Flagpole to be installed at Hodag Park

During its Aug. 26 meeting, the Rhinelander Common Council signed off on two projects related to future additions to Hodag Park. The group voted unanimously to approve the purchase and installation of a flagpole, to be located near the new amphitheater, at a cost of $4,500. The other resolution involving Hodag Park was to authorize geotechnical testing at the site of the proposed skate park at a cost of $5,225.

“The (skate park) designers need soil borings to see what kind of soil they have out there, what they’re dealing with, so they can design a skate park that will last,” city administrator Patrick Reagan told the alderpersons.

Earlier this year, after more than three years of study and planning, the council approved a design proposal submitted Hunger SkateParks.

The skate park project has been percolating since early 2021 when representatives of the Over It coalition reached out to the council seeking support for the idea of constructing a new, permanent park. The teens explained that skateboarding is becoming increasingly popular among local youth and a skate park would be an open, safe space for them to get together.

After a second presentation was made in April 2021, members of the council expressed support for the skate park idea and advised the group to keep working toward their goal.

On Dec. 27, 2021, two weeks after representatives of Over It spoke to the alderpersons regarding an update on the project, the council passed a resolution specifically pledging to “commit staff resources to assist with preplanning” and, later in the process, “meet with the Over It coalition to discuss the funding, construction, ownership, operation, and liability for the park.”

In February 2022, the council approved a proposal from ArtStart, a local nonprofit focused on the arts and cultural engagement, to facilitate a feasibility study. That study, including recommendations, was presented to the council in late July 2022.

Since that time, a decision was made to locate the skate park within Hodag Park and the council voted to pledge $75,000 in city funds to be used for design and engineering.

According to Reagan, the $5,225 for the soil borings will be taken from that $75,000 allocation.

The flagpole idea was first introduced last summer after alderman Tom Barnett reported that he had been approached by local veterans who were interesting in having a flag installed near the new amphitheater.

The council was immediately interested in the idea but tabled it to allow time for research. 

Several members of the council, including Steven Jopek, who is a member of the U.S. Army Reserve, the son of Wisconsin National Guard veteran and the brother of a National Guard sergeant killed serving in Iraq in 2006, were adamant that if a flagpole were to be added to the park it needed to be done with care.

When the topic was raised during the Aug. 26 meeting, Jopek asked for reassurance that the flagpole will be lighted and the flag itself will be cared for according to the rules set forth under the U.S. military flag code.

The $4,500 needed to complete the flagpole project will come from the city’s ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) allocation, according to the resolution.

In other business, the council also briefly discussed how best to inform residents of planned fireworks displays.

The recent fireworks display at West Side Park, in recognition of the BMX Club’s 25th anniversary, caught some members of the community by surprise, the council was advised.

It was also noted that the sound of unexpected fireworks can be jarring for military veterans and others with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

City administration stressed that the BMX fireworks display was publicized, however it’s difficult to impossible to ensure every person who might hear the fireworks is aware that it is a planned event.

No action was taken but there was some discussion about requiring those who wish to put on fireworks displays  inform residents of their plans.

Finally, during the public comment portion of the meeting, two residents of the Messer Street neighborhood, where the city is planning a $10 million street and utility project, shared their thoughts on the project following the informational meeting held last month. The main concerns mentioned were related to the loss of trees and whether some of the sidewalks included in the proposed plan could be eliminated.

To watch the entire council meeting, visit www.hodagtv.com.

Heather Schaefer may be reached at [email protected].