After an extremely-successful fundraising campaign and months of planning, Green Lake Renewal has approved the overall plan for Mill Pond Terrace, the new, multi-functional, outdoor space to be located to the north of the Town Square Community Center, overlooking Green Lake’s Mill Pond. The plan, envisioned by a local team and designed by the engineering firm Graef, incorporates green and paved spaces, multiple levels and curved lines to create a series of user-friendly and flexible spaces to accommodate markets, events, and mobile vendors.

“Mill Pond Terrace takes our community another a giant step toward becoming vibrant and successful,” said Mary Jo Johnson, president of Green Lake Renewal. “It is an excellent outdoor venue for entrepreneurs, food trucks and farm and artist market vendors, and can also be used for community and private events.”

Green Lake Renewal’s Markets at Town Square—outdoor Friday and Saturday farm and craft markets on Town Square’s east lawn—have been expanding quickly, doubling in size in 2017 and adding ready-to-eat foods and live music. “The markets are great for entrepreneurs and for our community. Plus, their festive atmosphere has really enlivened the downtown. We expect the markets to continue to grow around the Town Square building, adding more mobile vendors on Mill Pond Terrace,” said Fran Hill of Green Lake Renewal.

The Mill Pond Terrace project was unveiled last summer at Green Lake Renewal’s White Hot Party, the organization’s annual fundraising event. Funding was lead by Joe and Tina Pregont, who immediately pledged $50,000 to the project. As of the end of 2017, the campaign was nearing its $200,000 goal.

In preparing for construction, a six-member Green Lake Renewal Task Force has met with local contractors to seek input and advice. “It is really exhilarating to see the number of people who’ve gotten involved in this project, from financial support to guidance on design and construction,” said Kate Salas of Green Lake Renewal.

Mill Pond Terrace construction will begin in spring of this year, with completion slated for summer. For information, or to donate to the project, please see www.greenlakerenewal.org or call 920-807-0156.

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 culinary business incubator.