Recent News...
Call for Volunteers!
The Friends of Pike Lake have heeded the call for volunteers by helping to assemble and stain Pike Lake's new accessible picnic tables.
In spring, Pike Lake responded to a partnered project proposal from the WI-DNR which looks for matching funds. The Friends of Pike Lake donated $2,500 to match $2,500 from the WI-DNR. As a result, the Park was able to order 13 new universal picnic table frames.
Property Supervisor Elias Wilson asked Friends of Pike Lake members to volunteer some time and finish up a good partnership project:
Parking Lot Painting at Beach/Amphitheater Lot - COMPLETED!
The parking lot at the Pike Lake beach received newly painted lines in early June 2024. For several years, the parking lot lines were very faded which resulted in a loss of parking spaces and unusable gaps between cars. Friends of Pike Lake members saw the need to address this issue by providing newly painted parking lines and more visible safety crosswalks in the lot area. As a result, property staff is now able to count actual spaces and give more people access on busy days.
Thanks to all who worked to see this come about and allow more people to enjoy this beautiful property!
Accessible Kayak Launch coming 2024
The Friends of Pike Lake (FOPL) is proud to announce the purchase and installation of a handicap accessible Mod-U-Dock Kayak Launch system in the spring of 2024. This will not only make kayaking more accessible to all kayakers of varying strength and abilities but will also reduce the danger to kayakers currently using the power boat launch area. This project is in response to the growing popularity of the Park’s beach area which is heavily used by kayakers who generally launch by using an existing timber step down system to get into the water.
The total cost of this project will be in excess of $20,000 and was made possible by the generous support of not only the Friends of Pike Lake but also the Hartford Area Foundation, Neil Park Foundation and anonymous donors.
The Friends of Pike Lake have been active in assisting Kettle Moraine Pike Lake Unit Forest staff since 1998. Here are some highlights of past accomplishments FOPL has brought to benefit the community and our beautiful Park:
- Apply for the Incentive Grant ($1,000 match) – Friends of Wisconsin State Parks to fund interpretive summer programs.
- Hosting the annual Candlelight Ski/Hike.
- Host Discovery Day.
- Hosting the annual Community Campfire program.
- Provide nature based items for sale at the Pike Lake Office gift shop.
- Sponsor the annual Work Play Earth Day Event.
- Host Friday Fish Frys
- Wildflower Seed Sorting
Mission Statement
The Friends of Pike Lake, Inc. was organized for charitable and educational purposes of promoting and supporting recreational and educational activities at Kettle Moraine State Forest-Pike Lake Unit in coordination with the staff of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. In furtherance of this mission the Friends of Pike Lake, Inc. provides financial support of the Park’s interpretive, educational and historical programs and also its facilities maintenance and improvements.