A bold new initiative to create Mill Pond Terrace at Town Square, a vibrant outdoor venue incorporating the Town Square north parking lots, was introduced at Green Lake Renewal’s annual White Hot Party on Saturday, July 15. This community revitalization project will take the tired, underused and aging parking area and transform it into a beautifully landscaped and newly paved place to attract open air markets, vendors activities and events to Green Lake’s downtown, all with a great view of the Green Lake Mill Pond.

“Our outdoor markets have been growing like mad,” said Fran Hill of Green Lake Renewal. “The presence of vendors, customers, music and food has really brought our town alive. Every weekend now, I hear, ‘Wow. Green Lake is really hopping.’ Mill Pond Terrace will expand on that great momentum.”

The $200,000 project will cover landscaping, an irrigation system, terrace, sidewalk connecting Town Square’s east lawn to the new area, steps to each level, recycling and trash receptacles, restrooms, refurbished parking lot, lighting, electrical and water outlets.

While the goal at the White Hot Party was to launch fundraising with an ambitious target of $50,000, supporters stepped forward that evening and committed more than $92,000 toward the project.

“We live in an unbelievable community of people who care,” said Hill. “It was really awe-inspiring to see our friends and neighbors confidently saying, ‘Let’s make this happen.’”

Green Lake Renewal aims to complete the Mill Pond Terrace project by spring of 2018. Supporters can make donations online at www.greenlakerenewal.org or mail a check to Green Lake Renewal at PO Box 608 Green Lake WI 54941 with MPT in the memo. Contributors of gifts of $100 and more will be recognized on a large plaque that will grace the wall inside Town Square’s foyer. 

More than 180 Green Lake Renewal supporters attended the 2017 White Hot Party, which was held at the home of Rip and Sue Suster in Maplewood Estates. The event was made possible by a team of volunteers as well as generous sponsors, including The Goose Blind Grill & Bar, McClone, Outdoor Impact, Emmer Real Estate Group, Horicon Bank, Matt Cudney, Fusion Creative, Anne & Dave Gary, Mark & Sandy Hess, David & Joan Lloyd, Johan & Sarah Loberg, Jo Ellen & Sean Madden, Dennis & Maureen Ryan, and Jeff Shadick & Mike Ertmer.

For more information on the Mill Pond Terrace project, call (920) 807-0156 or email info@greenlakerenewal.org. Green Lake Renewal is the 501(c)3 non-profit community revitalization organization that operates the Town Square community center, Green Lake Fitness 24/7, and the Green Lake Kitchens and Hill Street Station business incubators.