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July 5, 2009

Woman leads community toward goal for Waukomis renovation project

By Joe Malan, Staff Writer

WAUKOMIS — A large pavilion, new picnic tables and restrooms.

Those are a few of the things Louise Milacek envisions when she thinks about the future of Waukomis City Park.

“There’s just not much here,” Milacek, of Waukomis, said as she sat at one of the green picnic tables on a cool Sunday afternoon.

The small park sits on Euclid Avenue, several blocks west of the intersection of Euclid and U.S. 81.

Recently, the city added new playground equipment: a large, predominantly red structure in the middle of the park. The playground, which was assembled in April, is surrounded by newer benches, picnic tables and a few swingsets. A tennis court, built in the 1980s, sits on the west side of the lot.

The nets in the tennis court are sagging a little; possibly symbolic of the facelifts Milacek and others want to accomplish.

Milacek envisions enhancing the park in three phases. The first phase would involve the placement of the 24-foot by 36-foot pavilion and some picnic tables, a cost of about $30,000. The second phase includes restrooms and sidewalks. Finally, the third phase would be marked by landscaping efforts, a few flagpoles, a park sign and maybe even a city clock.

So how is Milacek trying to raise money for such a task?

“We’re going to send out letters to alumni and friends asking for donations for this project,” she said.

A committee already has been formed to send out letters, which ask for donations toward the renovation project.

Different donations levels have been designated by the committee. Each donor would be recognized on a plaque according to the amount of money donated. For example, the platinum level would include those who have donated $10,000 or more. The gold level are for those who donate $5,000 to $9,999. The remaining levels, in order, are silver, bronze and friends. But a donation in any amount is accepted.

Avis Gragg, co-chair for the renovation project committee, says the new park equipment would attract alumni back to the area and better the look of the town.

“We’re just trying to work together to raise money to fix it up,” Gragg said.

Milacek, meanwhile, believes the community will be generous with their donations.

“I have a lot of faith in this community,” she said. “People have a lot of pride – this is their roots.”

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