West Bend parks commission approves program fees, approves transfers for mud run and Aqua Park upgrades

At its Jan. 29 meeting the West Bend Park and Recreation Commission approved a package of recreation program fees, multiple special events and two transfers from the recreation fund balance to cover program and Aqua Park needs.

Program fees and recreation offerings: recreation staff reviewed a large set of programs and a handful of proposed fee adjustments, including a small increase in a youth theater T‑shirt fee and a new short playground offering. Staff also proposed lowering the Monday–Thursday 5–7 p.m. Aqua Park ticket from $8 to $6 to boost attendance during the slowest sessions; commissioners approved the overall fee schedule with a single youth‑golf item held for director adjustment.

Special events: the commission approved seven no‑fee community events (Easter egg hunt, kids fishing clinic, spring cleanup, Baird shred, Good Shepherd softball tournament, conservancy wildflower sale, Al’s Hideout car show) and two fee events (Steps Against Assault walk and the downtown farmers market scheduled in May).

Fund transfers: staff sought and the commission approved a $4,695 transfer from the recreation fund balance to buy a replacement inflatable slide for the Dirty Ninja Mud Run and a $14,159.37 transfer to purchase three new Aqua Glide obstacles and additional life jackets for the Aqua Park. Recreation staff said the rec fund balance stood at roughly $107,742 entering 2026 and that forthcoming deposit activity would increase available funds.

Staff noted operational considerations and staffing progress for the season, including near‑full attendant staffing for Regner Beach and new obstacles built in‑house for the mud run course. Commissioners approved the transfers and related motions by voice vote.