The Waupaca Common Council on Jan. 7 approved a fundraising proposal to replace and expand amenities at EchoPark, including a natural-style playground and a plumbed bathroom. Parks and Recreation Director Laura Colbert presented a phased plan and cost estimates and asked permission to move forward with fundraising and grant applications.

Colbert said EchoPark’s current playground, installed by volunteers in 2015, is showing significant wear. The phased plan lists a phase-1 target of approximately $435,000 to cover earthwork/demolition ($20,200), water and sewer ($25,000), electrical ($15,000), playground equipment (budgeted at $100,000), an ADA path ($100,000) and a concrete restroom similar to Swan Park (estimated $175,000). Friends of Waupaca Parks has pledged $25,000 toward the project, Colbert said, and staff are discussing applying for the Wisconsin DNR Land and Water Conservation Grant with a grant deadline in May 2025.

Colbert described outreach visits to nearby natural-play installations and said the team aims to keep the playground "as natural as possible and as an educational park." She said construction could start summer 2026 if fundraising and grant awards align, with a possible fall 2026 opening for phase 1.

Dimitri Martin moved to approve the fundraising proposal; Henry Velacher seconded. A roll call recorded 10 ayes and the motion carried.

Colbert asked the council to note donor levels included in the packet and said staff will return with fundraising updates and grant application status as the work proceeds.