of High School to south end of city
b. Add trail on Woods from Durham to Tess Corners
8. The Parks and Conservation survey as part of this Plan looked to have more annual
maintenance procedures with our existing trail system as well as calling for more trials in
the community to be paved.
9. Update Adopt-a-Trail Program and promote. Ensure groups continually committed every
year and assuming clean up duties.
Specific Trail Recommendations
Individual recommendations for a few specific trail systems, including the WE Energies trail
systems, are found here:
WE Energies North Trail
-Continue to have Public Works install millings throughout whole trail as materials are
acquired.
-Remedy trail area crossing of County Hwy L by substation near Stagecoach Inn bar.
Better signage as well as finding a way to wrap trail around substation better in future
instead of having users go down highway for a couple hundred feet.
-Have new signage plan along trail system:
-Change and/or add traffic control signs.
-Update/add brown wooden signs at crossings.
-Update Adopt a Trail signs that are in rough shape.
-Add gateway signage at west end denoting trail system.
-Denote start/end of equestrian trail portion.
-Update map signs along with proper directions.
-Be consistent with signage and associated mountings.
WE Energies Hwy 36 Trail
-Have Public Works install millings throughout whole trail as materials are acquired to
define the trail and remove areas of overgrowth.
-Work on extending trail east of North Cape towards Franklin.
-Cut trail thru boulevard of Champions Drive.
-Remove vision corner shrub along Champions Drive trail portion.
-Add benches along trail system.
-Overall signage should be evaluated:
-Change and/or add traffic control signs.
-Trailhead (gateway) and map signs should be added.
-Update Adopt a Trail signs that are in rough shape.
-Opportunities to note environmental areas along trail could be found.
-Add trailhead signage about Muskego trails at Wind Lake Canal Public Access. This is
a great community asset and should be promoted as good fishing spot and/or fishing
access spot. Environmental education signage location could be found.
Priority #1
Priority #2
Priority #3
Distant Priority
Existing Trails
Planned Loop
Planned Connector
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NOTE 1: The future trails have a priority level basedupon past Park and Conservation Committee andCouncil discussions. The Council and Committeewill utilize this map annually before budget time torecommend any new trail design and/or construction.Trail recommendations shall be made based onpublic demand, trail main loop connections, trail mainlink connections, and as road construction projectstake place. Planning/design for any new trail isrecommended to commence at least one yearearlier then construction.NOTE 2: Map priorities are subject to change yearlyupon Council approvals
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Plum Creek section would be on road noted w/ signage in 2017
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Bay Lane trail will be installed upon reconstruction of road in 20192
APPENDIX A
2016 Survey Summary
Parks and Conservation Plan
Survey Summary
2017 – 2021
Background
This document provides a summary of the survey results from the surveys sent out in March
2016 as part of gathering information for the new Parks and Conservation Plan 2017-2021.
These results were used by the Parks and Consecration Board to formulate specific
recommendations for the city’s individual park and conservation areas. The following results
are provided with parks areas noted first and conservation areas towards the end of the
document.
Individual surveys were sent out to neighbors of parks and conservation areas within 1000 feet
from each park and conservation area border. Further, surveys were all found online and every
owner in the City of Muskego was notified of the survey opportunity via the city/school quarterly
newsletter. While specific questions were asked of specific parks and conservation areas, the
city also requested questions relating to the overall park and conservation system. That general
question section is found first in the document below.
General Park & Conservation Questions
1. Current park facilities and lands are sufficient.
2. Are there any specific park/recreation amenities you’d like to see in the Muskego Park
system? If so, what and at which park in the city?
