Public Hearing Set For Wanaki Golf Course

WAUKESHA, WI — Members of the public will have their chance to weigh in on the pending closure of the Wanaki Golf Course during a special public hearing in September in advance of a potential vote to close the course for good.

The Waukesha County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing on the proposed closure of Wanaki Golf Course on Wednesday, Sep. 25 at the Waukesha County Expo Center Arena.

The hearing will begin at 6 p.m. with the Director of Parks and Land Use Dale Shaver providing a short presentation on county golf course operations. Members of the public will be allowed to
provide comments on the proposed closure of Wanaki Golf Course following the presentation.

Citing mounting repair costs and losing money, Waukesha County Parks officials say they will close the Wanaki Golf Course once the 2019 season ends.

In spite of efforts to increase revenue, the golf course has operated at a loss for years, depleting Waukesha County's golf course reserve fund. In addition, Wanaki Golf Course requires over $645,000 in repair and replacement projects officials said.

Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow said officials have run out of options in order to keep the course open.

Public comment may be limited to several minutes depending on the number of attendees. If a
member of the public asks questions as part of their comments, staff will be on hand to compile
the questions and provide answers after the hearing.

“When the board begins deliberating on the 2020 budget we will be weighing how we fund county priorities like public safety and transportation while also being fiscally responsible in how we fund quality of life amenities that make Waukesha County a great place to live,” Decker said.

The County Board budget process kicks off on Tuesday, Sep. 24 when County Executive
Paul Farrow presents his 2020 budget to the board. The proposed Wanaki closure will be voted on by the Land Use, Parks and Environment Committee on Tuesday, Oct. 1 and Finance Committee on Wednesday, Oct. 2.