Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
Shawano’s Park and Recreation Department will be at the farmers market Saturday seeking public input on development plans for the newly designated Smalley Park.
This will be the last opportunity for the public to view design proposals and give feedback in person before the plans go before the Shawano Park and Recreation Commission. However, the public can still contact the department to provide input over the next several weeks.
There are three conceptual designs for the park, which stretches from Third to Fifth streets along the Wolf River, adjacent to the soon-to-be vacant Shawano Medical Center.
All three options have at least one thing in common: tying the park into a a long-term home for the Shawano Ski Sharks.
The park could feature a natural seating area with an amphitheater-type feel for Ski Sharks performances, and for other entertainment that might want to use the venue.
Walking trails are also proposed, as well as improvements that would make it easier for those with disabilities to access the park and particularly the Ski Sharks shows.
The park and recreation department is also looking at the possibility of restoring a “more defined” city beach that would be cared for and maintained, said Matt Hendricks, park and recreation director.
Other features being considered include a concession building with restrooms and storage, a sheltered picnic table area, and a potential pier or boat slips.
There is no price tag for the proposed designs. The estimates will be nailed down by the time the design options are narrowed down to a master plan.
Hendricks said most of the public comment so far has focused on several themes, including tying the park into the Ski Sharks performances, public swimming and re-landscaping with natural plantings.
A preferred concept will be drawn from the three conceptual designs and presented to the park and recreation commission later this month.
Depending on whether further changes are requested, the plan could be before the Shawano Common Council in November or December.