Regner Park is a large park in West Bend. It looks like they have a LOT to offer, but we went there to swim.
I will start by saying it was a really nice beach and splash pad. It is a man-made pond with lifeguards. There began the less desirable qualities. I am all for safety, but this place seemed little over-the-top. Kids under....5? 6? (I'm not sure because the prerecorded repeating announcement contradicted itself) are required to be within arm's reach of their guardian. Seems like a reasonable request, right? Except the "kiddie" area of this beach is VERY shallow VERY far in. I do not need to stand in water up to my ankles to keep my child within arm's reach. I can sit on the beach and watch her safely. Yes, I know kids can drown in 2 inches of water, but in the very slim chance her face went in and didn't pop right back out, I could easily stand up and run to grab her in plenty of time. And even kids with flotation devices are not allowed to go past their armpits without passing a swim test. Now HERE is where the arm's reach rule would actually make sense to me. If she's past her armpits I should be able to reach her. But no matter because she can't go there anyway. And flotation devices aren't allowed outside of the very shallow kiddie area, so...? Don't worry, if you even think about doing something that might not be allowed, a lifeguard will start yelling through a megaphone from their chair. You can't entirely understand them sometimes, and you usually have no idea whether they are yelling at you or someone else, but there is a lot of yelling none-the-less.
Overall, the kids really did enjoy themselves, and it was a nice clean place. And I will say I'm sure they almost never have any incidents. I just found it to be a little bit stressful. I was looking forward to be able to relax a bit knowing there were lifeguards watching, but it felt to me more like I was constantly on edge trying to make sure we weren't getting in trouble. It would probably also be better if you went there a few times and were more familiar with the expectations.
In the winter, the pond turns into a skating rink, which sounds fun.
Also at the park: playgrounds, trails, a fishing pond, and sport fields. There is a labrynth garden, too! I wish I would have known, because I would definitely have dragged my kiddo there to check it out.
Would I go back to explore the park some more? Absolutely! Would I take my kids swimming there again? No.
Regner Park
800 N Main Street ~ West Bend, WI ~ (262)335-5087
Admission: for swimming $4/adult, $3/child, 2&under free
