Friends of WPRF

01/31/2026

The City of Waukesha is creating an Artscape and Placemaking Plan for the Riverwalk and Riverfront Street corridor. The goal? To build on the Riverwalk’s natural beauty and downtown charm while creating a more vibrant, connected, and art-filled public space.

The plan will explore opportunities for public art, creative lighting, gathering spaces, and unique design features that celebrate Waukesha’s history, culture, and community spirit.

We want to hear from YOU! Your feedback will help guide the vision and influence the types of art and design elements.

Complete the short survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/3QBD96D

12/01/2025

06/20/2025

We love our Mayor’s sense of humor! Happy summer Waukesha!

12/04/2024

The City of Waukesha is changing to Johns Disposal for Garbage/Recycling collection starting March 31, 2025. As part of this transition, the City will be providing new carts to eligible households (City of Waukesha households currently receiving automated pickup).

No action is required to receive the standard carts, but you may elect to select an alternate size cart. The standard size is 64 gallons for Garbage and 96 gallons for Recycling.

To make a request:
▪️ Complete the online form: https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/residents/collections/2025-residential-garbage-recycling-transition.php (preferred option)

▪️ or eligible households will be receiving a postcard in the mail that can be returned to the City

All requests must be received by December 30, 2024 or your property will receive the standard size carts. Please note, if you select the largest size garbage can (96 gallon), there is a $15 fee. All other can selections are no charge.

After December 30, 2024, there is an additional $75 exchange fee to change cart sizes. Please submit your cart request as soon as possible.

11/22/2024

Thanks to all who attended the Parade Memorial Dedication tonight at Grede Park.

As the inscription reads on the stone at the Memorial:

“We dedicate this memorial to the six lives tragically lost in the Waukesha Christmas Parade, the nearly 70 others who sustained physical injuries, and the countless individuals deeply impacted by the events on November 21, 2021. This memorial also honors the first responders, health care workers, and bystanders whose bravery and quick response were crucial in providing aid and support that day.

May this memorial stand as a testament to the strength and unity of our community, symbolizing how we come together in support and solidarity through times of profound loss and tragedy.”

07/04/2024

Hope you and your “Friends” enjoyed the City’s 4th of July Parade this morning! Happy 4th of July from our “Friends” to yours. 🇺🇸🎆🇺🇸🎆

11/22/2023

11/15/2023

06/06/2023

The Playground Passport program is back this summer with new questions and prizes! This week's featured park for the is Buchner Park (231 Oakland Avenue).

*This week's question for Buchner Park: What color is the crawl tube?*

Post your answer on this post for a chance to win a $20 Amazon gift card! A winner will be drawn from all the correct answers on Wednesday at 9am.

The Playground Passport is a program in partnership with ProHealth Care. Print a playground passport or pick one up at the Park Offices (1900 Aviation Drive). Visit a minimum of 10 of the 31 playgrounds by the end of August, answer questions specific to each playground and earn prizes! https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/playgroundpassport

06/04/2023

Do you recognize any “Friends” in the picture below? Check out current volunteer opportunities by clicking on the link below.

Make a difference and meet new friends! Consider volunteering with the City for an upcoming summer event:

· Monday Night Movies
· Tribute Tuesday
· Independence Day Parade and Fireworks
and more!

https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/residents/get_involved/volunteer-opportunities.php

05/29/2023

Memorial Day commemorations on Monday, May 29:
· 9 am: River Service near the State Office Building, 141 N.W. Barstow St.
· 10:15 am: Parade in Downtown Waukesha (New route).
· 11 am: Memorial Day Service at Cutler Park, 321 Wisconsin Avenue

Anytime from 8am-6pm you are also encouraged to view the Avenue of Flags at the Prairie Home Cemetery, 605 S. Prairie Ave.

For the Memorial Day Parade, no vehicles may be parked along the parade route starting at 7am Monday, May 29. Roads will be closed starting at 9:30am on Monday, May 29. After 9:30am, no traffic will be able to enter or exit the parade perimeter until the conclusion of the parade which is expected to be around 11am.

https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/residents/memorial-day.php

05/10/2023

Thank you to everyone who came out tonight to attend our Friends of WPRF meeting and tour of Buchner Pool. It was great to see so many new faces and share information about our amazing volunteer group! If you missed the meeting, but are interested in more information please email: [email protected] We would love to have you become one of our “Friends”.