Community & Recreation

The Waukesha Public Library is the intellectual, cultural, and artistic hub of Waukesha, serving the needs of residents by providing print materials, emedia, and cultural and educational opportunities for all ages!

The Waukesha Public Library is a 71,566 square foot facility located at 321 Wisconsin Avenue in picturesque Cutler Park, in the geographic center of the City of Waukesha.

The Waukesha Public Library provides a range of services that include reference advisory, facility tours and instruction, and programming for all ages, including a summer reading programs, book discussions, cultural and artistic seminars, and computer instruction

How do I get a library card?

Library cards are FREE to any Waukesha or Jefferson County resident who presents a picture or photo identification and proof of current address Residents under the age of 18 are also eligible for a library card when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who presents a picture ID and proof of current residency

The Waukesha Public Library is a member of the Bridges Library System, which serves all residents and taxpayers of Waukesha and Jefferson Counties. Your library card may be used at any library in the Bridges Library System

Prairie Home Cemetery (605 S. Prairie Avenue) is a significant historical landmark located in Waukesha, Wisconsin Established in 1850, the cemetery is home to many notable figures, including Civil War soldiers, politicians, and other prominent figures from Waukesha's past Visitors to the cemetery can take a self-guided walking tour to learn about the history of the cemetery and the people buried there With 70 acres of land, Prairie Home Cemetery features a natural landscape with hills, trees, and two water features, providing a peaceful and serene final resting place for loved ones

Services Offered

Prairie Home Cemetery offers a range of services to help families and loved ones during difficult times. These services include traditional burial plots, cremation burial options, and mausoleum entombment. The cemetery also offers various memorialization options such as benches, trees, and other personalized markers Additionally, Prairie Home Cemetery provides pre-planning services, allowing individuals to make arrangements ahead of time to ease the burden on their loved ones.

Hours of Operation

Administration/Chapel Building hours are

Monday - Friday from 8:00 a m to 4:30 p m

Burial Service hours are

Monday - Saturday from 8:00 a m to 2:00 p m

Additional hours available by appointment only

Contact Us

Phone: 1-262-524-3540

Office Hours: Mon - Fri 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Cemetery grounds are open to the public daily waukesha-wi.gov/cemetery

Waukesha Parks, Recreation, and Forestry currently manages 50 parks on nearly 1,147 acres These parks provide both active and passive recreational activities ranging from soccer and tennis, softball and swimming, to biking, hiking, or quiet reflection in the Formal Gardens. A full listing of parks in Waukesha can be found at: waukesha-wi gov/parks

Beyond the parks, the Waukesha Parks, Recreation, & Forestry Department manages more than 900 recreational programs, two outdoor aquatic facilities (Buchner Community Room & Pool and Horeb Springs), a skatepark, multiple tennis/pickleball courts, a band shell (Les Paul Performance Center in Cutler Park), numerous park shelters (all available for rental), and so much more! Rentals are available at: waukesha-wi.gov/rentals

And if that wasn't enough, the Waukesha Parks, Recreation, & Forestry department also coordinates many of Waukesha's favorite special events like JanBoree (a winter festival held every January), Tribute Tuesdays (a summer tribute band concert series), Neighborhood Beer Gardens (a weekend beer garden in a few of our wonderful parks), and Operation Honor (an honor ceremony for veterans), just to name a few If you're looking for a fun time in Waukesha, check out the many special events at: waukesha-wi gov/specialevents

Waukesha is a great place to get out and stay active There is an Activity Guide that is published three times a year with sports, activities, and experiences for you and your family to participate in You can find the Activity Guide at waukesha-wi.gov/activityguide

Wisconsin's summers can get hot! Cool down at one of our two outdoor pool complexes. Buchner Park Community Room & Pool and Horeb Springs Aquatic Center both have plenty to do for a fun day in the sun!

Buchner Park Community Room & Pool

223 Oakland Avenue

Open Swim Area:

Lap swimming, volleyball, basketball, fitness bikes & aqua jog belts, a 1-meter diving board, lounge in the water under shade structures, or just enjoy the open water.

Children's Pool:

Family fun includes zero depth entry, a spray feature, & a small slide

Channel:

Gently ride along on a single or double inner tube during open channel time or workout against the current during open adult fitness times (16+).

Plunge Pool & Slides:

These are available with the Ultimate Pass or daily slide fee. Must be at least 48" tall.

Horeb Springs Aquatic Center

330 Spring Street

Open Swim Area:

1-meter & 3-meter diving boards, lounge in the water under shade structures, or just enjoy the open water.

Children's Pool

Family fun includes zero depth entry, a spray feature, & a small slide.

