APPLETON, WI (WTAQ) – A park in downtown Appleton reopened Wednesday.
Jones Park was closed for renovations back in 2016, while at the same time construction started on the adjacent Fox Cities Exhibition Center.
The renovation project included a $1 million amphitheater that was donated by Miron Construction.
Appleton Mayor Tim Hanna says the new life was given to Jones park with the construction of the Exhibition Center.
“In my mind, I imagine people walking over that skywalk and looking down and seeing families.”
Tim Kippenhan, Vice President and COO at Miron Construction says they thought it was a good idea to give back to the community where they started.
“We started in Appleton 101 years ago and we have had a lot of success in Appleton and in the Fox Cities, so we wanted to make sure we gave back to the community.”
He says seeing this all come together today means a lot.
“I think just to see the kids on the playgrounds and for them to come to a music venue and just be able to have fun is important.”
The park will be able to be used all year as it will hold skating rinks in the winter.
“People remember the one big rink we used to have here, but now we are going to have two,” Hanna said. “There will be a hockey rink and a family rink.”
The park also includes a playground that was donated by Principal Financial Group.
