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Idle Isle Park

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Muskego Sends Birthday Wishes to America on the Land, Sea & Sky

A long hot afternoon and evening doesn't wilt spirits as crowds gather at the lakeshore again to celebrate the 4th of July

Despite 90-plus degree temperatures and the fact it was a Tuesday, crowds still gathered at Idle Isle Park to kick off the Independence Day celebration. Concessions were on hand to feed the hundreds of families, many who arrived by mid-afternoon to start the festivities. Others brought grills and served up brats and burgers to serve up their own supper. The Water Bugs began their shows at 6 p.m., and kept folks entertained as they waited for the fireworks presentation at 9:25 p.m. The 25-minute show capped off the evening and was not preceded by any other lakeshore fireworks, given the recent fireworks ban enacted by the city on Saturday.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Muskego's 4th of July Sets Up on the 3rd

Take Tuesday off and head to the beach for Muskego's annual fest of the fourth, one day early

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Muskego's Fourth of July Sets Up on the 3rd

The annual lakefront celebration at Idle Isle Park goes on July 3 even with the holiday falling in the middle of a work week; dry conditions will not affect fireworks set off on the lake.

Most residents in the city know that Muskego celebrates the Fourth of July a little early, and even though Tuesday is often a workday for most, the show will go on beginning at 1 p.m. on July 3 at Idle Isle Park. As usual, the park provides swimming and picnicking, but events will also include inflatable rides, a bungee run and a rock climbing wall in the green space. IIsland Ice Cream will be serving up its frozen goodies at noon, and the  Water Bugs will open its concession stand about 1 p.m. Ski Show times: Around 6:30 p.m., the junior members of the Water Bugs (from age 6) will take to the water for a preliminary ski show. The regular team will begin their show around 7:30 p.m. The 2012 Muskego Water Bugs show is themed "Once Upon a …

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Denise Konkol

11:08 am on Tuesday, June 26, 2012

We've been inquiring, and it looks like it's a combination of the long range forecast, the fire department and DNR. We ran a piece last week, which has Muskego holding off for now. I'm hoping to get an answer tonight at the various meetings, especially as our conservation coordinator will be there. It may be a game day decision as no one wants to pull the plug too early. Stay tuned.   more ›

Friday, June 22, 2012

PHOTOS: Ice Cream Shop Grand Opening Shows No Man is an Island

Island Ice Cream launches a successful debut with many hands on deck to celebrate and, of course enjoy, ice cream.

Owner Kristin Formolo became a bit emotional Friday when looking around and the crowd gathered for a ribbon cutting for Island Ice Cream, an idea that took "about a thousand emails" between her and Muskego Parks Director Craig Anderson, but about a month between its approval and grand opening. The weather cooperated in a big way, being hot enough to enjoy the full complement of resources at Idle Isle Park, but not so hot that the ice cream melted too fast. Acknowledging many partnerships along the way, including the help of aldermen, the parks department, and other businesses, Formolo cut the ribbon as anxious kisd awaited the first scoops of ice cream. Pizza Hut also came out to serve up free slices of pizza, and later Jimmy Johns would …

It's Time to Scream for Ice Cream

In what seems like lightening speed, Island Ice Cream is ready to roll (or is it scoop) on Friday.

Kristin Formolo, owner of Island Ice Cream, should probably buy a lottery ticket. For as long as projects can take to come to fruition in Muskego, the opening of the ice cream shop on Friday in Idle Isle Park comes almost exactly one month from the time Formolo's idea was approved by the Parks and Recreation board. She's either really lucky, or darned determined. Having gotten to know her, I have to think of the adage, "the harder you work, the luckier you get." Finishing touches were being made on Thursday to the 150-square-foot space in the park pavilion, and included a dipping bin filled with 16 different flavors of ice cream, refrigerators full of cold beverages, and sweet snacks. Family members came in all the way from Cleveland to …

Jackie Cardinal

11:16 am on Sunday, June 24, 2012

What a wonderful event! Such a great sense of the community coming together for support of Island Ice Cream! And I absolutely ~LOVED~ the Hot Fudge Sundae!   more ›

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Beat the Heat, Muskego

We're 22 percent covered in water, but there are other ways to stay cool. Here are a few ideas; please feel free to add your own.

