City of Wauwatosa Flood Recovery Update

(August 15, 2025) Our thoughts are with all residents, business owners, and visitors who were impacted by the recent flood event. The City of Wauwatosa is committed to supporting our community as recovery continues. We encourage you to take action where you can. check in on a neighbor, lend a hand, or join the neighbor-led clean-up efforts already underway.

Since Saturday, August 9, the City has been actively responding to significant flooding throughout our community. Between August 9 and August 10, our Dispatch Center received more than 350 calls for service. During that same time, the Wauwatosa Fire Department responded to 123 service calls.

Approximately 70 people, along with numerous pets, were rescued from floodwaters, including two rescues from the Menomonee River. Initial assessments indicate that more than 500 homes and 50 businesses were impacted by the weekend’s flooding.

Our Public Works crews have already collected about 250 tons of residential flood debris. These numbers will continue to be updated as additional damage assessments are completed.

Our Engineering and Building & Safety staff assisted with flood damage reporting. They are also evaluating the safety of reopening certain bridges throughout the city. An updated list of any closures can be found at Wauwatosa.net.

We currently estimate $9 million in flood damage to city-owned public property, including Hart Park. We are working with the city’s insurance provider on claims related to public property.

We are still awaiting information about flood damage to private properties. Previously, property owners were asked to report damage to the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management through 211 or the online damage report form. 211 is no longer needed to identify property damage. Going forward, 211 is available as a resource line to connect residents with flood recovery assistance and support services.

While we await word on state or federal assistance, there may be local assistance available to property owners: 1) Homeowners may be eligible for assistance with flood-related repairs to your home. You must income qualify. Learn more: wauwatosa.net/homerepair. 2) Small business owners may be eligible for up to $15,000 in forgivable loan assistance for improvements like plumbing and electrical fixtures, HVAC systems, and flooring. Learn more and apply by emailing economicdevelopment@wauwatosa.net or calling (414) 479-3520. See frequently asked questions on second page.

FAQs:

When will Public Works collect flood-damaged items on the curb?
Wauwatosa Public Works is collecting flood-damaged items at your collection point. The last day to put items on the curb is Sunday, August 24. You do not need to call to make an appointment. We are making rounds throughout the city.

When will Hart Park reopen?
Our plan is to reopen Hart Park within the seven to ten days. However, we will be putting temporary fence around areas that are not safe to the public or otherwise need restoration. This includes the playground, Hart Park Stadium, a damaged portion of the parking lot, softball field, and anywhere else we deem unsafe.

What’s the status of…?
• Hart Park Stadium. Hart Park Stadium will likely be closed for an extended period. We are working on repair estimates.
• Muellner Building (which houses the Senior Center and Curling Club). We hope to invite the seniors back into the building within a few weeks. However, the elevator will be unavailable for an extended period of time. This means activities can be held on the first floor only. The basement of the Muellner Building, which houses the Curling Club, received extensive flood damage. We do not have a timeline for repair at this time.
• Rotary Stage – While the grassy area will be reopened in the next seven to ten days, we will not be able to accommodate large events for an extended period.
• Playground – The eastern portion of the playground will likely reopen within the next few weeks. The remainder of the playground restoration work has an undetermined timeline. We are working on repair estimates.
• Softball – Undetermined timeline. We are working on repair estimates.
• Tennis courts – Our crews cleaned up the tennis courts. We anticipate reopening them to the public when the park is reopened.

Please note that these timelines may be affected by weather. Do NOT move barricades or temporary fence. We are already aware of one injury caused by someone entering an unsafe area. Do not enter unsafe areas under any circumstances.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.