Splash Pad-88
Splash Pad (Vets)-5
Splash Pad (Schmidt) -4
Splash Pad (Lions Park)-2
Splash Pad (Denoon)
Splash Pad (Bluhm)
Frisbee Golf-81
Frisbee Golf (Bluhm) – 2
Frisbee Golf (Denoon)
Ice Skating – 80
Ice Skating (Moorland Park)
Ice Skating (Park Arthur)-2
Ice Skating (Horn/Vets)
Ice Skating (Bluhm)
Ice Skating (Jensen)
Ice Skating (Idle Isle)
Dogs allowed/park -58
Pool – 32
Trails -26
Trails (Park Arthur)-2
Trail (connecting Idle Isle and
Martin)
Paved trails-2
Tennis Court/lighted-13
Tennis Court (Lions)
Lighted Rec Fields-11
Restrooms-11
Restrooms (Idle Isle)Updated
Basketball Court -8
Basketball (Manchester)
Pickle ball-8
Soccer fields/goals -8
Paths -lighted for safety - 6
Baseball Diamonds New/Improve -5
Baseball Diamond (maintained
Jensen)
Baseball Diamonds (Rebuild Horn)
Volleyball Courts-5
Beer Garden-4
Cross country-4
Picnic space-4
Benches-4
Rentals -4
Rentals -4
Sledding hills -4
Snowmobile/ATV trails -3
Concession-3
Garbage cans-3
Pavilion-3
Another skatepark-3
Swim pond-2
Shuffleboard-2
Snowshoeing-2
Landscpaing-2
Archery -2
Archery (Lake Denoon)
Archery expanded (Park Arthur)
County Golf Course/practice area -2
Football fields - 2
Football fields (Vets)
Playground equipment-2
Playground equipment (Park Arthur)-
2
Playground equipment (Horn)
Playground Equipment updated
(Bluhm)
Water park
Gardens
Senior Activities (Moorland Park)
Pool(Vets) -
Tether ball
Grills for food
Connecting bike baths to other
communities
Lighted play areas
Shade trees -
Shade trees (Kurth/Moorland)
Swings-additional (Schmidt)
Swings-additonal (Kurth)
Hopscotch lines (Lions)
No Pet signs
Summer Hockey Rink (Park Arthur)
Replace woodchips at playground
Outdoor rinse station (lake)
Fishing pond for kids
Parking (additional – Idle Isle)
Water Foundation-
Jogging track
Fustal (Soccer)Court
3. There are areas in the City underserved by parks.
Parkland Mall land-5
Big Muskego Lake -4
Hwy 36 - 4
South east -3
Around Little Muskego Lake -2
Eastern area - 2
Dog Park
Anywhere that is not walking
distance to a school
Towards North Cape
Western
Southwest Area
Janesville and Pioneer
Beach
North side
Downtown
Woodland Creek Area
Muskego El area
Tess Corners
Woods/Durham
Southern
4. Current conservation land facilities are sufficient?
5. Are there any specific conservation park amenities you’d like to see in the Muskego
system?
SnowshoeingTrails- 60
Workshops -38
Rental -32
Education Center -30
Conservation Events – 27
Trails-24
Cross Country Skiing -16
Dogs allowed/park -13
All good ideas - 5
Kids Nature Programs –3
Pavilions - 3
Ice skating -3
Tennis courts-3
trail improvement -2
Playground area – 2
Bathrooms – 2
Planetarium/observatory-2
Gardens
Mountain bike trails
Sitting areas
Plow in winter (Engel)
Senior facilities
Snowmobile trails
Leave as is
Statutes with flowers –
Fishing pier –
Bench seating by water-
Concessions –
Sledding hill –
Walking track
Boating workshops –
Beer Garden
Improve Idle Isle Beach
Hunter Education
Pitch and putt golf
Allow crossbow/archery
Bathroom (Engel)
Wildlife protection
Natural floral center
Overnight parking
Indoor pool
More access on BML for fishing
Area for Nude sunbathers
Splash pad
Frisbee golf
6. Which park/conservation areas have you most visited this past year?
County Park -97
Park Arthur -96
Idle Isle -90
Bluhm -71
Moorland -69
Vets/Horn/Settlement -64
Denoon -55
Engel -40
Schmidt -39
Manchester -27
Lions Park -21
Jensen/Lee Hubka -21
Badertscher -18
All -7
Freedom Sq -6
7. Do you use any trails in the community? If so, which areas the most?
General bike trails -153
Woods Road - 56
Moorland - 45
County Park - 34
Bluhm - 30
We Energy Trail - 23
Denoon - 21
Engel -14
Janesville -13
Vets/Settlement/Horn -12
Racine -12
Street Car/Railroad- 9
Park Arthur-8
Baderttscher -8
Martin Drive -7
Tess Corners -7
Bay Lane -6
Idle Isle -4
Lannon -4
Pioneer -4
Parkland -4
Quitwood Drive Trail -3
Manchester park -3
Lions Park Trail -2
Lannon
Schmidt
Big Muskego
Hwy 36
Kurth
8. Are there any specific trail issues you have or areas you feel are underserved with
trails in the community?
