Often, the acquisition of the land can be accomplished voluntarily.
Communities also have the right to acquire property through the power of eminent domain.
The power of eminent domain is provided for in Article IX, section 3, of the Wisconsin Constitution. It allows government to take private land for public purposes, even if the owner does not consent, as long as the government compensates the property owner for the loss. The Legislature has delegated the power of eminent domain to local governments for specific purposes. The condemnation process, which is the process of exercising the power of eminent domain, is outlined in the statutes.