Donations kick off Phase II of playground fundraising

   MONONA — Local business owner Nathan Trappe kicked off Phase II of fundraising for the Gateway Park Playground with a $2,500 donation from his three businesses, Allen Roofing and Construction, Allen Real Estate Company and Wausau Homes Monona.

   The funds kick start a campaign for $17,275 that is needed to clear dirt, install a cement pad and install the equipment, an ADA cushioned pad and donor plaque/Butterfly Trail map. Monona Chamber and Economic Development Executive Director Rogeta Halvorson said the goal is to have the fundraising complete by March 31.

   “The committee and MCED have raised Phase II fundraising dollars of about $3,275, which leaves $14,000 yet to be raised in just three short months,” Halvorson said. “ MCED is planning to write for several smaller grants and donations – which are never guaranteed – and we’re also hopeful other local individuals and businesses who haven’t given will give whatever they can to help build this project when they see how close we are to starting construction in Spring, 2020.

   “Nate, his family and companies are some of our area’s leading donors who continue to give generously to the betterment of local events and children-related activities and causes,” she said.

   The 67-by-36-foot playground will feature four pieces of equipment and an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pad that were purchased with $46,987 raised during Phase I of fundraising. That goal was attained prior to its goal, with the final $2,668.71 coming from former resident Dan De Sotel in December.