Pave (or hardpack) trails - 18
Racine South to Denoon - 15
Maintain better (ruts/potholes/low
spots/weeds) - 14
Woods Road (Durham to Tess
Corners) - 13
Allow Dogs - 6
Clear Snow - 6
Martin Road (Copper Oaks to Park
Arthur/Idle Isle) - 5
Garbage cans along main trails – 5
Bay Lane Drive - 4
McShane (Bluhm Park to Tudor
Oaks) - 4
Resurfaced WE Energies trail not
good - 3
Racine north of Janesville - 3
Equestrian Trails - 2
Better trail signage - 2
Enough Trails
Exercise Stations
Lannon (Martin to Janesville)
Hillendale (Racine to College)
Cross Country Ski Trails
9. Please use the back of the survey for any other opinions. What should the City be
doing more or less of in regards to parks, recreation, trails and conservation efforts in
the community?
Responses directed toward parks and conservation that city has control of below:
Add more trails and connections - 12
Dog Park - 9
Increased Police patrol throughout
(lakes/litter/dogs/cars) - 6
Consistent park maintenance - 5
Expand park system - 4
Improve Idle Isle - 3
Splashpad - 3
Pave trails - 3
Rebuild Horn baseball - 2
More basketball - 2
Allow dogs in parks - 2
Control invasive buckthorn - 2
Path on Durham to TC Elementary
Path on woods from Durham to TC
Elementary
Path from Kelsey to High School on
Racine
Path on Hillendale
WE Energies trail should receive
more maintenance
Snowshoeing (groomed trail)
More baseball fields
More soccer fields
More tennis
Martin Road trail
Football at Park Arthur
More movies in the park
Ice Skating
Cross Country Ski Trail
More rec events
Bluhm Farm Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Aging Pavilion - 3
Poor baseball fields
Update playground
Equipment outdated
More landscaping
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (Baseball, playground, rubgy,
basketball, football, walking, sitting, other, etc.)?
Walking/Running - 59
Playground - 42
Baseball - 17
Biking - 8
Sitting - 7
Basketball - 6
Rugby - 4
Pavilion - 3
Walking Dog - 3
Golf -1
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Playground - 18
Pavilion - 11
Ball Field Grass Areas - 10
Trails - 6
Parking Lot - 5
Bleachers - 4
Basketball Hoop in parking lot - 4
Goose Control - 4
Wild Areas (Prairies) - 3
Path in Woods - 2
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
People park for convenience - 6
Dogs off leash - 5
Noise 1
Littering
Bathrooms not open
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
Improve Playground - 15
Improve Pavilion - 9
Control Geese Better - 8
Add Better Basketball Court - 4
Splashpad - 4
Trail in woods floods - 3
More Parking - 3
Pave path from Tudor Oaks to
Bluhm – 3
Improve baseball fields - 3
More rec/conservation programs - 3
Add Tennis Courts - 2
Improve trails - 2
Ice Skating
Dog Maintenance Center
Remove prairie
Baseball lights
Where is bat house?
Denoon Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Needs maintenance - 11
Poor walking paths – 5
Playground upgrades needed – 4
Improve boat launch - 3
Poor subdivision access - 2
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (boating, playground, fishing,
basketball, soccer, walking, sitting, other, etc.)?
Walking/Hiking/Running - 75
Playground - 32
Boating - 20
Fishing - 11
Biking - 10
Basketball - 3
Soccer - 3
Baseball - 2
Picnic 1
Bird Watching
Photography
Golfing
Snowshoeing
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Trails - 22
Boat Launch - 19
Playground - 11
Need bathrooms - 2
Landscaping - 2
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Loitering - 5
Trash - 5
Dogs - 5
Noise - 2
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
Improve trails and signage - 21
Improve Boat Launch Area - 20
Add boardwalk by lake - 13
Frisbee Golf - 8
New playground - 7
Allow Pets - 4
Add permanent bathrooms - 4
Tennis Court - 3
Rentable Pavilion - 3
Improved rec trail by homes
Archery Range
Skate Park
Pickleball
Dog Park
Freedom Square Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Conditions of courts - 8
Condition of tennis court nets - 2
Do not sell - 2
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (basketball, tennis, other)?