Plunge Pool & Slides:

Two 350 foot slides are available with the Ultimate Pass or daily slide fee Must be at least 48" tall

For more information about pool passes, swimming lessons, & more: waukesha-wi.gov/pools

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Carroll University

1-262-547-1211

100 N. East Avenue

K-12 ADMINISTRATION

School District of Waukesha

1-262-970-1003

222 Maple Avenue

HIGH SCHOOLS

Catholic Memorial High School

1-262-542-7101

601 E. College Avenue

Waukesha Academy of Health Professions

1-262-970-3704

401 E. Roberta Avenue

MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Butler Middle School

1-262-970-2900

310 N Hine Avenue

Horning Middle School

1-262-970-3300

1809 Butler Drive

UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha

1-262-521-5200

1500 N. University Drive

Waukesha County Technical College

1-262-695-6500

327 E. Broadway

Waukesha Engineering

Preparatory Academy

1-262-970-3700

401 E Roberta Avenue

Waukesha North High School

1-262-970-3500

2222 Michigan Avenue

Waukesha South High School

1-262-970-3700

401 E. Roberta Avenue

Waukesha West High School

1-262-970-3900

3301 Saylesville Road

Les Paul Middle School

1-262-970-3105

325 Carroll Street

Waukesha Catholic - St. Mary Campus (Grade 3-8)

1-262-896-2932

520 E. Newhall Avenue

Waukesha East Alternative School

1-262-970-4355

1150 White Rock Avenue

Elementary Schools

Banting Elementary School**

1-262-970-1200

2019 Butler Drive

Beautiful Savior Lutheran School (K-8)

1-262-542-6558

1205 S. East Avenue

Bethesda Elementary School**

1-262-970-1305

730 S. University Drive

Christ The Life Lutheran School

1-262-547-7315

3031 Summit Avenue

Hadfield Elementary School**

1-262-970-1500

733 Linden Street

Hawthorne Elementary School**

1-262-970-1600

1111 Maitland Drive

Heyer Elementary School**

1-262-970-1705

1209 Heyer Drive

Hillcrest Elementary School**

1-262-970-1805

2200 Davidson Road

La Casa de Esperanza

Charter School

1-262-446-9901

410 Arcadian Avenue

Lowell Elementary School**

1-262-970-1900

140 N Grandview Boulevard

Meadowbrook Elementary School

1-262-970-2000

3130 Rolling Ridge Drive

Prairie Elementary School**

1-262-970-2205

1801 Center Road

Montessori School of Waukesha

1-262-547-2545

2600 Summit Avenue

Rose Glen Elementary School**

1-262-970-2405

W273 S3845 Brookhill Dr

Waukesha CatholicSt. William Campus (K3 - 2)

262-896-2920

444 N. Moreland Boulevard

Summit View Elementary School

1-262-970-2605

2100 Summit Avenue

STEM Academy - Randall Campus**

1-262-970-2300

114 S. Charles Street

STEM Academy - Saratoga Campus

1-262-970-2500

130 Walton Avenue

**The City of Waukesha Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department provides Before School, Afterschool and Summer School Wrap Around Care at 10 Public Elementary School Sites

The City of Waukesha offers several kinds of facilities to rent Whether you're looking for a private venue for a party, a room for a business meeting, or a pavilion at a park for a family reunion, we have spaces to make that happen!

Athletic Facilities

The City of Waukesha offers a variety of athletic facilities available for rent for large and small events. Rates and policies can be found online at: waukesha-wi.gov/athleticfacilities.

City Hall Room Rentals

Waukesha resident groups, non-profits, and elected officials can rent rooms within City Hall during business hours. Rooms contain whiteboards and AV equipment and can handle groups of up to 20 people comfortably Learn more waukeshawi.gov/cityhallroomrentals.

Pool Parties

Waukesha's two pools are available for private parties and birthday parties during the summer! More info: waukesha-wi gov/poolrentals

Private Building & Room Rentals

Building and room rentals are great for family parties, community meetings, religious services, weddings, receptions, and more! Learn more at: waukesha-wi gov/buildingrentals

Open-Air Park Shelters and Pavilions

Waukesha is home to 50 parks, and many of them have shelters and pavilions ready to host your get-togethers and picnics!

You can apply for a park shelter/pavilion rental online at: waukesha-wi.gov/parkrental.

There is so much to do around Waukesha and getting there is easy!

Plenty of Parking Downtown

Downtown Waukesha is a hub for shops, restaurants, and city events. With over 1,600 parking spaces within a half mile of downtown, you'll be sure to find a place to park!

Biking Around Waukesha

Waukesha has just over 10 miles of dedicated bike trails that connect to the Fox River Trail, Glacier Drumlin State Trail, the New Berlin Recreation Trail, and the Lake Country Recreation Trail. Our trails are also part of the Route 30 Bike Trail and Badger State Trail.

