Eble farm house gives way to uncertain future

A well-known town of Brookfield residence has gone away, but what will stand in its place is a complete unknown.

The farm house on the Waukesha County-owned Eble Park land, next to Eble Park Ice Arena, 19400 W. Bluemound Road, was recently demolished. The question is: to make way for what?

The county says there is a master plan for the park to be implemented in the coming years, but for now the removal of the house is merely part of the process that lacks details.

Farm's and park's history

Eble Park was created by the generous donation of 33 acres of land to Waukesha County from Florence and Roy Eble in 1987, with the condition that the land remains as park space.

Florence and Roy lived out their remaining days in the house, which itself wasn't officially listed as "historic" on any local, state or federal registers. The house had been vacant since Florence died in 1995.

Over the years, local organizations have approached the county to use the house, according to a county document addressing frequently asked questions about the park. However, due to the provisions of the property donation, as well as the cost to remove lead paint and asbestos and make the necessary changes to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, none of the proposals were pursued.

Instead of paying to maintain an unusable building and to eliminate a safety issue, the house was taken down in November, the county said.

Planning for a future

It's unknown what will go in the home's place, but the county said Eble Park is in the first stages of a master planning process.

The process helps to ensure that the Waukesha County Park System meets the long-term recreational needs of residents while preserving and enhancing the county's natural resources. The updated master plans will guide future improvements by determining new uses and facility development for the immediate 10-year future of the park.

The county plans to reuse the foundation field stone in future projects at Eble Park.

Still standing is the more prominent red barn, a landmark clearly visible from Bluemound Road. The barn and stone sheds will remain.

And Eble Gardens, the floral, herb and vegetable garden also on the property, will remain open to the public and continue to be maintained by the Southeastern Wisconsin Master Gardeners.

The public is encouraged to send questions or comments to Ginny Bocek, parks program specialist, at (262) 548-7803 or gbocek@waukeshacounty.gov.