Basketball - 23
Tennis - 15
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Court Surface - 20
Replace Basketball hoops/Tennis netting - 6
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Loitering
Commercial parking
7. The city has found this park to be underutilized for many years? Please indicate your
thoughts on the following:
Horn, Vets, & Settlement Parks Questions
1. Overall how would you rate these parks?
Horn needs updates 11
Little shade at Vets
2. How often do you use the parks during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (playground, walking/hiking,
baseball, historic center visitation, rec events)?
Walking/Hiking - 34
Playground - 27
Rec Events - 8
Baseball - 7
Historic Center - 5
Biking - 3
Dog Walking – 2
Frisbee
4. Which portions of the parks need the most improvement?
Trail Surfaces (wet areas) - 8
Horn Field - 4
Playground at Horn - 4
Historic Buildings - 3
Muskego Fair
Vets Shelter
Parking
Litter
5. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Unleashed dogs – 5
Loitering - 2
6. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of these parks.
Please indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
7. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
Splashpad - 6
Trail maintenance (wet areas) - 4
Shade at Vet’s Playground - 3
More trails - 2
Bring back dinosaur at Vet’s
Playground - 2
Festival Outgrown current venue - 2
Dog Park
Disc Golf
Picnic Areas
Regulate festival
Update Horn baseball field
Exercise Stations
Basketball Court
Less Dogs
Idle Isle Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Dirty beach - 5
Goose problem - 4
Need larger beach - 3
Too much trash - 2
Crowded - 2
Not enough parking - 2
Make cleaner - 2
Loitering
Car Noise
Seaweed problem
Open pavilion more
More landscaping
Inconsistent fee collection
Too much parking
More picnic areas
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (beach/swimming, boating,
playground, fishing, walking, sitting, other, etc.)?
Walking/Hiking - 61
Boating - 39
Beach/Swimming - 36
Playground - 34
Fishing - 19
Sitting - 18
Waterbugs - 16
Events - 5
Picnicking - 3
Biking - 2
Ice Skating
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Beach/Swim Area - 37
Boat Launch/Piers - 14
Geese Issue - 11
Shoreline - 10
Playground - 9
Trails around lake - 3
Overall Maintenance – 3
Pavilion - 2
Landscaping
Garbage
Kayaking
Police Enforcement
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Loitering - 4
Litter - 7
Noise (People/cars) - 5
Trespassing
Boat Traffic - 4
Waterbugs - 5
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
Beach Enhancement/Enlarge - 26
Shoreline Cleanup - 8
Parking Lot Upkeep/Increase - 3
Remove Geese - 8
More short piers for tie-up
Trail Loop - 20
Improve Playgrounds/Closer to
beach - 9
Boat Launch Update - 2
Weeds - 2
Dog cleanup station
Landscaping Beautification - 2
Rentals (paddleboards/kayaks) - 17
Increase fees - 6
Concessions - 4
Litter Control/Trash Cans - 6
Volleyball
Horse Shoe Pits
Lifeguard - 2
Ice Skating
Police Enforcement - 4
Jensen & Lee Hubka Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Poorly maintained – 3
Cracked asphalt/weedy
Rec Building needs updates
Remove dead trees
Better playground
Condition of ballfield poor
No amenities
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (Baseball, playground, basketball, rec
building programs, channel access, etc.)?
Playground - 21
Basketball - 14
Baseball/Softball - 11
Walking - 6
Dog Walking - 3
Channel Access - 2
Biking
Picnic
Rec Programs
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Baseball Diamond/Bleachers – 13
Playground - 9
Basketball Courts - 5
Rec Building - 5
Need Benches - 2
Channel
Need Landscaping
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Loitering 11
Dogs 11
Off road vehicle usage
Parking issues
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
Improve Channel Access - 10
Tennis Courts - 6
New Playground - 4
Improve Basketball Courts - 3
Improve Baseball Field - 3
Add Parking- 3
Picnic Tables/Benches - 2
Allow Dogs - 2
Improve Building - 2
Better Maintenance
Ice Skating
Improve Bleachers
Pool
Remove Rec Building
Pavilion
Grills
Pickleball
Kurth Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Parking issues
Playground fair
Can’t walk dog
Not up to date
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (Baseball, playground, walking,
basketball, tennis, soccer, etc.)?
