Contact:
erunge@two-rivers.org
$50,000 WEDC grant helps bring vibrant space to downtown
TWO RIVERS, WI. JULY 10, 2023 – The City of Two Rivers is receiving a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) to fund upgrades to Central Park, a community hub and event space in the heart of downtown Two Rivers.
The Vibrant Spaces Grant Program is designed to help cities and towns revitalize underused spaces to build community and attract future residents. Through this grant program, communities across the state of Wisconsin will be investing in their workforce attraction and small business development by creating inviting, walkable spaces in their downtowns, arterial districts, and economic centers.
“Investing in vibrant communities where people want to live, work, and raise families is critical to attracting and retaining workers in our state,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC, the state’s leading economic development organization. “These grants will help communities create new gathering places in thriving downtowns to draw in residents, visitors, new businesses and investments.”
The Central Park project reimagines the use of the park and is funded in part by WEDC’s Vibrant Spaces Grant. The design aims to make the park a year-round destination for outdoor activities and community gatherings. The project upgrades the park’s stage, includes the addition of a sculptural splash pad for summer outdoor activities, a skating loop for winter ice skating, and a pavilion with accessible public restrooms and a public rental space. When not hosting a variety of community events, Central Park will be a place to relax and recharge while enjoying the downtown amenities.
“Improving and expanding these types of amenities adds to the quality-of-life for those living here and adds another dimension to visiting and spending time in downtown Two Rivers,” said Greg Buckley, Two Rivers City Manager.
The Vibrant Spaces Grant program is an initiative within WEDC’s Community Development and Investment (CDI) grant program. Projects were evaluated based on their ability to create visible and pedestrian oriented public spaces that attract and accommodate multiple users and activities. Successful projects demonstrated that they would benefit the local district, nearby businesses and the community as a whole. Communities were required to match grant funds and begin construction this summer.
More information about the Central Park Project can be found at www.tworivers.org/central-park.
More information on the Vibrant Spaces Grant Program can be found online at: https://wedc.org/programs-and-resources/vibrant-spaces/
