Nicole Nelson

This Strategic Plan for the City of Waukesha provides a comprehensive framework to guide the organization's decisions and actions over the next five years. It outlines specific goals focused on fostering a high quality of life and becoming an accessible, vibrant, and desirable community. Key strategic pillars include Financial Sustainability, Service in Excellence, People-Centered Development, and Engaged Community, aiming to prioritize diversity, sustainability, and innovation.

This Financial Management Plan serves as a planning tool for the operating budget and outlines a roadmap for achieving financial sustainability. It focuses on fiscal stability, resilience against economic challenges, and balanced approaches to funding community needs. The plan identifies three primary categories of initiatives: Cost Recovery, New Revenue, and Service Adjustments, to address a projected budget shortfall. Implementation of these initiatives aims to eliminate the structural budget deficit in the coming years.

The Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department's vision is to deliver "gold medal services" to ensure an exceptional quality of life for its community. This vision is achieved through strategic goals focused on extensive infrastructure development (e.g., 25 active projects, facility revitalization), expanding school-based programming, and fostering strong community engagement. The department emphasizes innovation, operational efficiency, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness to community needs and challenges. Key priorities include promoting community health, wellness, and active living, environmental stewardship (e.g., Urban Forest, water conservation), and striving for inclusivity in all programs and services.

This Master Plan for Cardinal Ridge Park serves as a roadmap for its future success and development, aiming to meet evolving community needs while preserving natural features. Key recommendations include the establishment of new parking facilities, a large community shelter with restrooms, a playground for all ages and abilities, and a zero-depth aquatic splashpad. The plan also emphasizes the preservation and enhancement of woodlands and wetlands, creation of flexible recreation spaces, and integration of court sports like pickleball, tennis, and basketball, all connected by a comprehensive path system.

This master plan serves as a roadmap for the future success and development of Hillcrest and Missile Parks, aiming to create diverse, unique, and inviting experiences for all visitors. Key priorities for Hillcrest Park involve preserving its historical significance while enhancing amenities such as playgrounds, memorial walks, shelters, and a dog exercise area. Missile Park's development focuses on establishing an 18-hole disc golf course, playgrounds, shelters, and viewing towers, alongside the potential restoration of an existing building. Both plans emphasize integrating public input, enhancing natural features, and improving overall accessibility and security.