Walking - 36
Playground - 20
Tennis - 13
Soccer - 9
Basketball - 6
Baseball - 6
Dog Walking - 2
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Trails - 12
Playground - 7
Parking - 4
Basketball Court - 3
Tennis Courts - 3
Bathrooms - 3
Baseball Field - 2
Southern Soccer Field - 2
More Garbage Cans
Accessibility
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Parking/Traffic - 5
Dogs - 3
Rude parents - 2
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
Dog Park/Allowance - 12
Update/Add Trails - 7
Playground - 5
Actual Basketball Court - 3
Dog Regulation - 3
Better Parking - 2
Create Shoreline - 2
Better Bathrooms
Weed Control
Refurbish Tennis Court
Loitering Enforcement
Prairie Signage
Splash pad/Swimming pool
Lions Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Upgrade baseball field - 3
Improve playground - 2
Parking larger - 2
Nothing here
Eyesore
No level playfield
Increased security
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (Playground, pickleball, baseball,
football, sitting, etc.)?
Playground - 19
Pickleball - 11
Baseball - 11
Basketball - 9
Walking - 3
Football - 3
Kite Flying - 2
Festival
Soccer
Frisbee
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Weeding/Landscaping/Landscape
Maintenance/Drainage - 7
Baseball Field - 4
Parking - 4
Lighting - 2
More Benches - 2
Fencing - 2
Basketball
Playground
Concession/Bathrooms
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Street parking congestion - 3
Pet Issues
Loitering
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
More landscaping - 2
Volleyball
Lawncare
Soccer field
Camping
Disc Golf practice area
Benches/Picnic tables
Walking trails
Bathroom updates
More parking
Manchester Hill Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Playground updates needed - 5
Litter
Dog issues
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (Playground, soccer, walking,
pavilion, ice skating, fishing, etc.)?
Walking - 44
Playground - 40
Pond/Fishing – 19
Soccer - 7
Ice Skating - 6
Trail
Baseball
Shelter
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Pond Area Shore - 10
Bathrooms (Add permanent) - 8
Playground - 8
Trails (Especially around pond) - 6
Winter Pond maintenance
(lights/benches) - 2
Pavilion/Picnic Tables - 2
Parking Lot
Play Area Surface
Dog Mess
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Loitering - 2
Dangerous parking
Dogs
Litter
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
Fishing/Stocking/Pier - 10
Pond Improvement - 7
Permanent Restrooms - 7
Trail Improvement - 6
Playground Update - 4
Ice Skate Access/Lighting - 4
Cleanout Tree line - 2
Better Landscaping - 2
Add Dog Park
Pavilion Upgrade
Accessibility
More Landscaping
Soccer Fields
Dog Regulation
Moorland Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Not enough activities/amenities - 5
Soccer and open fields poorly
maintained – 4
Not attractive - 3
More Police patrol - 2
Poor bathroom facilities
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (Playground, skateboard park,
soccer, walking, sitting, other, etc.)?
Playground - 63
Walking/Hiking - 48
Soccer - 22
Sitting - 14
Skateboard Park - 8
Biking - 4
Birding 1
Pond
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
More landscaping/shade - 11
Permanent Bathrooms - 10
Soccer Fields (Weedy/uneven) - 7
Woodchips at playground - 6
Trail maintenance - 3
Add pavilion – 3
Add basketball - 2
Splashpad - 2
Improved Signage
More trail signage
Litter Cleanup
Remove prairie by roadways
More benches
Better behavior
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Loitering (Skatepark behavior) -14 Littering - 2
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
More landscaping/shade - 21
Pavilion w/ perm. bathrooms – 21
Splashpad - 19
Bocce Ball Courts - 14
Pickleball - 10
Trail Maintenance/Signage - 9
Benches/Picnic tables - 6
Basketball - 2
Pond Fishing - 2
Dog Park - 2
Tennis - 2
Ice Rink
Baseball
Park Arthur Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
Need Playground - 2 More Trails – 2
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (Baseball, archery, sledding, walking,
hiking, equestrian, other, etc.)?
