Waukesha County

Park Projects & FAQs


Lake Country Trail Underpass Project

Updated April 24, 2023 • subject to change

As part of the State of Wisconsin’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) and Stewardship Grant Programs, a multi-purpose trail underpass is set to be constructed under Summit Avenue (State Hwy 67) along the Lake Country Trail. Situated just south of Oconomowoc Parkway, where it intersects Summit Avenue, this underpass will safely connect trail users under the road through an existing 'box culvert' tunnel. 

A partnership between the City of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin DOT and Waukesha County, this project will include trail connections to the existing underground culvert tunnel, signage, lighting, drainage, and other project components. Both Oconomowoc Parkway and Summit Avenue will remain open throughout construction; please expect partial lane closures and pedestrian access re-routes.

Project Timeline:

Date Updates

November 2022 - March 2023

Contracting

April 2023

Pre-construction Meeting 

May 2023

Construction begins

November 15, 2023

Anticipated Project Completion
Underpass to open to the public

Project Location:

  


Fox River Park Improvements - Phase 2: River Access

Updated April 24, 2023 • subject to change

Completed: In December 2022, phase one of the Fox River Park Improvement project was completed with initial streambank stabilization and restoration work done.

Next: Work is now underway on project phase two, which will include the development of an ADA-accessible kayak launch, ADA-accessible fishing pier/overlook structure, and pathway. 

Temporary closure: River Access Area

• Closed through 2023: project area and carry-in watercraft access
• Avoid areas marked with tape and barricades to allow them to recover.
• Open for your use: existing paved trails and access from the parking lot
• Tip: Find an alternate location to launch your carry-in watercraft on the Fox River on the Fabulous Fox River Trail site. (Fox River Park launch is located at river mile 171.9.)

Phase 2 Project Timeline (subject to change):

Date Updates

April - November 2023

Fundraising, Design, and Permitting

December 2023 - January 2024

Contractor Bidding 

February 2024 - May 2024

Project Awarded • Project Construction

Concepts:

Conceptual sketch birds eye view of river access plan Conceptual sketch cross section of fishing pier with people Conceptual sketch of kayaker coming off accessible launch from wheelchair


Nagawicka Lake Access Launch and Parking Lot Reconstruction Project

Updated Sept 8, 2023 • Info subject to change. 

New phase begins Sept 25, 2023

Nagawicka Lake access parking lot and Beach House sidewalk to close on Tuesday, September 5, 2023.

Reconstruction of the parking lot and sidewalk on the north and east side of the Beach House will be ongoing through late fall. It is anticipated that the area will reopen in late 2023 for winter lake access. Pedestrian Access will be provided from the existing boardwalk to the playground, beach and south doors of the beach house.

Be aware of construction equipment and activities in the area.

Timeline: Nagawicka Lake Access Parking Lot and Adjacent Sidewalk

September 25, 2023  

Boat launch area closed for the 2023 season - parking lot and sidewalk reconstruction

November 2023

Anticipated project completion

December 2023

Anticipated reopening of boat launch area, sidewalk, and parking lot

Alternatives:
• City of Delafield public boat launch (view location). Open to the public; parking only for registered City of Delafield residents. More info: Contact Delafield City Clerk’s office (view contact)
• Waukesha County Parks Lake Access on Pewaukee Lake, Nemahbin Lake, and School Section Lakes. Your annual membership is valid at these locations. Not a member? Join us

• • •

Temporary Closure: Naga-Waukee Park main entrance

• Entrance to park from State Hwy 83 to close briefly this fall
• For rehabilitation of entrance drive
• Use northwest entrance (view location)
• Coming soon: Check back for dates 
• View project informationDates and details are subject to change.

• • •

Nagawicka Lake boat launch's north ramps are reopened and south ramps remain open for your use. Contractors completed the reconstruction of the north boat ramps, and have re-graded and stabilized all boat ramps. Thank you for pardoning our dust!

Next: As part of the Wisconsin DNR Statewide Recreational Boating Facilities Grant Program, Nagawicka Lake Boat Launch parking lot is set for construction this fall (after Labor Day) with a temporary closure September - December 2023. Updates to follow.

Tip: Lake Access Annual Memberships grant members access also to Waukesha County lake access facilities on Pewaukee, Nemahbin, and School Section Lakes.  

Nagawicka Lake Access Parking Lot and Adjacent Sidewalk - pending project authorization
Date Updates
February/March 2023 Project bidding
March 2023 Contract Award
March 2023 Contracting
September 2023  

Boat Launch Area Temporary Closure - Parking lot and sidewalk reconstruction

December 2023 Anticipated Project Completion - Boat launch area and parking lot to reopen

Nashotah Park Native Prairie Restoration / No-Mow Area Project

  

 

The Nashotah Park Native Prairie Restoration Project is over 50% complete! Learn More About the Project
The project goal is to restore the old agricultural fields within the park into native prairie to create pollinator habitat. The native plantings will provide habitat for birds, pollinators, and other insects. The beauty of blooming flowers will also add to the natural beauty of Nashotah Park.

