Peter's Pond sign in Shawano County, August 14, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online
SHAWANO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Volunteers are putting the finishing touches on a brand new facility that challenges people to experience the outdoors.
The 13-acre site just west of Pulaski is hosting an open house on August 18.
On the shoreline of a place called “Peter’s Pond,” Roger Urmanski tests his luck.
“I caught a bluegill or two. But I didn’t get what I was looking for. There’s a big pike in here that I’d like to see again,” said Roger Urmanski, a Challenge the Outdoors volunteer.
The non-profit group is gearing up for an open house Sunday.
“All the docks have ramp access. This road here is not for vehicles. This is for wheelchairs and scooters, and so on,” said Urmanski.
The new asphalt pathway leads to five aluminum piers stocked with life preservers, nets and night crawlers.
“You don’t have to be a fisherman, but it helps,” said Urmanski.
Donated by Steve and Kristi Nooyen, the facility includes a new headquarters building as well. Challenge the Outdoors volunteer Keith Pamperin says the 2,500 square foot space includes a kitchen and room to gather.
“We want to have FFA, 4-H, hunter education, snowmobile education. All of these kinds of events are welcome. We’re tying in with other organizations, such as ASPIRO, to have events here. We don’t want the property to sit idle,” said Pamperin.
Pamperin says plans include constructing a 3-D archery range and an exercise course for those with disabilities.
“Any time a person can spend time outdoors, it refreshes the soul,” he said.
Urmanski agrees.
“Challenge the Outdoors has helped me out for the last five or six years now. It feels good to volunteer and help other people out. It’s a great thing to do. Not just for me, it’s for everybody.”
Peter’s Pond gets its name from Peter Lathrop, who was a long-time member of Challenge the Outdoors. He passed away seven years ago at the age of 43.
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