PESHTIGO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – One popular recreational spot in the Northwoods is open for business, but only certain campers are being allowed.
Crews from the Peshtigo Parks and Recreation Department wrestle picnic tables into place Wednesday morning.
Jim Felker, Peshtigo Parks and Recreation Department, says Badger Campground was scheduled to open next Monday, but due to the coronavirus, this park is closed, to the public.
Instead, 27 of its 50 sites are ready to welcome hospital personnel, emergency workers and others who are on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.
“Kind of a place to go if they don’t want to necessarily go home to put their families at risk. They can come out here, they bring their campers out. We’re not going to charge them anything to come out,” said Shawn Northrop, Peshtigo Parks and Recreation Director.
Northrop is also a first responder and a firefighter with the city’s department. He tells FOX 11 free camping is a way to say thanks.
“This is something that the City of Peshtigo, we may not be able to offer a lot, but we want to offer something.”
Northrop says many of the campsites offer a Northwoods look, and visitors may enjoy the atmosphere.
“We just want to make sure that they can go to a place where they are comfortable, and they feel welcomed. And that’s what we want. We want them to feel welcomed.”
Badger Park Campground will be open to medical workers as long as the COVID-19 pandemic lasts.
For more information, call Parks Director Shawn Northrop Monday through Friday from 8 a.m., to 6 p.m., at (715) 923-7275.
