Rendering of new Verhagen Park in Village of Kimberly. PC: Village of Kimberly
VILLAGE OF KIMBERLY, WI (WTAQ) — Verhagen Park in Kimberly is getting an upgrade this summer.
Every five years, the Village of Kimberly updates their Open Space and Recreation Planning Process; which includes information on facility maintenance, park upgrades, and serves as a guiding document for budgeting parks funding for the coming years.
At the end of 2023 work was done to create the 2024-2029 document. Throughout the study, the village learned that there is a significant growth trend in the young, child-age demographic, and that investment in infrastructure and amenities for that demographic was a need.
As a result, the village has approved $90 thousand in capital funds for upgrades at Verhagen Park. The current, aging equipment will be replaced by slides, swings for people of all abilities, a ninja ramp, and a kid-powered game called MOVMNT Xtreme.
“MOVMNT Xtreme has a crank system which generates power,” said Kimberly Community Enrichment Director, Holly Femal. “It powers an interactive game where two participants can play against each other to run and push buttons that light up, and it keeps score for them.”
The Village of Kimberly is hoping to raise an additional $75 thousand for the project by July, which would go towards installing poured-in-place surfacing — the squishy rubber flooring — beneath the playground equipment. If that goal is unmet, woodchips will be put in place.
Those interested in donating can do so at the Parks & Recreation Department at 426 W. Kimberly Ave. or online once the village publishes its donation portal.
With Verhagen Park located across the street from Westside Elementary School, there’s potential to integrate the park into the school’s Physical Education program.
Construction on the park is expected in August; with the park ready for use by the start of the 2024-2025 school year.
Comments