Commission discusses 2027 fee schedule; moves toward parity between tennis and pickleball reservation fees

Staff gave an overview of recommended changes to the 2027 parks fee schedule, highlighting clerical corrections (an unintended change to a nonresident Ultimate Frisbee fee), modest increases to ball-diamond preparation fees to account for staff time and materials, and a proposed $100 annual adjustment range for cemetery plot fees to align with neighboring municipalities.

A lengthy public comment period followed. Resident Patrick raised multiple line-item clarity questions (which fields are lined, which courts and fields are rentable, and whether lights would be charged) and urged clearer table language. He also recommended keeping resident fees low and argued that tennis and pickleball fees should be the same, saying differential pricing risks perceived inequity.

Commissioners and staff discussed tournament fees for pickleball, prior fee reductions for nonprofits and Healthy Neighborhood Initiative grantees, and whether Hosta Hochi rental rates should align with level-6 shelters in Madison. Multiple commissioners expressed a preference for making tennis and pickleball reservation fees equal (the existing temporary structure was $10 resident / $15 nonresident for pickleball and had been proposed at a higher level for tennis); staff said they would reflect the commission's recommendation in the version sent to council.

Other staff items and announcements included recent storm damage cleanup, completed bench installations at Southdale Park, and an upcoming Milwaukee Brewers–sponsored mural at McKee Park.

What happens next: Staff will incorporate the commission's feedback and forward the fee schedule and recommended Hosta Hochi rate options to council (the presentation to council was noted for an upcoming council meeting). Staff also confirmed that changes flagged in yellow in the packet represented the proposed edits.