Temps in the mid-90s and heat indices in the triple-digits are a bit much for mid-June. It seems like the official beginning of summer on Tuesday is taking itself very seriously, but it's also an opportunity to take advantage of what we've got on hand to stay cool. Of course, there are lakes here - Idle Isle Park provides free parking during the week, and is open to the public from sun up until dark. (Generally 10 p.m.) Take advantage of the beach, water and plenty of picnicking in the shade. In addition, Muskego County Park provides swimming and plenty of shade, and for a $27 season-long pass into the park (daily rates are $3 and $5 for weekdays and weekends), it's easy in and easy parking. Click here for hours for all of Waukesha County'…

Monday, June 11, 2012

Parks Board Looks at Jazz on the Lake and Dogs in A Park, While An Annual Fest Bows Out

The sounds of jazz at Idle Isle Park and barking in Schmidt Park could be a possibility, and the Lions withdraw their Lakefest for this summer.

(Editor's note: generally, we preview meeting stories earlier in the day to give readers ample opportunity to review, but an agenda was not available until Monday morning - my apologies for the late notice) Less than a couple weeks away from the opening of the new Island Ice Cream shop at Idle Isle Park, and owner Kristin Formolo is ready with a new proposal for potential musical accompaniment. The Parks and Recreation Board will hear a new idea for putting a regular feature at Idle Isle for jazz and similar music throughout the summer. Formolo had hinted at such an idea when she first came before the board to open an ice cream shop in the pavilion in the park, and now has a more formal offer to present. From jazz to dogs: the board will …

Muskego Mike

3:42 pm on Monday, June 11, 2012

Muskego (best park in the city), Minooka, and Fox River parks all welcome you and your pets!!! The wonderful dog area at Minooka is so crowded at times that it's hard to find a parking spot near the dog parks.   more ›

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Editor's Corner

Ice Cream Shop Will Launch as Summer Arrives; Will Other Public/Private Partnerships Follow?

Island Ice Cream is going to occupy 150 square feet of space in the Idle Isle Park pavilion, but could have an impact beyond its small footprint.

Muskego Patch has often been 'accused' of being pro Chamber of Commerce. As a business that is a member of said organization, we stand guilty as charged. After all, if the point of any Chamber of Commerce is to promote business, existing and potential, and the lament among many here is that we don't get or retain enough business to help with taxes, it's not a bad stance to take. One of the newest businesses, Island Ice Cream, has come on scene and unwittingly united folks who were dug in on opposite sides of the lake park debate. The Common Council approved the business agreement in a unanimous vote and in glowing terms and residents also feel it will be a great addition to the park. Aside from the 'who doesn't like ice cream' rationale, …

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Idle Isle Ice Cream Shop Gets the OK

With some financial help from the city, new business is expected to open as soon as upgrades to Idle Isle Park pavilion are finished.

The idea of ice cream on a summer day sold in a park along Little Muskego Lake was irresistible, so city officials Tuesday approved plans for a shop called Island Ice Cream. The business will operate in a 150-square-foot space in the Idle Isle Park pavilion and will open as soon as necessary upgrades were made. The upgrades, which included a three-part sink and separate handwashing sink and the plumbing to run them, will cost about $7,000 and will be paid for by the city. Owner and operator Kristin Formolo said she would start off serving during the lunch hour (approximately 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and the dinner hour (4 to 6 p.m.) during the week, and noon to 8 p.m. on the weekend. She hinted she would likely expand the hours and the selection…

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Marketing Plan and Ice Cream Shop Could Move Forward

Common council looks at big picture and small business in Tuesday nights agenda.

The results of a comprehensive marketing plan that an outside firm conducted on Muskego have been in, and the recommendations could be implemented if the common council votes to approve them. Among the ideas are to implement a referral program in the city for businesses and residents who successfully bring in new business to the city. Others include projects already underway, like the redesign and upgrades to the city's website to make each more interactive and user friendly. The council voted to defer a decision on the plan at its May 8 meeting in order to digest the 70-plus page report, and further recommendations are expected Tuesday night along with a vote on its approval. In addition, the council could hear a recommendation from the …

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