Splashpad Project Stalls: New Faces, But No Action on Accessible Recreation

The excitement surrounding the proposed accessible splashpad for Milwaukee County, a project championed as a test of fairness and speed, appeared to hit a major slowdown at a recent Commission for Persons with Disabilities meeting, held virtually Dec. 8.

Despite being touted as a potential moment to move from Information to Action, the virtual meeting ended with no definite site choice, no budget set aside, and no firm schedule for the highly anticipated recreational feature. The project is stuck in general discussion, frustrating community members watching the process.

Throughout the short, hour-long session, it was clear that the commission’s main focus was elsewhere. Key presentations on housing and school connections took up the first half, leaving the discussion of past initiatives to a vague action item. When that moment arrived, the splashpad update—a clear follow-up from the November meeting—was quickly summarized. Instead of voting on a spending plan or introducing a specific funding proposal, the discussion concluded that the issue needed more work by the relevant departments.

“It’s disappointing to see this high-impact project treated as a side issue,” said Marissa Chen, a local parent and disability advocate. “We need a splashpad, not more study groups. Every month we delay is another summer children with disabilities have fewer fair options.”

Adding to the organizational confusion was the introduction of new personnel. Item V.a was dedicated to introducing Eleuteria Gonzales-Dobbe to the commission. While the commissioners engaged in a brief question-and-answer session, a clear plan for her role—specifically how she fits into speeding up construction projects like the splashpad—was not clearly stated. This staff change comes after initial reports suggested new partnerships were meant to accelerate important projects.

“The commissioners have a million priorities, but for a person using a wheelchair or a parent of a child with mobility challenges, this isn’t just a park update—it’s about equality,” said Devon Hayes, a community member with a physical disability who regularly uses county recreational facilities. “The commission introduced new staff today, which is great, but until we hear the words ‘site picked’ and ‘money approved,’ it just sounds like more talking.”

The slow pace leaves a significant financial question mark. The conversion of an existing wading pool or the building of a new accessible splashpad is estimated to cost nearly $908,000. For the project to be ready by 2026, it would need to be immediately added to the County’s Capital Improvement Plan, a tough legislative move.

The commission is set to meet again on Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. Advocates are hoping that the new year brings not just new faces, but a clear plan of action to get the funding and location needed to move the accessible splashpad from a good idea to a real construction site.