Sup. Taylor Announces Passage of UW-Extension, Wehr, Hales Corners Park Pavilion and Pool Amendments

Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve F. Taylor today issued the following statement regarding the continuation of the UW-Extension contract to operate Nature in the Parks at the Wehr Nature Center and the appropriation of $525,000 to fund capital improvements to Hales Corners Park Pavilion and Pool:

“I am pleased to announce that the Milwaukee County Board today passed my co-sponsored amendment with Supervisor Cullen, which will continue a long standing relationship with the UW-Extension. This amendment not only assures UW-Extension will remain funded through 2015, it also ensures the long-term viability and success of the Wehr Nature Center. I commend Friends of Wehr for their persistence on this issue.

“The amendment removes the Natural Areas Coordinator positon that currently provides system-wide land management from the UW-Extension contract and places it within the Parks Department. By moving the position the Parks Department can continue system-wide natural areas management, environmental education and keep the Wehr Nature Center on a sustainable track.

“In addition, the County Board passed my amendment that will appropriate $525,000 for much- needed capital improvements to Hales Corners Park Pavilion and Pool. The amendment will allocate $275,000 for the rehabilitation of the Hales Corners Pool and $250,000 for the replacement of the Hales Corners Park Pavilion roof.

“Finally, the Board voted to keep the Hales Corners Wading Pool open until a study can be commissioned and brought before the County Board by April, 2015. The study will evaluate costs associated with annual operations and will determine whether or not the wading pool will remain open. The Friends of Hales Corners Park and Pool have pledged the funds required to cover operational costs if they are needed for the pool to remain open.

“As I have stated in the past, our parks are an important Milwaukee County asset and both their programing and capital needs should be responsibly funded to ensure future generations will have the opportunity to enjoy what our parks have to offer.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.