Walking/Hiking/Running - 42
Sledding - 15
Baseball - 15
Biking – 4
Archery - 4
Walk Dog - 3
Geo Caching
Birding
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Grass - 9
Edges of Roads/Muddy/Boulders - 6
More landscaping/trees - 5
Add Playground - 4
Speed Deterrence - 3
Better Trails - 3
Archery Range - 2
Picnic Areas - 2
Improve path up sledding hill -1
Litter Cleanup
Geese Issues
Sledding Hill Slope
Sidewalk from Copper Oaks
Subdivision
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Speeding - 6
Loitering
Lights on too long
Horse Cleanup
Littering
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. The west side of Park Arthur is undeveloped. Please indicate what item(s) you would
favor in the future:
9. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
Add playground - 15
Add more trails - 13
Dog Park - 12
Ice Rink - 9
Football - 5
More Landscaping/Shade - 4
Picnic Space - 3
Soccer - 3
Bike Trails
Picnic Space - 3
Soccer - 3
Scoreboards - 2
Basketball Court
Splashpad
Snowshoeing
Tennis
Swim Pond
Pitching/Hitting Cages
Overseeding Fields
More Police Patrol
Schmidt Park Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this park?
No prairie grass -3
Dangerous equipment
More trash cans
More sitting areas
More trees
Better basketball court
Better upkeep
2. How often do you use the park during the months April-November?
3. What amenities do you go to the park for usually (Playground, tennis, basketball,
walking, sitting, other, etc.)?
Walking - 72
Playground - 58
Tennis - 35
Sitting - 19
Basketball - 17
Baseball - 13
Dog Walking - 6
Biking - 4
Picnic - 2
Golf
Snowshoeing
4. Which portions of the park need the most improvement?
Playground - 18
Tennis Courts - 15
Ball Field - 12
Remove Prairie - 9
Basketball Court - 8
Add Benches/Picnic Tables - 7
Lawn Maintenance - 4
More Trees - 3
More Trash Containers
5. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the park?
6. Have you had any problems with other park users?
Dogs and dogs unleashed/cleanup - 7
Loitering – 7
7. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this park. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
8. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the park more in the
future?
More landscaping/shade - 7
Pickleball in Tennis Courts - 2
Add benches/picnic tables - 10
Enhance Basketball Court - 9
Enhance Tennis Court - 8
Update Playground - 6
Remove Prairie – 6
Enhance Baseball Field - 6
Add Soccer Goal/Field - 4
Enforce Dogs or Allow - 4
Splash pad - 2
Add water fountain
No Parking Lot
Fix Tennis Courts
Trails thru Prairie area
Volleyball
Badertscher Preserve Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this conservation area?
2. How often do you use the area during the months April-November?
3. How often do you use the area during the winter months?
4. What amenities do you go to the conservation area for usually (Hiking, bird-watching,
walking, sitting, other, etc.)?
Walking/Hiking - 21
Sitting - 2
Bird Watching - 2
Snow Shoeing
5. Which portions of the conservation area need the most improvement?
More signs to keep off private property
Clean up dead growth
Mow trails in summer more
6. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the area?
7. Have you had any problems with other conservation area users?
Dog ignorance - 2
Camouflaged hunters
8. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this area. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
9. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the area more in the
future?
Fill in muddy trail areas
(woodchips/boardwalk) - 3
Educational Signs and Improved
Signage - 2
More trail cutting
Paved parking
Observation Platform
Curb late night traffic
Aid steeper slopes
Rules but no enforcement
Have self-guided tours
Add kids playset
Engel Conservation Area Questions
1. Overall how would you rate this conservation area?
2. How often do you use the area during the months April-November?
3. How often do you use the area during the winter months?
4. What amenities do you go to the conservation area for usually (Hiking, bird-watching,
walking, sitting, other, etc.)?
Hiking/Walking - 13
Bird Watching - 6
Snowshoeing - 3
Sitting
Photography
5. Which portions of the conservation area need the most improvement?
Walking paths - 6
Gravel Road - 2
Signage
Fish Stocking
More views to water
6. Are there enough parking spaces provided for the size of the area?
7. Have you had any problems with other conservation area users?
Kids after hours - 2
Ignorance of no dogs - 2
Shining deer - 2
Late night traffic
8. The following improvements have been thought of for the future of this area. Please
indicate below if you would favor such an improvement or not.
9. Would any of the possible improvements make you want to visit the area more in the
future?
Improve trails - 4
Add outdoor education center - 2
Add land - 2
Paved Road and parking lot
Improve subdivision access
(settlement and Woodland Creek
Subdivisions)
Open for hunting ducks/squirrel
Stock Pond
Archery Range