Everyone knows Milwaukee County and Milwaukee County Parks are strapped for cash. But what a new proposal presupposes is…maybe they would be slightly less strapped for cash if they charged for parking at certain locations along the lakefront?
As reported by Urban Milwaukee last month, Parks is indeed “revisiting the idea of charging parking fees, but only in a small number of parks and with an eye toward the future of the system.” Former Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele proposed a similar idea back in 2016, but everyone got mad so he dropped it.
In a newsletter sent last week, 3rd District Milwaukee County Supervisor Sheldon Wasserman addressed concerns over the latest proposal, and further detailed the financial woes of Milwaukee County Parks:
For the 2027 requested budget, Parks was asked to absorb an $890,000 reduction in its tax levy support, which was the proportional share of reductions being asked of other County departments. Over the past two years, Parks reports that its tax levy support has been reduced by approximately $1.9 million. With Parks still responsible for maintaining an extensive system of parks, trails, beaches, and recreational facilities, the Department is looking at parking revenue as one potential way to help address these financial pressures and support future park improvements.
What locations would be subject to paid parking? In the newsletter, Wasserman says “free parking would remain available along Lincoln Memorial Drive, while fees will be considered at certain nearby parking lots and high-demand destinations, such as the North Point parking area, Bradford Beach parking lot, McKinley Marina and Veterans Park.”
Parks is kicking around rates of $2-$4 per hour, “but the actual rates could change,” Wasserman says. “Parks is also considering being selective about when fees would apply, focusing on peak-use periods rather than charging year-round,” he adds.
When would this potentially go into effect? “If the proposal moves forward, implementation could begin in 2027, with spring being the earliest start,” Wasserman says.
Oh, and “Parks has also indicated that it does not intend to install traditional parking meters and is instead exploring technology such as a QR-code based ‘scan and park’ system, similar to what the Milwaukee County Zoo already uses,” Wasserman says.
With or without certain parking fees, parks themselves would remain free.
“Parking availability at certain high-demand locations is limited, and Parks is evaluating whether fees could help manage demand and generate revenue that can be reinvested into the park system,” Wasserman says.
Want to voice YOUR opinion on paid parking at certain locations along the lakefront? Of course you do. Wasserman has set up a public survey HERE. It’s open through Labor Day.
Want more Milwaukee Record? Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and/or support us on Patreon.