Common Council Late Spring/Summer Updates:
We hope this message finds you well and that you enjoyed the beautiful summer we had!
The Parks and Recreation Department worked with Mead and Hunt over the summer to update the Comprehensive Park and Outdoor Recreation Plan. You likely saw social media posts or received a postcard at a number of De Pere summer events with instructions to fill out the online survey. Results of the survey and updates will be coming soon. The survey is still open and can be found at the link below:
The Parks and Rec Department also enlisted the help of Graef to develop a master plan for Wilson Park on De Pere’s west side near St. Norbert College. The hope is to either budget for or fundraise to incorporate the design and transform Wilson Park into a passive engagement space for students and residents alike.
Lawton and Legion Parks will both see updates soon as new playgrounds are being installed later this month, thanks to distributions via ARPA funding received by the City.
While driving down Main Ave, you may have noticed that the overpass grass is no longer being cut. Due to safety issues and concerns with our insurance company, the City will no longer cut the grass in the area. The City will also be closing the sidewalk that passes underneath the overpass for similar reason. A bypass will be available for pedestrians looking to cross from one side of the overpass to the other.
The City Development Services Department has a new Housing Stock Improvement Program (“Deeper Roots”) that is geared towards modernizing and improving the housing stock in De Pere while maintaining affordability for homeowners and buyers. They’ve also rolled out the Experience De Pere Business Recruitment Grant Program that incentivizes De Pere entrepreneurs with expenses associated with starting a new business. For more information, you can reach out the the Development Services Team at 920-339-4050.
Community Service Grant Applications are accepted every June and December. The City Council approved $600 to Eagle Scout Kevin Rafferty for his Gaga pit project at Altmeyer School and another $600 to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization that builds beds for kids that don’t have one. You can contact the City Clerk’s office at 920-339-4050 for more information.
The City Council voted in July to name the new southern bridge “Arthur J. Altmeyer Bridge” and to propose “Generations” (suffix to be determined) for the new road connecting the southern bypass. Arthur J. Altmeyer was born in De Pere and was the US Commissioner for Social Security from 1946-1953 and was a key figure in the design and implementation of the Social Security Program.
The City’s Police and Fire Departments have made the purchase of a former Coast Guard boat to use for safety and emergency responses on the Fox River as well for the Parks and Public Works Departments to use for maintenance of city piers and boat launches.
The Nelson Family Pavilion, which will replace the current restroom facility at Voyageur Park, will be breaking ground in the next few weeks with opening to the public slated for June 2024. Stay tuned for updates on a groundbreaking ceremony!
As always, you can find all meeting agendas, minutes, and videos at the following link:
https://deperecitywi.iqm2.com/Citizens/Default.aspx
Always grateful to serve the residents of District 1.
Shana Ledvina and Amy Kundinger – District 1, De Pere
Alder Amy 