The Old Could Become New Again At Lakeside Park

The original Master Plan for Lakeside Park was submitted back in 2016. Now almost 4 years later, that plan is getting a reboot, along with some serious backing from local businesses. Over 200 leaders and area residents turned out Monday night (1/20/20) at Lakeside Park Pavilion to see AND hear the plan that will now be sent to the Parks Board and then the City Council, presented by the Lakeside Park Exploratory Committee.

The revised plan calls for renovating, rather than replacing, the Pavilion, at a cost of $750,000. Included in the renovation would be a heating upgrade, addition of AC, commercial kitchen installation, interior lighting and exterior design upgrades, as well as upgrades and additions to bathroom facilities. The monies saved on the renovation would then be directed towards the implementation of up to 27 upgrades within the park.

Included in the upgrades and additions would be a 5000 seat amphitheater that would also include a seasonal ice rink featuring below-ground cooling coils, allowing for longer and better use of the rink. Also included would be additional boat docks allowing for better access to the park and Lake Winnebago.

If all the pieces to the development puzzle were to be completed, the total price tag would fall somewhere between $10-$12 million. With some adjustments and possible removal of some pieces, that price would drop to $8-$10 million. Over half of that money is already secured, with $3.2 million committed by the City of Fond du Lac, and over $4.5 million committed from at least 7 local businesses right now, and another 13 businesses looking to commit. 

The plan now moves to the January 27th Parks Board meeting, with a City Council Meeting set for February 12th which will likely decide the fate and direction of the new plans.

To offer your input, you can email the Exploratory Committee directly by using this e-mail address: LakesidePark2020@gmail.com