Wisconsin state and local park systems have suffered from neglect due to reductions in government at all levels. Wisconsin State Parks had a $1 billion backlog of critical infrastructure needs as of early 2023.Public information on physical infrastructure and facilities performance in Wisconsin’s 469 school districts (2,242 schools) was too outdated to assign a letter grade. Join ASCE-WI & LWVWI on March 6, 2025 from 12:00 to 1:30 pm for the webinar on Public Parks (D) & Schools (I).

This is one webinar in a nine-part series looking at the state of all areas of infrastructure in Wisconsin.  Learn about the whole series: Back to the 2024 Report Card for Wisconsin's Infrastructure series page

Speaker Information 

Parks Chapter Author

John McCarthy, PE
Retired Consulting Engineer

John McCarthy is a retired principal of GRAEF-USA, Inc, Consulting Engineers, Milwaukee. WI. During his 48 years with GRAEF, John has been involved with some of the most impactful project in southeast Wisconsin, including the MMSD's Deep Tunnel, The Calatrava Addition to the Milwaukee Art Museum, the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center, and the Lakefront Interchange.  He has worked with Milwaukee County on numerous projects within their park system; and is working closely with the Wisconsin DNR on projects at the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

Schools Chapter Author

Brian M. Udovich, PE
Highway Operations Manager 

Brian graduated with a B.S. in Civil Engineering from UW-Platteville in 1997 and went on to receive his Master’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Marquette University in 2005. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Wisconsin and has over 25 years of experience in the transportation/construction industry.

Brian began his career as a project engineer/project manager in consulting specializing in transportation and traffic engineering including rural and urban roadway design and traffic studies. He currently is the Highway Operations Manager for the Jefferson County Highway Department where he oversees the design, construction, maintenance, and operations of the County Trunk Highway System roadways and bridges. In addition, he has been a guest lecturer at Marquette University.

Brian is a member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and the American Public Works Association (APWA), but is most active in the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He has served as President of the Wisconsin Section, but currently is the Chair of the Construction Institute (CI) and was involved with the development of the infrastructure report card.

Outside of his professional career, Brian has been a Scout leader, is a youth basketball/soccer coach, and is active in his Church as an Assisting Minister. He enjoys spending time with his family outdoors running, biking, swimming, skiing, and paddling.

Additional Speakers

Steve Schmelzer
Director, WI State Parks

Steve Schmelzer is the dedicated Director of Wisconsin State Parks, where he champions the preservation and enhancement of the state’s natural beauty and the State Park System.  With over 32 years of experience with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources in environmental management and park administration, Steve has been instrumental in implementing innovative programs that promote conservation, recreation, and community engagement.

A Wisconsin native, Steve earned his degree in Recreation Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His passion for the outdoors is reflected in his commitment to ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the state’s diverse landscapes, from the great lakes to the forests of the north down to the ridges and prairies of the south. 

Under Steve's leadership, Wisconsin State Parks have seen significant improvements in visitor services, sustainability initiatives, and educational programs. He believes in the importance of fostering a connection between the community and nature, advocating for accessible outdoor experiences for everyone.

When he’s not at the office, you can find Steve hiking the trails, kayaking, fishing, biking, and hunting across Wisconsin. His vision is to ensure that Wisconsin's parks remain vibrant, accessible, and preserved for generations to come.

Thomas McCarthy
Deputy State Superintendent, WI Department of Public Instruction

Tom previously served as senior manager at the Department of Children and Families, and previously served as the communications director at the DPI where he led a team charged with supporting the mission and vision of the state superintendent. Before joining the DPI, Tom worked in the Wisconsin State Legislature as a legislative assistant, research assistant, and committee clerk. There, he focused on connecting communications and policy to build more effective solutions and better serve impacted stakeholders.

Tom is a graduate of UW-Madison, a husband and the proud father of a toddler, and when he has free time, enjoys playing music.

Carolyn Esswein
Associate Professor, UW-Milwaukee

Carolyn is a designer, planner and educator whose work creates inclusive and resilient neighborhoods. Combining her educational role with three decades of community planning consulting, she integrates urban design and engagement skills to transform a variety of project scales. Her work has led to new public spaces, vibrant retail and business districts, and economic development initiatives creating new housing and homeownership opportunities. Through Community Design Solutions at UWM, Carolyn worked on more than 400 community projects from green schoolyards and parks, to new housing and building rehabilitation projects. Her charette process of engaging students, local architects, community stakeholders, developers, funders, and city staff, has been integral to representing a variety of voices in corridor redevelopment throughout Milwaukee and leveraging more than $300 million of investment. Carolyn has a Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Madison and a Master of Architecture & Master of Urban Planning degrees from UW-Milwaukee.