Waukesha Metro Transit

Waukesha has a fantastic bus system that connects the City through a central hub at the Transit Center in Downtown Waukesha. With 10 city-wide routes and extra routes out to Milwaukee and back, you can travel the region without much need for your own car! For more information go to: waukeshametro org

Metrolift

As part of the Metro Transit system, Metrolift is available for people unable to use fixed-route bus services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Learn more about Metrolift and how to be certified to use it at: waukesha-wi.gov/metrolift

This is your community! There are many ways for you to make a difference, meet new people, and get involved!

City Meetings

Waukesha has many boards and commissions that meet regularly. You can attend these meetings in person or watch them online at: waukesha-wi gov/meetings

Citizen Board Members

Public involvement is crucial to Waukesha's decision-making process. You can apply to be a member of many boards and commissions and be a key decision maker at these meetings Apply at: waukesha-wi.gov/citizenboardmember

Local Government Academy

The City of Waukesha, in partnership with Extension Waukesha County, hosts an annual Local Government Academy This hands-on program allows you to learn more about your city government and civic engagement opportunities. Learn More at: waukesha-wi.gov/localgovernmentacademy

Citizens Police Academy

Even if you are not an officer, you can still volunteer your services to assist the Waukesha Police Department. Students of the Citizens Police Academy come together for 10 weeks to learn about the Waukesha Police Department through hands on learning and experiential demonstrations. Students get “behind the scenes” access to the real work lives of local Police For more information on this and other opportunities with the police department, visit waukesha-wi.gov/volunteerpd

Careers

The City of Waukesha is not only a great place to live but also a great place to work! The City offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and a stable work environment. If you are looking for a challenging, new position with an organization that is committed to helping the community, the City may be the place for you! Learn more at waukesha-wi gov/jobs

Volunteer Opportunities

Many of our city programs and events are only possible through the help of people like you! From helping with kids programming, to trash pick-up, to helping with special events, to taking photos, to helping senior citizens, to coaching youth sports... there is something for every interest and time commitment level! Learn more at: waukesha-wi gov/volunteer

Adopt-a-Park or Trail Program

Adopt-A-Park/Trail Program is designed to encourage the community to work hands on to help keep Waukesha's parks clean, attractive and safe for everyone This program offers the opportunity for people to get more involved in their community in a way that promotes pride, appreciation and awareness Learn more at waukesha-wi.gov/adopt

Voting

The best and easiest way to get involved is by voting! Voice your opinion with your vote. Need to register or update your registration? Visit myvote.wi.gov to find all your voting resources.

Sponsorships & Partnerships

The City of Waukesha hosts many events throughout the year. Frequently those events are sponsored by local businesses who want to support their community and grow their business simultaneously. Consider partnering with the City of Waukesha to demonstrate positive corporate citizenship and create greater visibility within the community No matter how large or small, every bit will help deliver excellent events and programs for our community. To learn more, visit waukesha-wi gov/spars

Citizen Involvement Groups

The City of Waukesha has various citizen-led organizations that citizens can join to support different city departments, including the Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department, Senior Advisory Committee, Police Department Citizens Academy, Friends of Prairie Home Cemetery, and Friends of the Waukesha Public Library These organizations and more provide ways for citizens to get involved and contribute to their community. To find out more about these groups and find other groups, visit waukesha-wi.gov/cio

The City of Waukesha hosts many events throughout the year Check out the summary list of upcoming events below and enjoy a great time out in our community!

You can find a full list of upcoming special events in Waukes

Janboree - Mid-January

Bright Future Family Adventure Walk - March

The Trailbreaker 5k/10k- Early April

Boots & Badges Basketball Game - April

Dia de los Niños - late April

Memorial Day Parade & Remembrance - late May

Buchnerfest - early June

Tribute Tuesday - 2nd Tuesdays in Summer

Riverside Rhythms - Wednesday in Summer

Monday Night Movies in the Park - 3rd Mondays in Summer

Waukesha Civic Band - Thursdays in Summer

Friday Night Live - Fridays in Summer

Independence Day Beer Garden, Fireworks & Hometown Parade - Early July

Jazz @ Cutler Park - July

Waukesha Night Out - August

Run with the Cops 5K Fun Run/Walk - August

Neighborhood Beer Gardens - August & September

Oktoberfest - Late September

Wauk-Tober Beer & Wine Walk - October

Waukesha Unlocked - October (Even Years)

Operation Honor - November

Waukesha Night of Lights - December

Waukesha Christmas Parade - December

Waukesha Walk of Lights - December

...and more!