Whitefish Bay delays decision on memorial proposed for Buckley Park

Whitefish Bay - Concerned about a loss of open space, Whitefish Bay trustees want to talk more about a gift proposed for Buckley Park. The family of Geoffrey Farnsworth has offered to build a circular seating wall in the park. The wall would seat up to 12 people. Farnsworth, a Whitefish Bay Middle School teacher and coach, died last summer.

The plan was initially presented to the Village Board at a meeting earlier this month, but the board could not make a decision on the gift because of the way it was presented on the agenda. Since the meeting, residents have contacted trustees about the plan and several spoke in opposition to it Monday night.

George Swoboda and his wife live directly across the street from the park.

"We strongly oppose the sitting area in Buckley Park," he said. "Its placement will diminish recreation space."

He estimated that a 100 foot wide area would be cut to 50 feet because of the seating area and feared additional sidewalk construction to connect to it would be proposed at a later date.

Robert Crawford also opposed the plan, saying the issue was not whether Farnsworth was deserving of a memorial but whether green space should be given up for it.

"There are four benches in the park (now) that are almost always open," he said.

The board was of two minds.

While appreciative of the gift, Trustee Kevin Buckley said he was torn because open green space in the village is at a premium. Trustee Richard Foster said the gift was generous and should be accepted, saying he did not believe accepting it would set any precedent that would be binding on the board.

After discussion, the board deferred any action on the plan until Village Manager Patrick DeGrave can speak with the family about the donation. Another location, such as the middle school or Schoolhouse Park, might allow the village to maintain open space while also permitting the family to give gift to the community in Farnsworth's memory.