WAUKESHA — The Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is finalizing its updated strategic plan for 2025, with goals centered on community engagement, infrastructure improvements, and ongoing maintenance of the city’s parks and public spaces.
Melissa Lipska, the department’s Parks and Forestry operations manager and a 10-year employee, said the mission is to enhance community spaces and improve quality of life.
"We want to make the community a better place where people want to work and play, and care for natural areas and the well-being of our residents through our various recreation programs and offerings," Lipska said.
The department updates its strategic plan every few years. The previous version covered 2018–2022. The new plan is expected to be approved at the April 21 Park Board meeting and aligns with the city’s broader goals of service excellence, financial stability, people-centered development, and community engagement.
Public input is gathered through online surveys, program evaluations, public meetings, and stakeholder interviews. Additionally, the city conducts a National Community Survey every few years to assess services such as parks, downtown development, and infrastructure.
The department’s five-year Community Investment Program guides capital improvement projects across the city, including street reconstruction, facility upgrades, and infrastructure maintenance. Collaboration with the city administrator, engineering department, aldermen, and Finance Committee helps determine project priorities.
Playgrounds are inspected monthly — or more frequently during peak use — and updated as needed. Trails are inspected annually, and some are plowed in winter for walking or snowshoeing.
Volunteers are a key part of the department’s efforts. A volunteer coordinator oversees projects like Earth Day cleanups and invasive species removal. The department also partners with Boy Scouts and Eagle Scouts for initiatives such as native tree planting.
Popular events include the Fourth of July parade and fireworks, family adventure walks, and the Learn to Swim program, which provides water safety instruction to hundreds of children each year.
The department recently issued a request for proposals to implement new bike and pedestrian way-finding signage, onstreet bike route markers, and trail access signs.
"The easiest way to learn about opportunities is to visit the City of Waukesha website. Volunteer options range from trash pickup, helping at events, taking photos, assisting seniors, coaching youth sports — there’s a lot you can do to help, and it can align with your personal interests," said Mary Burke, recreation services manager.
In 2024, the department had 1,996 unduplicated volunteers who contributed over 33,000 hours. "It’s an incredible number of people supporting the city and its initiatives. We’re always looking for more. It’s a great way to connect with others and give back to the community," Burke said.
This year’s Earth Day Cleanup on April 26 will include a new twist on a "weigh-off," during which participants will weigh the amount of litter they collect. Afterward, the department will provide biodegradable kites for a community kite-flying activity. Those who are not participating in the cleanup can attend a paper bag kite-making workshop for $5, with proceeds going toward the Adopt-a-Park Program.
The department operates under a yearly plan and several work committees. Burke emphasized the importance of their mission: "Our recreation component is critical in providing quality of life. It’s a big park system, and we pride ourselves on what we’re able to offer. But without volunteers, we couldn’t do it."
