Goerke Park our Park, and it is under attack.
Help us Save the Historic and Beautiful Value of Goerke
What is Going On?
The City of Stevens Point has announced a major remodel, and it concerns us.
These proposed changes include removing green spaces and historic landmarks. We believe this will impact our communities heritage and environment.
We Want to Take a Stand Against Losing our City's History
Preserve our Past for a Better Future
01
Parker Memorial
Built in 1934 under the Works Progress Administration in the Great Depression Era, this historic building does not have a home according to the new park plan, and can very likely face removal. Sitting with the Outdoor Hockey Rink, the Parker Building is rented out to a small local business, "The Warming House." Offering skate rentals and hot coco, this business would be lost.
02
The Outdoor Hockey Rink
Constructed over 70 years ago, the Outdoor Hockey Rink is home to many families, college students, kids. Whether by foot or by car, people come to their only outdoor ice rink in the city. Parents who once skated here as a kid, are now taking their kids here to play hockey. Other than 1 hour a week at K.B. Willett, there is nowhere else to play hockey in Stevens Point. This rink will be removed in the plan.
03
Our Open Green Spaces
Otherwise know as the "Hallmark View" of the city, Goerke Park has 4 fields, and with the remodel, residents will be left with 1. The remaining sections of the park would be paved over. We will lose the fields where families set up a picnic, play catch, and enjoy the sunsets. Kids will not have an open area of play. Everyone would be cramped onto the 1 remaining field.
We need your help to save our park's history
Your Voice is your Most Powerful Tool, use it.
We are asking for your support
Please help us Save our Park. It takes a city.
We understand that the process to make a change is difficult, and we hope to give you some guidance. There are 3 official actions that you can take to support our cause. Your support means the world to us! Please get involved using the actions, and share this website (SaveTheRinks.org) to your friends, family, co-workers, or whoever you can talk to. There are no age-limits, or location-specific limits for taking actions. Have your kids write a letter to show their support. The more people who respond, the better.
Fill out the Official Form
The city has published an official feedback form for anyone to fill out. The responses from the official form will be sent to the Stevens Point Parks Commission, and will be considered in the finalization of the park plan.
Email us/the city a Letter
Writing a letter to voice your concerns gives you a better form of communication. We are accepting letters, and we will forward them to the Parks and Recreation Board Members on your behalf.
Come to Community Meetings
The Stevens Point Board of Park Commissioners meets the 1st Wednesday of every month at 6:30 pm. Meetings are televised on the city website, or you can attend in person at 933 Michigan Avenue. The next scheduled discussion on the park master plan is May 7 or June 4, 2025.
What Residents Have to Say
"I grew up in SP & care deeply about its beauty & history. The SE corner plans for the dome & its infrastructure eliminate vital green space that’s free / accessible to all & replace it with a limited use eyesore. The historic building may be vacant, but it’s an irreplaceable part of SP’s history/soul. Removing it would be a tragic loss. There’s no need for #1-there’s plenty of street parking. If access to is a concern build a path on city-owned land. The plans erode what makes SP a special place."
– Zach Radford
"These rinks provide a crucial space for additional training, skill development, and recreational opportunities that contribute to the success of our local teams. Losing this resource will limit practice availability and hinder the growth of young athletes who rely on extra ice time to refine their skills. Moreover, the outdoor rinks encourage community engagement and physical acticity during the winter months, benefiting residents of all ages."
– Dan Francis
"Tearing down the warming house should be a non-starter. Point already has torn down too much history. Tons of asphalt being put on green space. A road running right through the middle, that's great for all the pedestrians. Very little "park" space or green space or nature. Just more stuff built in and over."
– Matthew Sbonik
We can only make a change with your support