Capital campaign kicks off for Emerson Park plans

By Patrick Lynn

A new capital campaign will kick off next week to help raise funds for the future plans at Emerson Park.

The park, the site of the former Emerson School, was dedicated as a formal city park in 2018, initiated by a grassroots organization, the Friend of Emerson Park.

The Friends group will unveil a sign at the park at Clark St. and East Ave. on Friday, which will lay out the master plan and fundraising goals. So far, the group has raised $60,000 for plans that include an updated playground, a shelter building, a tennis/basketball/pickleball court, bicycle racks, and handicap-accessible parking.

The group also plans to improve the park’s green space, which will double as an ice-skating area in the winter, and add space for public art.

“We believe open spaces and public parks bring value and vitality to neighborhoods and that vibrant city parks are crucial to the health, safety, and prosperity of a community,” said Ginger Keymer, co-chair of the Friends group. “During the COVID Pandemic, access to open green space is more vital than ever, as friends and family look for safe, public, outdoor areas to engage with others.”

Donations can be made through the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, which serves as the park’s 501(c)(3) at http://bit.ly/EmersonParkSP.