The League of Wisconsin Municipalities and Wisconsin Park and Recreation Association released the following statement after Senator Habush Sinykin (D-Whitefish Bay), Representative Miresse (D-Stevens Point), and others unveiled a proposal for the reauthorization of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program. This is the third Stewardship proposal of the 2025-2026 Legislative Session following the introduction of 2025 Senate Bill 316 and Assembly Bill 315 by Senator Testin (R-Stevens Point) and Representative Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and Governor Evers’ proposal in the 2025-2027 Executive Budget.
“The Stewardship Program has provided grants to improve community parks and promote outdoor recreation in cities and villages of all sizes throughout the state. These ballfields, playgrounds, trails, and boat launches are enjoyed daily by Wisconsinites and visitors alike. Our organizations are optimistic of the growing consensus in the State Capitol that the Stewardship Program must be reauthorized.
“Thank you to Senators Habush Sinkyin and Testin, Representatives Kurtz and Miresse, and Governor Evers for championing proposals that will ensure residents and visitors may continue to enjoy all Wisconsin has to offer in the great outdoors. While we know there are differences in the proposals, the interest in seeing reauthorization is high. We look forward to engaging in continuing discussions and hope to see a compromise fostered before the end of the legislative session.”
