Waukesha County

262-548-7902

Beach season is here! Waukesha County Parks beaches are officially open. Details.

Looking to explore the water? Self-service single and tandem kayak rentals are now available. Details.

Vendor registration is now open for Apple Harvest Festival at Retzer Nature Center on Sept. 20! Details.

*New* Curbside Recycling Guide

Waukesha County Recycles has a new Curbside Recycling Guide that's packed with easy tips for reducing waste and becoming a recycling expert. Are you ready to brush up on your recycling habits? Click here to check it out!

Bonus news: #4 plastics are now accepted in 25 municipalities served by Waukesha County—more items in the bin, less in the landfill! Click to view participating communities.

Parks Annual Membership

Bridges Library System

Journey of Dragons: A Library Challenge

Begins June 2

Summer Library Program

Check out all the Bridges sponsored 2025 Performances and Programs Schedule. 

Planning an International Trip? Public Health Offers International Travel Clinic Services to Help You Travel Smart and Stay Safe

Whether you're heading off to explore a remote village, embark on a mission trip, relax at a tropical resort, or take that once-in-a-lifetime trip overseas—traveling internationally is exciting. But it also comes with health risks you may not have considered.

That’s where the Waukesha County Public Health International Travel Clinic comes in.

Our expert team is here to help you prepare for your journey, offering personalized health advice and essential preparations so you can travel with confidence—and return home safely.

Why Visit the Travel Clinic?

When you travel abroad, you may be exposed to health issues that aren't common in the U.S., like typhoid, yellow fever, or malaria. Protecting yourself helps you avoid illness, but it also prevents bringing health risks to your family, friends, and community.

At the Waukesha County Travel Clinic, we offer:

• Recommended travel health preparations and preventative medications
• Itinerary review with a registered nurse
• Education on food, water, and insect safety
• Risk assessments for your destination(s)
• Anti-malarial prescriptions, based on nurse assessment

You do NOT have to be a Waukesha County resident to receive travel clinic services. We do not bill insurance, but our vaccine pricing is very competitive. Many of the travel vaccines we offer — including Cholera (oral), Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever — are typically not covered under standard preventive vaccine benefits, even with insurance.

We recommend scheduling your appointment 6-8 weeks in advance of your departure date to allow time for all necessary preparations and medications to take effect.

Our Volunteers Tour County Departments

Recently, our Health and Human Services volunteers had the opportunity to immerse themselves in various county operations through guided tours, offering them valuable insights into the heart of our county programs and staff. They chose from sessions covering the Courts, Administration, Sheriff, District Attorney, Parks and Recycling, Communication Center, and Airport operations. Our volunteers were actively engaged, gaining in-depth knowledge about county services and operations, such as what happens to all of the recycled matter, how many cases our District Attorneys receive annually, or how the emergency call system works.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff and volunteers from these departments for their time and expertise!

Their commitment enriched the learning experience for our volunteers, empowering them to serve as enthusiastic ambassadors for our county. By cultivating a strong connection between our volunteers and county operations, we enhance community engagement and service advocacy, ultimately benefiting all members of our county. We hope this little offer of education and insight not only showed our appreciation for all of our volunteers but also inspires them to become representatives for our county services!

Bridging Generations: La Casa de Esperanza’s Seniors & Scholars Program Sparks Genuine Connection

In a quiet apartment complex just five minutes from La Casa de Esperanza Charter School, a group of Waukesha seniors are experiencing something powerful: connection, laughter, and purpose.

This year, a portion of the CHIP ARPA grant funding went to support the La Casa Seniors & Scholars program to address an all-too-common challenge—social isolation among older adults. By intentionally bringing together middle school students and seniors for shared experiences, the program is breaking down generational walls and building bridges of understanding.

A Simple Idea with Profound Results

The goal was straightforward: increase intergenerational social connectedness. But what’s come out of the program is much deeper.Each month, 13 students gather with seniors for activities like ice cream socials, game days, museum field trips, and even a podcast recording series. With the guidance of volunteer teacher Mrs. Olson—who has gone above and beyond her role—these events become spaces for mutual curiosity and joy.

The conversations flow easily: “What was it like when you were my age?” “Did you really grow up without a cell phone?” “Where did your family come from?”

Many of the seniors were quiet at first—but slowly, friendships began to blossom. One particularly heartwarming moment came when a senior led the entire group in singing and dancing, something nobody expected but everyone cherished.

Creating Leaders and Listeners

The students weren’t randomly selected. Teachers nominated youth who showed strong character, academic balance, and a little something extra. These young leaders were given the option to join, and many jumped at the opportunity.

“They’re not just showing up,” said Brian Cooper, Director of Grants and Partner Relations at La Casa. “They’re listening. They’re asking questions. They’re showing our seniors that their stories matter.”

The students have even embarked on a podcast series—recorded right in the senior apartments—capturing these stories for others to hear. With 11 episodes scheduled through the school year, they’re preserving a legacy while learning real-world communication skills.

Breaking the Cycle of Loneliness

“Many seniors have expressed feeling sad, lonely, and disconnected,” Cooper shared. “It’s tough to get them active. But this gives them something to look forward to. It’s a reason to get dressed, to laugh, to move.”

While technical surveys are still being collected, the emotional feedback has been undeniable. One student discovered that one of the participating seniors is the mother of a beloved teacher—suddenly the program felt even more personal.

Looking Ahead

La Casa hopes to expand the program to include early childhood interaction—like reading to younger children—and create ongoing opportunities for connection. Student leaders are even helping shape future events, ensuring they’re meaningful for both generations.

But there are challenges. Coordinating with aging adults means accepting last-minute cancellations or health-related delays. And as with many community programs, funding remains a constant need.



“If any other schools or organizations are curious about how this worked for us, we’d love to talk,” said Cooper. “This isn’t just about one program—it’s about sparking ideas across the community.”

Want to Support?

Visit La Casa de Esperanza’s donation page to offer one-time or ongoing support. You can also email Brian Cooper directly at: bcooper@lacasadeesperanza.org. Whether it’s funding an event or helping purchase supplies, every gift helps build stronger intergenerational bonds.

Food Truck Fridays Are Back!

Once again our Waukesha County Airport will be hosting Food Truck Fridays, May 30th through August 29th. This event is open to aviation enthusiasts and foodies alike!

With a wide array of vendors and cuisine each week, we're sure you'll find something to fill your bellies while the airplanes fill the skies! Proceeds support local non-profit organizations.

Extension Waukesha County's Horticulture Helpline is here to assist you with your lawn and garden questions. Call (262) 548-7779 Tuesday mornings between 9 am and noon or email your plant, plant bug, or soil questions with photos to uwex1@waukeshacounty.gov.

Need a job?? You're in luck, Waukesha County is looking for new team members to help lead the way! We also have a brand-new career site where you can browse job opportunities. Don't delay, apply today! Click the button below!