City of Kaukauna hosts ribbon cutting ceremony for accessible, inclusive park
KAUKAUNA, Wis. – The City of Kaukauna held a ribbon cutting ceremony Friday, June 21 for the new playground equipment at La Follette Park. Members of the community, City of Kaukauna Common Council, and city staff were in attendance.
Designed in 2023 by Lee Recreation, LLC, the new playground has accessibility features including a universal swing and lower transfer platforms to help the user ease into each play structure. The surface of the ground is also rubberized to allow ease of movement for mobility devices. In addition to the accessibility features, the park has a non-verbal communication sign donated by the Fox Valley Autism Treatment Program.
“We really wanted a space that was easily accessible for children of all ages and abilities,” Terri Vosters, community enrichment and recreation director for the City of Kaukauna, said. “It’s important to us that our parks are safe, welcoming spaces for everyone in the community.”
The park equipment is made up of two dedicated areas of play. One unit designed for younger children ages 2-5, and another unit designed for children ages 5-12. Two swing areas, built-in picnic-table-style seating, and several pieces of spinning equipment also make up the playground. The equipment, labor, and concrete for the project cost approximately $350,000 and was fully funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
The playground equipment isn’t the only change coming to La Follette Park. The City of Kaukauna also plans to install pickleball courts in the southeast corner of the park near the corner of Park Street and Hendricks Avenue. Originally home to a volleyball court, the space will host six pickleball courts.
“La Follette Park is located in a very centralized part of the city,” Mayor Tony Penterman said. “With the new playground and the future pickleball courts, we want La Follette to be a place for residents to come together and enjoy everything the park has to offer.”
The city is currently seeking bids for the pickleball courts, a construction date has not been set. La Follette Park is located at 220 Park Street in Kaukauna. More information about Kaukauna parks can be found at Kaukauna.gov/community/parks.
