MOUNTAIN, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Work continues at a Northwoods park in hopes of reopening the once-popular site.
The Green Lake Picnic Area in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Mountain has been officially closed since 2015.
Brian Lamal says a visit to the 21-acre Green Lake brings back many fond memories.
“It’s the best spot around for swimming. I’ve been here 50 years. I came here as a kid, brought my kids down here, and my grandkids were down here too,” said Brian Lamal, Mountain.
The picnic area has off limits for nearly a decade, and a 2019 storm damaged the park as well. Veronica Hinke is the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Public Affairs Officer.
“In 2015, approximately 11 percent of recreation sites in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest had to be closed due to budget constraints. In this particular instance, this park is able to reopen because of the historical significance,” said public affairs officer Veronica Hinke.
Hinke says that historical significance can be traced to the old pavilion constructed on the picnic grounds.
“This park goes back to the 1930s, when the Civilian Conservation Corps built a warming shelter for their families in the park,” said Brenda Carey-Mielke, Mountain Historical Society President.
Carey-Mielke says since the pavilion is on the National Register of Historic Places, the door is open for a non-profit group to reopen, and manage the five-acre site.
“Which is a big, big thing. We have a 25-year lease, with Forestry, which is renewable in 25 years. Yeah, we’re very excited,” she said.
Carey-Mielke says volunteers work on Saturdays to remove trees and clean up the picnic area. Volunteers say they anticipate opening day, which is scheduled for the Saturday of the Memorial Day Weekend.
Brian Lamal says he plans to be there,
“It’s nice to see a community come together to get the park reopened. If you get a chance when the park’s open, come on up here, and enjoy it. Bring your kids. It’s a wonderful place to see,” he said.
Green Lake Park is scheduled to be open on May 25.
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