Parks & Recreation names Pacific Road access 'Sunrise Shore Park,' plans cleanup and native plantings

At its Dec. 9 meeting, the Merrimac Parks & Recreation committee agreed to name the Pacific Road public lake access Sunrise Shore Park, after the original development, and discussed steps to prepare the site for public use.

Chairperson Nate Taylor led the discussion; committee members favored clearing brush and dead trees, removing invasive vines and poison ivy/oak, spreading donated fill to reduce a slope and planting native Wisconsin trees and shrubs. The group advised against planting arborvitae because deer browse them and recommended selecting species that are both native and durable for shoreline conditions.

A member of the public and Bob Garrison asked about a planting buffer between the access and an adjoining condominium; Garrison had emailed requesting shrubs to create a natural barrier. Committee members agreed more fill will be required before grass can be established and that brush currently piled on-site needs removal so volunteers can seed lawn areas in spring.

Committee members also discussed water runoff behind the condo building and suggested cleaning or replacing a culvert; Chairperson Taylor suggested the resident raise runoff concerns with the Village Board as well. The committee noted that volunteers will perform access-area work and that installation of a donated pier is planned in the spring.

The committee identified additional 2025 priorities including reaching out to little-league organizations for ballpark improvements (possible lights, more bleachers, concession and dugout upkeep) and exploring options to add parking. Taylor and Tim Klecker will research shelter costs and Cleary Building Corporation was identified as a contact for bids. Parks & Recreation will reconvene in February 2025.