After approval early this year of a professionally-created plan for the new multi-functional space known as Mill Pond Terrace, and a series of meetings with a wide variety of Green Lake area contractors, the project is slated to break ground in May. A major downtown Green Lake physical improvement, providing space for entrepreneurs, food trucks, events and public gatherings, the Mill Pond Terrace project will transform the underused and aging parking lots to the north of Town Square into a valuable community asset.

During January and February, Green Lake Renewal’s Mill Pond Terrace Task Force met with numerous local contractors, seeking advice on how to best value engineer the project. The team is currently setting priorities and creating a timeline for completion. The project is expected to break ground in May, weather permitting.

“We have so many talented and experienced contractors in the Green Lake area,” said Phil Burkart, who, along with David Armstrong, is leading Green Lake Renewal’s Mill Pond Terrace team. “Their advice and input has been invaluable in our creating the ideal construction plan for this ambitious project. In particular, Amy Arnetveit, from our team, has been an integral part of getting this project off the ground.”

The first phase of Mill Pond Terrace will focus on hardscape, highlighting the center circle overlook as the focal point, and includes excavation, concrete, gravel, electrical, and construction of a retaining wall.

The project builds on Green Lake Renewal’s record of success in creating a waterfront wharf, beautifying the downtown, and developing the former Green Lake County courthouse into the vibrant community center, Town Square. Mill Pond Terrace also provides a venue to accommodate entrepreneurs as Green Lake Renewal moves to solidify its next big initiative: Entrepreneurship Support.

“While we take on projects of many types, they are all designed to promote economic development, including Mill Pond Terrace” said Fran Hill of Green Lake Renewal. “This community has a great spirit of entrepreneurship, and Green Lake Renewal is leading the way to harness the power of that energy. The Market at Town Square, the Green Lake Kitchens culinary incubator and the Corner Store Artists’ Co-Op are just the beginning.”

Green Lake Renewal will launch a greatly-expanded Entrepreneurship Support initiative at its Entrepreneur of the Year Awards Breakfast on April 20 at Town Square. The event will honor entrepreneurs Wes Stibb of Outdoor Impact, and Pat McConnell and Mandi McConnell Hinrichs of Flash Trucking. It will also feature keynote speaker Chris Barbin, co-founder of Appirio and co-owner of the new ThunderBoss Bar & Grill, scheduled to open in Green Lake this spring.

Projects and programs of Green Lake Renewal, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, are made possible by the generous support of the Green Lake area community. Green Lake Renewal operates the Town Square Community Center, Green Lake Kitchens and Green Lake Fitness 24/7. For further information, call 920-807-0008 or visit www.greenlakerenewal.org.