STRATEGY

Since late 2020, the Eagle River Revitalization Program (ERRP) has coordinated efforts to revitalize the former parking lot located at Wall and First Streets in Downtown Eagle River into an inviting green space and public gathering area.  In late 2021, there was a large donation received from a Rotary member that the Rotary Foundation has gratefully taken over the project named Rotary Square - A Community Project.

Here are some things we have accomplished:

• Secured a $1,000 AARP grant to install a permanent electrical box on the Square
• Purchased planters, hangers and flowers to decorate the Square
• Obtained and painted 6 picnic tables including umbrellas and stands for outdoor seating
• Received donations of pumpkins, cornstalks, hay bales and ribbon to decorate for fall downtown and in the Square
• Received permission from the building owner north of the property to have a mural painted on their building
• Involved the NPSD SOAR MS/HS students and advisors in design holiday displays in the Square
• Developed a dedicated Community Square Fund checking account at Incredible Bank for future improvements
• Developed a secure online donation platform
• Consulted with the National Main Street Program and Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to create a visual representation of the potential of this area.
• Secured a $5,000 donation to hire DeLeers Construction to develop a design plan, budget and 3D drawings to be delivered to us in January 2022
• In December 2021 the project received a $125,000 donation from Carol Hendricks to spearhead the project.  Carol was a business owner downtown for many years, is active on the Community Square Task Force and is a very active Rotary member.  She is donating through the Rotary Foundation and requested that the City name the lot Rotary Square.  The city approved this motion in May and the Rotary Foundation also is contributing $50,000 to the project and another Rotary member has donated $25,000.  This brought a total of $200,000 toward the approximate $500,000 project.
• The Task Force created three focus groups:  Fundraising, Building, and Landscaping which are dedicated to the improvements of the space and include members of the community and Rotary.
• In April 2022 the City approved the Landscaping committee's plan to improve the front half of the lot.  Rotary approved the $38,400 budget proposed by the committee and the work was completed Memorial Day weekend.  There is 60' x 107' of Astroturf, 6 metal round picnic tables, 4 heavy duty umbrellas, 6 flower planters, 6 benches, a pet service station, and a small water fountain.  Much of the labor and some materials were made possible by generous monetary & in-kind donations.
• In 2022, Rotary Foundation requested new bids for the project, creating a project budget & timeline, applying for grants, and actively fundraising for the completion of the project which is anticipated for Spring/Summer of 2023.
• In June 2022, we received a donation of $25,000 from a generous family.
• In June 2022, we received a donation of $5,000.
• On June 16, 2022 we held a community workshop to gather ideas and feedback regarding what the community would like this area to provide.  Please review the workshop summary here.
• In October 2022, we received a very generous $100,000 donation from Bob and Sandy Winter.
• In October 2022, we received a generous $25,000 donation from the Eckes family in memory of Dale Klammer.
• In October 2022, we applied for the WEDC's Vibrant Spaces Grant for $50,000.  Applicants will be notified of the award in May 2023.
• In November 2022, we met with two area builders for final quotes of the building project and made a final selection for Cornerstone Custom Builders to build the pavilion.
• In March 2023, we received two donors that challenged us to raise funds and double the donations.  A Rotarian is offering to match $30,000 and the Eckes Family offered another $25,000 if we could raise $55,000 in matching funds by June 1, 2023.  The matching pledges were met in May.
• Eagle River Rotary Club raised the contract amount to build the building and put the required funds into a building fund account held by a local Title Company.  The signed a contract with the City to develop the property and with Cornerstone Custom Builders to build the pavilion with bathrooms.
• September 5, 2023, held a ground-breaking ceremony to commence the start of the building project.  Building is anticipated to be completed in February 2024 and the landscaping by May 2024.

Future Goals:

• Permanent year round public restrooms
• Utility/storage room
• Interior serving/warming area
• Covered seating area
• Trees and green space
• Public seating/dining areas
• Flags & Flowers
• Mural/Art displays

Please contact us if you would like to learn more about the project, naming rights, or offer in-kind donations for the improvement plan for this project.