Municipal and business leaders in the city of Gillett are working to raise money for a new and improved playground at Zippel Park.
Alderperson Jerry Luther, who chairs the campaign, said the facility would be located near the entrance to the park north and east of the parking area, and would replace the aging playground equipment behind City Hall.
The goal is to raise up to $750,000, but whatever funds can be raised are expected to be used sometime this year, Luther said during the city council’s March 7 meeting.
“Playgrounds aren’t cheap, there are several grants out there and we’re applying for state, federal grants, whatever we can get,” he said. “One grant (application) is for $350,000, another would be in three sections of $50,000 each, for $150,000.”
The council passed a resolution authorizing City Clerk Chelsea Anderson to apply for any available grants from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Luther said the city currently has over $20,000 in a savings account toward playground equipment. Also, Seneca Foods has pledged $5,000 toward the project, Gillett Cement is donating the cost of the concrete, and the Gillett Lions Club has offered the proceeds from its golf outing this summer.
wbluhm@newmedia-wi.com
Gillett aims to upgrade Zippel Park playground
