Gruetzmacher Park on Bean City Rd will be built in 2025-2026!
Excitement is building as final preparations are underway for the construction of Gruetzmacher Park in the Town of Caledonia. This 47-acre park will be situated on land generously donated by the Ivan and Jeanette Gruetzmacher Family, located along Bean City Road. Construction is slated to begin in late May 2025, with the initial phase of the project expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
The park will focus on “silent sports,” such as walking, biking, playground activities, and other low-noise pursuits. In addition to recreational space, it will feature nature-based and environmental education opportunities. To ensure the project moves forward smoothly, the Town Board has formed a committee to finalize the designs, layouts, and engineering plans. These plans will be submitted to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for final approval in the first week of April.
The development of Gruetzmacher Park is a tremendous opportunity for the Town of Caledonia, as few townships boast facilities of this caliber. What makes this project truly remarkable is that Gruetzmacher Park will be built without any cost to local taxpayers. All funding for the park will come from grants and donations. The State of Wisconsin’s Knowles Stewardship Fund has provided a grant of $433,000 to help bring the park to life. Additionally, the Ivan and Jeanette Gruetzmacher Family has not only donated the land but is also establishing a multi-million-dollar trust fund to provide between $50,000 and $100,000 annually for park maintenance and future improvements.
Thanks to these generous contributions, there will be no cost to Town residents for the land, the development of the park, or its ongoing upkeep. This project has truly exceeded all expectations!
Below is a proposed drawing of some of the park components to give you a glimpse of what’s in store! These are conceptual plans and the plans will continue to evolve through the planning process. The proposed site plan below is the long-range plan for the park. Not all of the components will be completed in the next two years.
Thanks to generous donations, grants, and countless volunteer hours, Gruetzmacher Park is becoming a reality!
UPCOMING PROJECTS (2025-2026)
- Sledding Hill
- Playground
- Pavilion & Restrooms
- Pedestrian Trails
- Pickleball Courts
- Parking Areas
- Maintenance Garage
FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS
- Adult Fitness Equipment
- Splash Pad
- Disc Golf Course
- Pump Track
- Half-Court Basketball
- Tennis Courts
- Park-Wide Landscaping Improvements
COMPLETED
- Wetland Restoration
- Prairie Planting
Thank you to the Gruetzmacher Family and everyone who has contributed towards making this park a valuable asset to our community!