Current Projects
Accessible Kayak Launch 2025!
The Friends will be installing a handicap accessible Mod-U-Dock system in the spring of 2025 on the north end of the day use area, just beyond the existing primitive launch, with timber step-downs. This upgrade will make kayaking more accessible to paddlers of varying strength and abilities and will also reduce the risk/danger to kayakers currently using the motorized boat launch area.
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.
Recent Projects
Outdoor Sign Messaging Center
In April of 2022 the Friends of Pike Lake partnered with the WI DNR to install a 3’x7’ electronic messaging board on Hwy 60.
This upgraded the wooden slat and letter slide information board. The electronic board will save time and allow DNR staff to advertise multiple community events at once with much greater ease.
The total cost was approximately $40,000 with the Friends contributing $28,000 and the DNR contributing $12,000 toward the project.
Pike Lake Amphitheater
Completed in 2018, the construction of an outdoor amphitheater is the largest Friend’s project to date. The amphitheater bench seating capacity is 150 with grass seating for another 50+ people. There is stage lighting, isle seat lighting, electrical outlets, and audio system hookups, making this a great location for all sorts of gatherings. This is the chosen site for the majority of the Friends sponsored events, wildlife education programs, fish fry with live music, Friends of Pike Lake Family Night etc. This facility is reservable.
The total cost of this project was $65,000 and was made possible by the generous support of not only the Friends of Pike Lake but also the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Hartford Area Foundation, GFWC Hartford Women’s Club and anonymous donors.
Corky Neu Bike Trail Extension
Completed in 2020, the installation of a new bike trail. This project extended the existing bike trail by one mile, enabling campers to safely bike from the campground to the beach area. This trail extension was dedicated in memory of Corky Neu a long-time camp host and volunteer for the Pike Lake Unit.
The total cost of this project was $40,000 and was made possible by the generous support of not only the Friends of Pike Lake but also the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Hartford Area Foundation and anonymous donors.
Future Projects...
Proposed Pike Lake Shelter
Stay tuned for details on a modern year round public use shelter and education building to replace the existing south shelter.
The existing DNR master plan calls for replacing the existing south shelter, which was built in 1974. The Friends group plans to replace the existing structure with a year- round education facility that will provide indoor heated bathrooms, a meeting area for seminars with related audio and visual equipment and facilities for family gatherings.
The occupancy level will be approximately 75 people and the cost will exceed one million dollars. Currently, studies are being conducted of the site’s soil condition and its access to future sewer, water and electrical needs. The Friends group plans on having this project completed by the end of year 2027.