In August 2025, Wauwatosa experienced a historic 1,000-year flood that caused extensive damage across the community, particularly Hart Park. Damage includes the stadium, bleachers, turf, playground, softball field, and other nearby amenities. Total storm-related damage is estimated at roughly $4 million in Hart Park.
City staff wants to share a timeline for certain repairs. At the same time, we recognize that more discussion is still needed to determine the best long-term path forward, particularly for the softball field area.
A need to preserve Wauwatosa’s eligibility for funding
After the flooding, the City followed required procedures to preserve the possibility of FEMA reimbursement – an important but time-consuming step designed to protect taxpayers. The City aggressively pursued all available disaster aid, but the request for FEMA funding was denied at the federal level. Despite the State of Wisconsin’s formal appeal, the federal government determined the event would not receive aid. Wauwatosa is currently pursuing assistance at the state level through Wisconsin Emergency Management, but no decisions have been made.
Wauwatosa is very fortunate to have received a $1 million donation from the TOSA Foundation to support recovery efforts.
However, there are unresolved funding questions. How might Wauwatosa pay for the remaining repairs? To what extent would we repair the areas to their existing conditions, or would we create different park elements in those areas? We anticipate having future public meetings to discuss these decisions with the public and Common Council.
Approved repairs include stadium turf, bench area
While we go through those funding and decision-making processes, our city staff has continued technical work. An engineering analysis of the stadium has confirmed that the damage goes beyond what’s visible on the surface. While replacing turf alone is relatively straightforward, the analysis found that the drainage system beneath the turf was compromised during the flood. That drainage system is required for the field to function properly. Addressing only the surface would not solve the underlying problem.
The Common Council has approved contracts for turf repairs, cleaning of the stadium’s storm sewer system, and repairs near the bleachers.
Timeline:
March 2026 – work begins on cleaning the stadium’s storm sewer system
When the ground is not frozen (potentially April or May) – work on the field and turf can begin
May 15 – Target date for completion. This is highly dependent upon the weather.
FAQs
What’s currently closed?
The track is closed to the public. The playground is not accessible. The softball field is not yet repaired for public use.
Why is this taking so long?
The City followed required procedures to preserve the possibility of FEMA reimbursement – an important but time-consuming step designed to protect taxpayers. At this point, the stadium is not eligible for FEMA funding.
Are we eligible for any kind of funding? What about insurance?
As of February 2026, the City of Wauwatosa is not eligible for federal assistance for repairs to public parks and infrastructure.
Parts of Hart Park are insured. The Muellner Building, garage, and administrative offices have insurance. Wauwatosa received approximately $450,000 in flood insurance, which generally covers repairs for those buildings. All structures that are not buildings (stadium, playground, roads, etc.) are not insurable.
Why is turf so expensive?
The turf is not simply grass or sod. There is a necessary drainage system underneath the turf. This is a requirement for the area to be used for certain sporting events.
When will the stadium reopen for athletics?
Our target date for construction completion is May 15. This is highly dependent upon the weather.
When will the softball field be fixed?
At this time, there have been no decisions by the council regarding the repair of the softball field. The challenge is funding. We also want direction from the community and council on whether it should be repaired as it was – or if we should pursue a different park amenity in that space.
