title
Request from the Tourism Commission to hang a banner on the fence along State St near 72nd St for the Wondermaze event
body
Submitted by:
Beth Gleesing, Tourism Specialist
Department:
Tourism
A. Issue
Staff is requesting permission to hang two banners on the fence along State Street in the public right-of-way.
B. Background/Options
The Wauwatosa Tourism Commission, working in conjunction with the Wauwatosa Parks and Forestry Department, is bringing a new holiday experience to Hart Park, the Wauwatosa Winter Wondermaze. The experience will be a holiday tree maze. Similar to the corn mazes seen throughout Wisconsin in the fall, the holiday tree maze will feature 575 evergreen trees arranged in a maze in Chestnut Common. The event will be ticketed, drawing both residents and visitors from outside Wauwatosa. In addition to the maze, concessions will be available for purchase.
Since the Wondermaze is a new offering for Wauwatosa, visitors from outside Wauwatosa less familiar with the Village may need wayfinding to the 72nd Street entrance to the park. Staff is requesting approval to hang two 10’ x 3’ banners: one on the fence on the east side of the 72nd Street entrance to Hart Park, and one on the west side of the intersection at 70th and State. The fence is part of the public right-of-way. See photos for reference.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority Area 5: Quality of Life
D. Fiscal Impact
The Tourism Commission is funding the printing of the banners, and there is no additional fiscal impact.
E. Recommendation
Staff recommends approval to hang the banners in the public right-of-way for five weeks (November 20 - December 26, 2026) to direct visitors to the entrance to the Wondermaze and parking in Hart Park.