Current Park Projects & FAQs

Discovery Trail Project at Retzer Nature Center

Help us revitalize Retzer's old Adventure Trail with expanded accessibility for all ages and abilities. The new Discovery Trail will include a variety of "Exploration Stations" for outdoor education, sensory-based play experiences, and STEM activities for families and school groups. 

Pewaukee Lake Access Launch Reconstruction Project

Dates and details subject to change. Check back for project updates.

Waukesha County is reconstructing the launch at the Pewaukee Lake Access site. The construction project was planned for the end of the boating season to try to minimize the impact on lake users. 

There are two other launch accesses to Pewaukee Lake, but parking is limited.  See locations on the Wisconsin DNR website.

Date	Updates
September 20, 2021	Site and facilities will close Reconstruction project begins
December 18, 2021	The south ramp of the launch re-opens for public access. The north ramp remains closed due to conditions.
2022	Project continues - details to be determined

• FAQ Document (June 7, 2021)

Park System Automatic License Plate Reader System Project

Updated: December 10, 2021 - Dates and details subject to change. Check back for project updates.

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 systems have been installed at the entrances of Fox Brook, Fox River, Menomonee, Minooka, Mukwonago, Muskego, Naga-Waukee, and Nashotah Parks. The lake access sites at Nagawicka, Nemahbin, Pewaukee, and School Section Lakes will have a camera system or mobile camera enforcement system added in 2022.  As part of testing, all vehicle license plates are now being captured automatically by the cameras.

2022 annual stickers, daily entrance permits, and daily lake access can be purchased online at www.waukeshacounty.gov/parkentry. Patrons will also have the option to pay in-person at the Waukesha County Parks and Land Use Administration Office or at Retzer Nature Center. 

Please note: Patrons will need to provide accurate license plate numbers when purchasing a daily entrance permit or annual park/lake access stickers using all caps, no spaces, and no hyphens to avoid a violation ticket. 

• FAQ Document

Nashotah Park Native Prairie Restoration / No-Mow Area Project

The Nashotah Park Native Prairie Restoration Project is underway as one of the Parkland Conservation Fund's projects. The restoration of old agricultural fields into native prairie is creating 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.

• FAQ Document
• Parkland Conservation Fund

Leave Your Mark Boardwalk Project at Retzer Nature Center

Leave your mark on the boardwalk at Retzer Nature Center. The Leave Your Mark Project provides an opportunity for patrons of Retzer to contribute to the ongoing enhancement of the Nature Center. 

The custom planks allow for recognition of friends, family, yourself, your business, or a special event or memory while supporting our efforts to improve the educational and recreational enjoyment of our visitors.