Eau Claire residents demand halt to Owen Park redevelopment plans!

Eau Claire residents demand halt to Owen Park redevelopment plans!

On June 17, 2025, residents of Eau Claire, Wisconsin voiced strong support for renovation plans at Owen Park. Discussions are already underway in the city council as residents call for the plan to be slowed down to raise additional funding for a new playground. Supporters include City Council member Nate Otto, who confirmed that playground renovations are already planned for future years as part of the capital improvement plan.

However, some community members, including Chad Rowekamp, ​​are unhappy with the current renovation plan. They criticize that the newly planned equipment is smaller than the existing play equipment. Rowekamp emphasizes the importance of the playground, which is the second most popular in the city and is located in a tourist area. Residents are asking the council to pause renovations to allow time for fundraising, aiming for a goal of $1 million. However, the city has already budgeted $250,000 for the renovations.

Community fundraising and future prospects

Otto expressed hope for a “showcase playground,” similar to those in La Crosse and Wausau, to attract families and increase Eau Claire’s appeal. Rowekamp also mentioned that unlike other cities, Eau Claire lacks visible playground sponsors. The City Council is now considering a resolution to postpone the playground updates because the existing equipment is still functional.

In the coming weeks, the city council plans to make a decision on the possibility of delaying the renovation plan. Otto has already signaled that citizens will have an opportunity to raise money. Rowekamp encouraged residents to contact council and support the postponement. He emphasized that even small donations can add up significantly and noted the availability of funding for fundraising.

Additionally, the City of Eau Claire has selected five projects for funding through the Empower Eau Claire program, determined through citizen input. A total of $300,000 in city funds was allocated in a ballot involving nearly 2,000 votes cast between April 26 and May 13. This includes, for example, the renovation of wheelchair-accessible playground equipment in Boyd Park as well as other projects that address different community needs.

The Eau Claire City Council will vote on Tuesday, May 24, to approve the projects and direct city staff to seek contracts to implement them. These initiatives demonstrate the city's commitment to active citizen participation and support of community projects that enrich public life.

The developments around Owen Park and the parallel projects will certainly continue to be in the public eye and could make a significant contribution to improving the quality of life in Eau Claire. The challenges and opportunities presented by both fundraising and citizen participation will influence the City Council's communications strategy in the coming months.

For more information you can visit this article WOW or the details of the Empower Eau Claire program Volume One read up.