Public invited to Wednesday groundbreaking at Cultural Commons

By Brandi Makuski

A new addition to Pfiffner Pioneer Park will formally mark the start of construction on Wednesday with a planned groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m.

The new Cultural Commons—a planned homage to the city’s Nicaraguan Partnership and relationships with sister cities in Poland and Russia—will feature multiple natural accents, sculpture work and an outdoor classroom in the park’s south end.

The project was first made public in late October 2015 and approved by the city later that year. Since then, the groups involved with constructing the “pocket park” have been engaged in fundraising for construction and ongoing maintenance of the space.

Partnership groups behind the new park include The Rotary Club of Stevens Point, The Russian Sister City Project, The Gulcz, Poland Sister City, and The Esteli, Nicaragua Partner City.

The project calls for a pergola, a labyrinth and “space for personal reflection”. Plants and flora would reflect the culture and landscape of sister cities; a bell tower, informational kiosks, an interactive Smartphone app and improving pedestrian access on Crosby Ave. are also part of the long-term plans.

The park was formally dedicated during a special ceremony in April.

The $500,000 project breaks ground at 11 a.m. on May 30, followed by a reception at Graffiti’s Sports Pub, 912 Main St.

Cultural Commons is located at the south end of Pfiffner Pioneer Park, 1100 Crosby Ave.