Moeller Ridge Nature Park in the town of Lessor has many things to offer people who love the outdoors.
“When you walk back in the woods, there’s spectacular birds,” said Maddy Holmes, who keeps an eye on the park along with her husband, Ken, a supervisor for the town of Lessor and member of the park commission.
The 80-acre park was gifted to the town by Eileen Moeller, a lifelong resident who was a schoolteacher, farmer and U.S. Postal Service worker. Her father, John Moeller, was the original owner.
Holmes said Moeller told his daughter that when she could no longer take care of the property, she should give the land to the town.
When Eileen died in 2005, the transfer was made, and a park commission was set up to improve the land for public use.
In addition to the picnic area, the park has mature woods, wetlands and rented crop land. It is also a geocaching site.
“A small group of volunteers keeps it up,” Holmes said.
The park includes a pavilion with picnic tables and grills, swings and other play areas for children. The woods has huge trees, walking paths and wildflowers.
“The goal is to bring it all back to natural,” Holmes said.
Other relatives of the Moeller family are still very involved in the park.
“They’ve donated quite a lot of money to the park,” Holmes said.
Town resident Lowell Thompson built horseshoe pits and worked on the paths. Other volunteers planted trees.
The park is available for weddings, reunions, family parties, and picture opportunities. Tent camping is allowed in the park. Vehicles must remain in the parking lot, and no hunting or firearms are allowed.
The Town Board and the committee work together to make sure the park is maintained and stays pristine.
“My husband makes sure things run smoothly,” Holmes said.
Community members, visitors, clubs and organizations have given of their time, money and talent to make the park a lovely place to visit.
“Every time I drive by, there’s somebody eating lunch or kids on the swings,” Holmes said.
Rental fees are $25 a day for residents and $50 per day for nonresidents. Electricity is available.
For more information, call 920-833-1377 or 920-833-7210.
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