In 2021, the City of Tomahawk was approached by local nonprofit Tomahawk Together with a vision; the child- and family focused organization had its sights set on establishing the community’s first all-inclusive playground in Washington Square Park — a place that would be inclusive, welcoming, and accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities.

Washington Square Park, prior to renovations.

Meanwhile, city leaders conducted an Outdoor Recreation Plan survey among citizens, which revealed overwhelming interest in implementing a community splash pad somewhere within city limits. This feedback, combined with Tomahawk Together’s proposition, resulted in a wonderfully collaborative plan to complete both visions at once. Christened “Our Dream Park” Playground, the project was built on strong project partnerships, generous local support, and the award of an influential federal grant.

Early in the planning and design phase, MSA Professional Services, Inc. (MSA) was employed to conduct a splash pad feasibility study as part of a master plan for Washington Square Park. City leaders wanted to fully understand existing park conditions, proposed new park layouts, the plan for project implementation, and how the park would successfully serve its patrons well into the future. Through constructive dialogue and stakeholder engagement, MSA developed a final master plan which included the envisioned inclusive playground and new splash pad. In addition to those core elements, the plan also recommended inclusion of a nature playground and a variety of park upgrades: parking lot improvements, restroom and park gazebo remodel, changing room additions, conversion of the adjoining street to a safer one-way route, and improvements to accessible paths throughout the property.

Completion of the Washington Square Park Master Plan in 2022 positioned the City of Tomahawk to pursue Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCP) Program funding as well as Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Grant funding from the Wisconsin DNR. These pursuits led to the combined award of $1.2 million. The community and project partners also raised project funding in generous amounts, including in-kind donations from individuals, businesses, organizations, and foundations from across the region.

Throughout the winter of 2022-2023, and with adequate funding to proceed, the project shifted from the planning phase into design and engineering. MSA again worked with city leaders to ensure elements of the master plan would be implemented with care and precision. The community wanted the park upgrades to fit within the existing park footprint, without disruption to the Tomahawk Area Historical Society’s log museum on site, historic locomotive and boat displays, and chamber of commerce/visitor center facilities.

Throughout the fall and winter of 2023-2024, local businesses donated labor toward the completion of projects at the site. This included initial clearing and removal of existing playground equipment and other park amenities, initial site grading, and preparing engraved paver stones donated by a local business to honor those who contributed to the project.

Full construction began in earnest in the spring of 2024; this included the installation of the playground, which was designed in partnership with Lee Recreation, LLC, and the splash pad — designed in collaboration with Commercial Recreation Specialists. The playground boasts warm green and brown tones, with shapes and designs that mimic the natural environment. Extending beneath the equipment is a poured-in-place soft surface that is wheelchair accessible and designed to dampen any impacts from falls. Playground highlights include a multi-user swing, modular play structures for varying age groups, a dual zip line, serenity area, and musical instruments. The splash pad offers cheerful colors, and whimsical spray features resembling trees, flowers, butterflies, and leaves. Its flow-through design includes an on-demand water feature that allows users to initiate splash pad functions with a simple touch of the hand. Features then disable when not in use, conserving water and operational costs. All features are designed to be accessible for all users, whether in strollers, wheelchairs, or with any other type of mobility assistance device.

The City of Tomahawk, project partners, and the community celebrated the grand opening of Our Dream Park playground and splash pad with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 7, 2024. Thanks to additional Wisconsin DNR funding awarded just prior, the full cost of the $2.6-million project was funded via grants and donations.