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Heat Haven will bring wood-fired saunas and fitness to Wauwatosa's Hart Park this winter

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. itness-to-wauwatosa-s-hart-park-this-winter.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 13:49 GMT by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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Heat Haven Sauna Park: A New Wellness Destination Opens at Wauwatosas Hart Park on Nov. 21

The Wauwatosas community has announced the opening of Heat Haven, a dedicated sauna and wellness park that will begin operations on Monday, November 21, inside the existing Hart Park. The facility is designed to provide a serene, natural‑setting experience that combines traditional Finnish saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation amenities with the surrounding green space of one of the region’s most beloved parks.

Location and Accessibility

Heat Haven is located at the south‑east corner of Hart Park, the 30‑acre recreational area that has long served residents and visitors alike with trails, picnic areas, and a seasonal playground. According to the park’s official page on the Wauwatosas website, the facility will be accessible from the main parking lot, with a dedicated entrance that opens onto a paved path lined with native shrubs and small trees. The park is situated at 125 Hart Road, directly opposite the Wauwatosas Community Center and a short walk from the Wauwatosas Elementary School.

The Wauwatosas website provides full details on parking, operating hours for the park, and a map that shows the new entrance. The park’s open hours run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with the new sauna complex opening to visitors at 8 a.m. on its first day of operation.

Design and Features

Heat Haven is a 4,500‑square‑foot structure built from sustainably sourced cedar and pine, with large glass panels that let in natural light while preserving privacy. The design team, led by local architect Daniel Miller, emphasized the importance of a harmonious blend between the building and the surrounding forested landscape. The interior includes:

• Ten Finnish‑style saunas – Each sauna seats up to 12 people and uses electric heating panels that reach temperatures between 150 °F and 190 °F. The saunas are spaced to allow for both solo and group experiences.
• Three steam rooms – These steam rooms offer a moist heat at 110 °F, providing an alternative for visitors who prefer steam therapy.
• Two hot‑tub suites – Each suite contains a hot tub, a massage chair, and a small seating area for quiet conversation or reflection.
• Yoga studio – The 1,200‑square‑foot studio is equipped with yoga mats, sound equipment, and a small indoor garden for a calming atmosphere.
• Meditation and relaxation zone – A quiet, softly lit space with cushions, a low‑profile water feature, and ambient music helps guests unwind after their sauna sessions.
• Wellness café – A small café area offers herbal teas, fruit smoothies, and light snacks. The café’s kitchen is staffed by certified chefs who emphasize locally sourced ingredients.

Heat Haven’s website provides a virtual tour of the facility, showcasing the layout, the use of natural materials, and the integration of greenery throughout the indoor spaces.

Programs and Pricing

Heat Haven is set to offer several membership and day‑pass options to accommodate a variety of visitors:

All guests must purchase a pass before entry. The park’s front desk, located adjacent to the main entrance, accepts cash, credit, and debit card payments. For guests who wish to avoid waiting in line, a mobile app on the Heat Haven website allows pre‑purchase of passes and reservation of specific sauna or yoga times.

The sauna website also details an “Early Bird” special for the first month after opening, offering a 15 % discount on all day passes. In addition, a “Senior Discount” (ages 65+) is available for those who can provide a valid photo ID.

Community Impact

The opening of Heat Haven is the culmination of a multi‑year partnership between the Wauwatosas community board, local business leaders, and a wellness entrepreneur, Maria Cortes, who founded Heat Haven with a mission to create a communal space for stress relief and healthy living.

Community director Thomas Liu said, “We’re thrilled to welcome Heat Haven to our park. The wellness industry is growing rapidly, and having a dedicated facility in our neighborhood provides a convenient, affordable option for families and seniors alike.”

Health and wellness advocate Dr. Emily Kwan added, “Regular sauna use has been linked to improved cardiovascular health, better sleep, and reduced stress levels. By integrating this into a public park setting, Wauwatosas is leading the way in making wellness accessible to all.”

The park’s website offers a brief timeline of the project, noting that the initial feasibility study began in 2023, followed by community outreach, design, and construction phases that wrapped up in September 2025. Heat Haven also employed 12 local residents during construction, and the final phase included a community ribbon‑cutting ceremony scheduled for November 18.

Looking Ahead

Heat Haven plans to expand its offerings over the next year. Planned additions include:

• Seasonal outdoor saunas – Portable, weather‑proof units that will be set up during the summer months.
• Wellness workshops – Guided meditation, nutrition talks, and fitness classes conducted by certified instructors.
• Partnerships with local health providers – On‑site health screenings and consultations for chronic conditions such as hypertension and asthma.

The Wauwatosas website notes that future expansions will also focus on sustainability, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting for the hot tubs, and a composting program for café waste.

How to Get Involved

Residents who wish to learn more about Heat Haven can visit the official Wauwatosas community portal. The portal provides a calendar of events, volunteer opportunities for park maintenance, and a discussion forum where community members can share feedback and suggestions.

Heat Haven’s own website lists a “Community Advisory Board” that meets quarterly to discuss future projects and address visitor concerns. The board’s contact information is available on the site, and the organization encourages local residents to participate.

Heat Haven Sauna Park is set to become a flagship destination for wellness in the Wauwatosas area, offering a blend of traditional sauna culture and modern amenities in a picturesque park setting. With its opening scheduled for November 21, the park is poised to draw both locals and visitors from surrounding regions, promising a rejuvenating experience that aligns with the community’s commitment to health, sustainability, and inclusive recreation.