Park Committee Meeting

Waupaca County Park Committee meeting, September 2, 2026: The committee discussed boat-launch payments and fees. Staff plan to test a limited number of signs with QR codes at selected launches this fall; online payment processing fees would be charged to users rather than the county. The committee deferred possible changes to annual launch fees and other rates until the October meeting, pending historical in-county and out-of-county usage data. For the fairgrounds’ Fourth of July event, members supported staff negotiating a charge with the city for its use of facilities and returning with an arrangement; no specific amount was approved. The discussion cited existing rates of $500 per day for a pavilion, $200 for early setup, and $2,850 for the whole grounds, as well as $1,300 in monthly water costs.

The committee also reviewed FEMA claims and possible dam and flood-damage work. A preliminary estimate for dam reconstruction and related work increased from $224,000 before the flooding to $396,000 afterward, including $110,000 for geocell bank stabilization. Engineering review is expected in October, with final plans anticipated later; the project has not yet gone out to bid. Members discussed pursuing FEMA reimbursement and mitigation funding, and staff will clarify plans for the damaged Manoa boat-launch area with the city. No contract award or procurement vote was identified.