WAUWATOSA, Wis.— Wauwatosa is moving forward with recovery after significant flooding impacted the community last weekend. Officials report more than 500 homes and 50 businesses affected, with around 70 people and numerous pets rescued from floodwaters, including two from the Menomonee River.
City crews have already collected about 250 tons of residential flood debris. Damage to city-owned property, including Hart Park, is estimated at $9 million. Assessments of private property damage are still ongoing.
Hart Park is expected to partially reopen within seven to ten days, though some areas- including the stadium, playground, and portions of the parking lot- will remain closed for safety. The city warns residents not to move barricades or enter unsafe areas. The city will be putting temporary fences around areas that are not safe to the public or otherwise need restoration.
Residents can place flood-damaged items at the curb for collection through Sunday, August 24. No appointment is needed. Homeowners may be eligible for income- based repair assistance, and small businesses can apply for up to $15,000 in forgivable loans for flood-related repairs.
City of Wauwatosa’s status update:
“Hart Park Stadium-Hart Park Stadium will likely be closed for an extended period. We
are working on repair estimates.Muellner Building (which houses the Senior Center and Curling Club)- We hope to invite
the seniors back into the building within a few weeks. However, the elevator will be
unavailable for an extended period of time. This means activities can be held on the first
floor only. The basement of the Muellner Building, which houses the Curling Club,
received extensive flood damage. We do not have a timeline for repair at this time.Rotary Stage – While the grassy area will be reopened in the next seven to ten days, we
will not be able to accommodate large events for an extended period.Playground – The eastern portion of the playground will likely reopen within the next few
weeks. The remainder of the playground restoration work has an undetermined timeline.
We are working on repair estimates.Softball – Undetermined timeline. We are working on repair estimates.
Tennis courts – Our crews cleaned up the tennis courts. We anticipate reopening them
to the public when the park is reopened.”
