This is something I’ve been correcting people on since the Milwaukee County Parks Department won the NRPA “Gold Medal” for best managed park system. Managed being the key word.

Milwaukee, WI – Milwaukee County Supervisor Gerry Broderick is responding to recent comments from County Executive Scott Walker regarding the Milwaukee County Parks system.

“Based on comments made last week to senior citizens and repeated in his weekly newsletter, Scott Walker continues to believe that we have the best parks system in the United States. In fact, the gold medal award was presented to Milwaukee County for its parks management, but this award does not mean that our Parks are in the best of shape,” Supervisor Broderick said. “If cutting dozens of County parks workers and deferring parks maintenance to a backlog of $276 million is his contribution, it’s not a positive one. The public needs to be made aware that his claims are fraudulent.”

Parks Director Sue Black and her team have done an amazing job in managing our parks system, and the Gold Medal award recognized their creativity. But, Supervisor Broderick believes that Scott Walker’s continued claims that Milwaukee County has the best park system indicate the County Executive’s clear misunderstanding of the nature of this award.

“Our parks are currently running on fumes rather than fuel, and the County Executive has opposed the sales tax, a dedicated funding stream endorsed by the public in a November 2008 referendum, which might have salvaged our parks. In its absence, our parks have a bleak future,” Supervisor Broderick added. “The quality of our parks is going to hell. Pretty soon, we’ll look like Gary, Indiana. Sure, Gary might have lower taxes, but who wants to live there? – Wispolitics.com

Sup. Broderick is the Chair of the Parks, Energy and Environment Committee and his press release is spot on.

There remains a lot of confusion about the staffing changes coming to the par 3 golf courses within Milwaukee County Parks. Here’s some facts about the par 3 system that didn’t make it into the paper or the breathless press releases from politicians trying to make an issue out of this.

I’ve verified the following information with Parks Director Sue Black, hopefully it will clear up some of the confusion.

In 2009 the Par 3’s brought in the following Revenues

• Noyes    $23,797
• Madison    $32,936
• Zablocki    $57,766
• Lake    $61,423
• Doyne    $28,644

· Traditionally courses do not open until the beginning of May. The Rangers allow revenue collection during the earlier months of March and April and the late season months of October and November.

· During league play, outings, and peak times the courses will be staffed.

· There will be no decrease in upkeep at these courses. They will be maintained as in the past.

· The program will be evaluated closely throughout the season and adjusted to make sure we maximize our revenue.

· During times when the iron rangers are collecting fees the courses will be monitored daily to check compliance.

· Iron ranger or self – pay stations are used currently at our dog parks, boat launches, and at other State and County run Parks and Trails.