Current Projects
Modern Kayak Launch 2024!
The Park’s beach area is heavily used by kayakers who generally launch by using an existing timber step down system to get into the water. Some kayakers launch at the existing power boat launch area. The Friends will be installing a handicap accessible Mod-U-Dock 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.
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, Inc. in cooperation with the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources installed a 3’X7’ messaging board on Park property along the south side of State highway 60. This enables the DNR to better communicate to the general public upcoming events within the Park. The total cost of the project 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 has a seating capacity of 150 with grass seating behind the bench seats for another 50 people. It also includes ample lighting, electrical outlets and audio system hookups which provides a great place for any family or community event. It has become a popular venue for the Friend’s Friday night fish fry and musical entertainment conducted during the summer months.
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
Another recent project was completed in 2020 when the Friends extended the existing bike trail one mile to enable campers to bike directly from the campgrounds down to the beach area. This one mile extension was dedicated in memory of Corky Neu a long-time camp host and volunteer for the Park. 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 for the Park calls for replacing the existing south shelter which was built in 1974 and no longer provides a safe environment on a year round basis. 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.