Parks need at least $148 million in repairs

Sept. 18 -- Milwaukee County parks need at least $148 million in repairs to catch up on deferred maintenance, according to a new report.

The biggest fixes are needed to parks roads, which would require $44.4 million to repair; parking lots, which need $23.1 million; and parks buildings which need $19 million in repairs.

Dozens of critical conditions already exist at a number of sites. At Dineen Park, for example, fire extinguisher inspections have lapsed and some of the electrical distribution equipment is corroded, according to the report.

At Doctors Park, lead paint testing is needed in the bathhouse; Estabrook Park has a leaking boiler exhaust flue, lacks necessary fire extinguishers, and has corroded electrical service and distribution equipment. Some of the electrical equipment is in a wet area.

Numerous buildings have wiring problems, and many are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, according to the report.

The $148 million cost estimate is on the low side -- no estimates were available for fixing things like water mains, wells, gas and electric infrastrucure, and fuel tanks, according to the report from Parks Director Sue Black.

In addition, for the estimates that have been made, some are for labor and materials only. "Other estimates are for full project costs, including contract general conditions, contract administration, design costs and construction management," she wrote.

The estimates would need further refinement before actual project budgets are established, she said.

The report will be presented Tuesday to the County Board's Parks Committee.