“In summer, the song sings itself.” — William Carlos Williams
Our city parks are wonderful assets to both our residents and visitors. Driving by the ball diamonds located in Memorial Park brings a smile to my face. It is nice seeing families/friends having fun together. There is a time and place for computer games, iPhones and modern technology, but it is nice to see our youth enjoying being outside while developing their physical and social skills.
Our 5-year-old great-grandson plays T-ball, and it couldn’t be more entertaining, watching the little guys and girls hit the ball and run as fast as they can, sometimes in the wrong direction. Amazingly, by the time they are in midseason, they are already learning how to hit, catch and be a part of a team. The older the kids become, the more competitive and exciting the games tend to be. The tournaments bring many families to Shawano, and our local businesses are pleased to welcome and serve them.
This year, Memorial Park has a new piece of playground equipment. Swinging is one of the most popular playground activities for children. Some children have special needs, but that does not mean they shouldn’t be able to enjoy fun activities, too. Our parks and recreation department recently purchased an adaptive swing that can be enjoyed by children of all abilities; it allows for a more balanced and stable sitting platform for children. The swing meets all playground safety standards.
As other city parks are refurbished, we will be sure to include similar equipment for kids of all abilities to enjoy.
The city was part of a team that secured a $13,000 grant to install two Born Learning Trails. One will be located at Kuckuk Park (July installation) and one at Memorial Park (August installation). Parks director Matt Hendricks commented, “They can best be described as an interactive, playful and visible community engagement tool to promote early childhood education.”
He continued, “It captures 10 outdoor games on engaging signs to help parents and caregivers create learning opportunities for young children.”
Kuckuk Park will be seeing other enhancements this month: climbing devices, tire swings, balance boards and things that spin! Additional benches will be added, giving moms and dads and tired kids a place to rest.
Unfortunately, crown vetch, stinging nettles and other undesirable plants infected our native plantings at Kuckuk Park. About 90 percent of them have been eradicated, with some spot treatments continuing within the next week or two. On June 13-14, the Shawano chapter of the Wild Ones will be completing a planting of 1,200 plants, which will begin to bring the native planting area back to its original vision. Over the course of the next few years, these attractive plantings of native Wisconsin plants will provide a valuable habitat for butterflies and birds.
July will be Arlington Park’s turn to receive some improvements. The tennis courts will be refurbished. All cracks and “birdbaths” (low spots on the courts that collect water) will be filled in. The courts will be repainted. Park and rec’s crew will be installing new fencing, painting basketball posts and installing practice boards for tennis players.
Judd Park and Boat Landing will also receive a few pieces of playground equipment and a bench this year.
In addition to taking care of the rec center, ball diamonds and all the parks, park and rec employees also take care of Woodlawn Cemetery. A local resident stopped in my office last week to tell me how much he appreciates our beautiful cemetery and the care it is given. I am pleased to pass the compliments along.
The month of May is always difficult because we don’t have our summer help yet. Until they arrive, it isn’t easy for our crew to keep up, but they work hard and do a great job. So, a big thank you, park and rec staff!
It’s nice hearing the compliments about the flower baskets that public works put up on Main Street earlier this week. I’m happy to say very soon several of the currently vacant buildings downtown will be available for sale. The potential for downtown Shawano is looking good!
The answer to the last trivia question — What business located at 724 E. Green Bay St. in 1970 did Kenneth Sumnicht own? — is Farmers Implement Inc.
This week’s question is: Can you name the three St. James Lutheran Church pastors during 2001?
