The Advisory Recreation Board got an early look at a long list of possible 2027 park projects—over $1.46 million in total work—and heard an update on the city’s beach paid-parking trial. No votes were recorded on the big-ticket items, but the board is clearly teeing up major budget choices for next year.
Key Decisions
Board members discussed 17 possible 2027 park capital projects totaling $1,463,428 in work, with $650,912 listed as the city’s capital investment after outside funding assumptions—setting up big choices about what actually gets built and what gets pushed off.
Staff reported mixed early results from the beach paid-parking trial: five dates completed, weather and staffing problems limiting more dates, and relatively low turnover even on the busiest day—key facts if the city considers expanding or continuing paid parking.
The department reported it received a $34,466 Wisconsin DNR boating facilities grant for Veterans Park boat launch dock replacements, reducing how much local money would be needed for that project.
Public Input · 1 speaker
Wendy Brandt
She thanked and praised the Parks & Recreation Department, saying many people appreciate the work even if they don’t always say so publicly.
Agenda Items
Discuss potential 2027 capital park projects
The board discussed 17 potential park projects for 2027 and referenced an attached presentation for details. Staff framed the list as $1,463,428 in total project costs, with $650,912 described as the city’s capital investment after counting on TID funding, grants, fundraising, and special revenue—assumptions that can change fast and deserve public scrutiny before anything is treated as “covered.” No formal action was recorded, but this is the meeting where the wish list starts turning into next year’s real spending plan.
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Update on beach paid parking trial
Staff said five paid-parking dates have happened so far, with higher attendance and parking on hotter days, but a busiest-day turnover rate of 1.29—suggesting many cars stayed put rather than cycling through. They also said staffing and weather have made it hard to schedule more trial dates, and that zip code data was collected. This matters because the city can’t fairly judge whether paid parking “works” if the trial is limited by staffing and inconsistent dates—yet those early numbers will still shape what happens next.
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Recreation Economy for Rural Communities workshop - September 1st & 2nd
Staff invited board and community members to a September 1–2 workshop tied to a national program funded through the U.S. EPA, with Two Rivers selected as one of 20 communities. The stated goal is a strategic plan for building a “recreation economy” and connecting the city with partners for fundraising and implementation. This is the kind of planning effort that can steer future spending priorities, so residents should watch what projects get elevated—and who is at the table when the plan is written.
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Youth Sports Summit on November 4th
Staff invited board and community members to a November 4 Youth Sports Summit aimed at gathering input from families, coaches, schools, and youth sports groups. The feedback is intended to guide a Community Youth Sports Strategic Plan and future youth athletics decisions. This is a meaningful chance for residents to shape priorities before they harden into budgets and facility plans—especially if the city later points to the summit as “community support.”
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Director's Reports
The department reported 50 recreation programs offered so far this year with 1,355 participants, plus a busy summer events season. Staff also shared Senior Center participation counts and noted completion of a digital literacy grant. These are useful snapshots of activity levels, but they also function as the backdrop for next year’s capital requests—more participation is often used to justify more spending.
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Parks and Facilities Project Updates
Staff reported new docks, a kayak launch, sidewalk, and fencing installed at Paddlers Park, and said many repairs from the May 17, 2026 storm have been completed. They also shared Community House usage notes and survey counts. This is mostly operational, but it signals ongoing maintenance demands that compete with the 2027 wish list.
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Planning and Grants Updates
Staff reported receiving a $34,466 Wisconsin DNR Recreational Boating Facilities Grant for dock replacements at the Veterans Park Boat Launch. Grant funding can reduce the local share, but it can also lock the city into timelines and matching requirements that aren’t spelled out in these minutes. Residents should expect the actual project approval and spending decisions to show up later in the budget process.
