TOWN OF FARMINGTON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A popular outdoor recreational activity has an unclear future in the town of Farmington, and it’s making waves among the divided community.
“It’s a complete ban on a legal activity,” Attorney Anders Helquist said. “My clients are looking for reasonable and safe setbacks and allowances to continue to use their wake boats.”
This due to a town board-enacted ordinance, banning wake surfing. While supported by many, it’s causing others to threaten taking legal action if not repealed or amended.
“We appreciate the steps the town board has taken to have this public hearing to potentially rescind and amend the ordinance and we hope the town will continue down that path rather than the legal, court path,” Helquist said.
Helquist is representing landowners in the area who want to see wake surfing saved. During a special public hearing Monday, he shared his desire to find a compromise that allows wake surfing.
Meanwhile, dozens of others shared support of the existing ordinance.
“Thank you for prioritizing safety on our lakes,” resident Fred Silloway said. “Your decision on Jan. 15 to restrict wake surfing on Rainbow and Round Lakes was the right one. It’s backed by strong science and supported by the majority of lake users.”
Concerns range from safety to environmental effects and property value loss.
“It’s up to us to protect these beautiful gifts of lakes that we have and it’s already too late,” one person said.
“We have lost our enjoyment of that lakefront,” another person said. “It is like a war in front of us. It is loud and now the waves are just crashing on the boats, the canoes, on the sailboats, against people, against the dock. It’s unreal.”
Those on the other side of the debate also made their voices heard.
“Ice, wind, there’s all sorts of different variables that could be taken into affect besides a boat,” one person said. “And which boat are we talking about? There’s many models.”
No action was taken. The board decided to schedule a vote on April 4 to make a final determination.
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