Mayor’s Column July 1st, 2023
Rohn Bishop, Mayor of Waupun
Hello Waupun!
I’ve been getting asked a lot lately about what’s going on at Dodge Park, so here’s the scoop. The tennis courts were shot and in disrepair. The Board of Public Works, who oversee the parks, has been working on what to do at Dodge Park. It was determined not to replace the tennis court with another tennis court due to having tennis courts at Waupun High School and at West End Park. It was seen as a duplication of services.
The decision was made to remove the old court and for now plant grass. The Public Works board is looking at multiple possibilities at Dodge Park, including a pickle ball court, a gaga ball pit, cement gaming tables, or permanent cornhole boards. The goal is to have something that is unique to Dodge Park and this would be in conjunction with the City of Waupun Outdoor Recreational Plan.
Of course, we need money to install anything, so the process of applying for grants has begun, and we’ll see where we end up come budget time. I was also asked why the soccer nets at Dodge Park have a blue tarp on them instead of a net, and the answer is I don’t know, because the city does not own the soccer goals.
In other news, I hope everyone enjoyed Celebrate Waupun! We had great turnouts over the three-day festival, and on Saturday we had three full buses for the trolly tours of Waupun’s sculptures! It was a fun weekend and the weather mostly cooperated. Thank you to everyone on the Festivals Committee and Jeff Danne and the Public Works crew for all the work that went into the event!
UPDATES: Bayberry Lane is coming along nicely with blacktopping scheduled for July 5th. We’re waiting on a grant to redo Wilcox Street, which is in such bad condition it is basically a cattle path. IF we get the grant, we’ll do a big project on it next year, if we don’t, we’ll do a mill and overlay on it this year to at least improve the street’s conditions.
The Park Program is doing really well this year with over 200 kiddos registered! We’re running into some air quality difficulties, so we’re looking at options of moving some events indoors at either the library or City Hall. If you’re signed up, you’ll receive email updates, so stay tuned.
Speaking of the parks program, July is National Parks and Recreation Month. So, kudos to Rachel at the Parks Dept. and the crew at DPW who maintain our parks, boardwalk, river access, Senior Center, ball diamonds, etc. All your work helps make Waupun a great place to live, work, and play!
Feedback on the new railroad crossing has been all positive! I’m glad we can check that project off our list. The new crossing along with the new garbage company seems to really be an improvement.
Finally, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day weekend! Happy Birthday, America!
Thank you and God Bless,
Mayor Rohn
