FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Wednesday night gave the Fond du Lac City Council a last chance on deciding the future of a popular park.
The council agreed to develop Lakeside Park back in September. But, with continued opposition, and a last chance to end the agreement, the council decided tonight to continue moving forward.
It comes on the eve of the 120-day deadline to look over a feasibility report of the plans.
Joe Moore, Fond du Lac’s City Manager said, “it’s been determined the projects are feasible on Lakeside Park.”
Lakeside Forward will pay for part of the project. This is what its members hoped for.
Sadie Parafiniuk, with Lakeside Forward, tells FOX 11…
“no reason for city council to have second thoughts or guesses, everything is progressing as it should be.”
It’s despite continued opposition from a group called Friends of Lakeside Park.
John Papenheim, with Friends of Lakeside Park, tells FOX 11….
“they’re not against development on Lakeside Park, they’re against this development. A very large building on what’s considered sacred ground.”
According to Lakeside Forward’s plan, it will add a restaurant and amphitheater, along with other expansions to the area.
However, the group Friends of Lakeside Park says with specifics not determined, it was against the Council’s decision to continue with the plan.
“We’ve been given some rough numbers that we’re frankly shocked with,” said Papenheim, “the building 12,000 feet wind up being the largest restaurant right now and they want to put it in our public park.”
During public comment, others echoed the thoughts of Friends of Lakeside Park.
“You have to discuss this tonight how you all, 5 of you at least, can pass something so financially important with no public discussion. Giving us a minute here and 5 minutes there.”
While other members of the public shared nothing but continued support for the project.
“The enhancements to lakeside park included in the alternative master plan will make enjoying the park views of the lake more accessible to more citizens.”
Lakeside Forward says it is looking forward to what’s to come.
“We see a myriad of opportunity of economic development, quality of life and attraction,” said Parafiniuk, “I hope they continue to work together, the City, Lakeside Forward and get a shovel in the ground.”
Lakeside Forward is contributing $5.1 million toward the project.
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