This large-scale project is supported by donations to the Parkland Conservation Fund


Monches Property Reforestation Project

The Monches Property Reforestation Project is 33% complete! Learn More About the Project
The project goal is to plant a diversity of shrubs and trees along the Oconomowoc River Greenway to reduce pollution from agricultural land and improve water quality. The project is being completed in partnership with the Oconomowoc Watershed Protection Program (OWPP). 

This large-scale project is supported by donations to the Parkland Conservation Fund


 Fox River Trail Project (Pewaukee to Brookfield Connector) - Complete

Updated Mar 14, 2023 • Info subject to change

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony coming Spring 2023! The Fox River Trail is a three-mile trail between the City of Pewaukee and the City of Brookfield. It runs from a trailhead on Watertown Road in Pewaukee through scenic wetlands and woodlands and along residential neighborhoods to Brookfield Road in Brookfield. Currently, no other County Recreation Trail connects to the Fox River Trail.

Connecting trails:
 • City of Brookfield - Greenway Trail System
 • City of Pewaukee - Bike Plan

 

Date Updates
 Thu., Sept. 19, 2019

Virtual Public Involvement Meeting #1

 Wed., July 8, 2020

Virtual Public Involvement Meeting #2

March 2021 - December 2021

Project Coordination with WisDOT

December 2021 - February 2022

Project Out to Bid

February 2022

Project Awarded to a Contractor

April 11 - September 30, 2022

Project Construction
Vinton Construction Company of Two Rivers, WI

  • Clearing and Removal of Vegetation - COMPLETE
  • Removal of Railroad Ties and Rail - COMPLETE
  • Trail Prep - COMPLETE
  • Asphalt Trail Installation - COMPLETE
  • Bridge Work - COMPLETE
  • Planting and Restoration - COMPLETE
  • Finishing Touches - COMPLETE
October 20, 2022

Project is Complete - Trail is OPEN

Stay tuned for Official Opening Ceremony in Spring 2023


Pewaukee Lake Access Launch Reconstruction Project - COMPLETE

 Updated May 28, 2022.
Dates and details are subject to change.

Waukesha County reconstructed the boat launches at the Pewaukee Lake Access site. The project was constructed Spring 2022, starting April 19 and completed on May 28, 2022.  The anticipated completion date was June 3, 2022. To minimize interruption to lake access the launches were reconstructed in two phases so that one launch could remain open through the construction process. 

There are two other launch accesses to Pewaukee Lake, but parking is limited. See locations on the Wisconsin DNR websiteAnnual Lake Access Stickers are also valid to access Nagawicka, Nemahbin, and School Section Lakes.  

Date Updates
Spring 2022 Bid for construction

April 19, 2022

Reconstruction project begins on North ramp. To minimize interruption to lake access the launches were reconstructed in two phases so that one launch could remain open through the construction process.

May 16, 2022

The new North launch ramp is completed OPEN for use. The South ramp is now CLOSED for reconstruction. 

May 28, 2022

Both North and South ramps are OPEN for use.

May 28, 2022

Project is complete. Launch is OPEN.

 

Park System Automatic License Plate Reader System Project - COMPLETE

Updated: Jan 31, 2023
Dates and details subject to change. 

Important: Starting in 2023, your vehicle no longer will display a windshield sticker upon entry to parks and lake access; annual memberships are verified by the license plate scanner upon entry.

The Waukesha County Park System’s Automatic License Plate Reader System Project bid was awarded in June 2021. This project will improve user fee management, increase park security for all visitors, and effectively utilize staff time and talent for other priority park operations. 

The camera system installations were completed by August 2021 at Fox Brook, Fox River, Menomonee, Minooka, Mukwonago, Muskego, Naga-Waukee, and Nashotah Parks. The lake access site camera system installations or mobile camera enforcement systems were completed by January 2022 at Nagawicka, Nemahbin, Pewaukee, and School Section Lakes. All vehicle license plates are now being captured automatically by the cameras.

Purchase Annual Memberships and Daily Permits:

  • Online: www.WaukeshaCounty.gov/ParkEntry
  • In person: at Waukesha County Parks Main Office in the Courthouse (map) or at Retzer Nature Center (map).
  • Required: Be ready to provide your vehicle's license plate numbers
Date Updates
 February - May 2021 Project Research and Project Out to Bid
 May - September 2021 Installation and Testing 
 Early November 2021 Project completion anticipated 
 November 26, 2021 Online 2022 Annual Park Entrance Sticker Sales Begin
 November 29, 2021 - January 31, 2022 Enforcement testing in progress
 February 1, 2022 Camera Enforcement Full Implementation begins

    

return to Parks home • Alerts and Closures • Annual Memberships


Park Hours Sunrise to 10 pm • 365 days a year

Waukesha County Park System
515 W. Moreland Blvd • AC 230
Waukesha WI 53188 (map)

Hours M-F • 8 am - 4:30 pm* (closed holidays)
Visit us in person in room AC 260
*Rentals: in-person support 8 am - 4 pm
Contact us 262-548-7801 | ParksInfo@WaukeshaCounty.gov

 Waukesha County Parks Golf Waukesha County Retzer Nature Center Expo Center 
Instagram logo Waukesha County ParksLinkedIn logo Waukesha County ParksWaukeshaCoParks