Cool, New Park Amenity Makes a Splash in Waupaca
The sounds of children squealing with delight – chasing one another through cascading streams of water – brings a smile to the faces of parents and grandparents relaxing nearby.
Such is the scene being played over and over on sweltering summer days at Waupaca’s Swan Park since late June. That’s when the city’s newest and splashiest park amenity was first opened to public use ahead of the busy Fourth of July holiday. It’s the coolest new feature in the tourist-friendly Chain O’ Lakes region.
The Community First Splash & Play – the centerpiece of a $1.5 million park playground renovation – was officially dedicated Aug. 8 in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was an unveiling to celebrate the upgrades that are drawing praise from visitors from near and far.
“We like to invest in things that add to the quality of life in our communities,” said Community First’s Amanda Secor. “This is really a place where kids can be kids, where families can be together, where friends will be made and where community is going to be created every single day. On behalf of our 155,000 member-owners throughout Northeast Wisconsin, thank you for the opportunity to be part of this project.”
“We were thrilled to open the newest safe, inclusive, and fun destination in central Wisconsin,” said Laura Colbert, Waupaca Parks and Recreation Director. “This state-of-the-art facility will attract visitors and new residents, and will provide a better place to live for those already here.”
Indeed, the new playground with the child-friendly rubberized surface and water-spewing features is a big hit.
Inclusive Access
“The park is amazing,” wrote one parent whose 8-year-old son is wheelchair-bound in an email to Colbert. “Everything I had hoped and dreamed it would be, it absolutely was! My son stayed at the splash pad for over two hours! And he already wants to go back tomorrow.”
She praised the friendly design. Over the years, portions of the old Swan Park playground had been removed due to safety concerns and issues, making the park less attractive to users.
“It was so easy to access, it was so easy to use,” she said. “It was by far the best experience of ease of access in all of Waupaca.”
Dedication to Our Community
Supporting communities. Access for all. These themes echo Community First’s spirit and dedication to the financial cooperative’s mantra of “people-helping-people.” Enhancing the communities where our member-owners live and work is core to our mission throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Having the opportunity to provide a fresh and accessible place to play – well, that’s doubly delightful.
Since 1989, the Waupaca branch has focused on the community’s financial health and well-being. With a significant leadership gift pledge to the Friends of Waupaca Parks, our team is proud to have boosted the group’s $700,000 private fundraising to help make the city project a reality.
Congratulations Waupaca, the Friends of Waupaca Parks and everyone involved on a job well done!