Plover
The Band Shell at Lake Pacawa Park
6/11/2018
The plans for the Bandshell at Lake Pacawa Park came to fruition in late July 28, 2018, when it debuted in time to "Celebrate Plover".
The 2014 Master Plan for the Park renovation had focused on the bandshell as its centerpiece for outdoor entertainment and a community gathering place.
In late April 2018, a groundbreaking ceremony was held. The Village Administrator, Dan Mahoney, is quoted "this is a day to celebrate a 'County with Love in Its Heart'".
Reported by Heather McDonald, of the Portage County Gazette, the entire community contributed $561,000 which paid for the foundation, a 30 by 40 foot polygon structure with a stage and dance area in front of the stage. It also features handicapped access, electric service, and a sound system. An outdoor amphitheater style seating was completed in early 2019.
Various levels of funding sponsorship were organized for the bandshell: Visionary, Inspiration, Innovation, Imagination, Creativity, Artistic, and Perception.
The designer was Rettler Corporation, Muermann Engineering, and Grunwalt and Halverson Architects. Contractors included Altmann Construction, Farhner Excavating and Green Thumb, Ellis Construction, Disher Electric, and Peak Systems.
Celebrate Plover on July 26-27, 2024.
The COVID- pandemic cancelled all concerts during the summer of 2020.
The COVID- pandemic cancelled all concerts during the summer of 2020.
GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY, APRIL 30, 2018
Sponsors, contributors, and participants for the new Lake Pacawa Park band shell break ground on the project Monday, April 30. Among them are (from left) Joe M. Kinsella representing Pointe Precision; Joe Kinsella, individual donor; Steve Worzella, representing Norm Worzella; Perry Worzella, representing Mary Worzella; John Noel, individual donor; Jonah Yach, representing the youth of the area; and Sara Brish of Stevens Point area Convention and Visitors Bureau. (Portage County Gazette photo)
PARK HISTORY and ITS FOUNDERS
In 2014, a Master Plan with major renovations worth of $4.5 million was planned for Lake Pacawa Park, a 35 acre park. The Master Plan included, not only the bandshell, but additional walking trails, fishing piers, designated areas for an historical patriotic marker, parking, and new shelters. Already there were two Lions Club shelters, a Pony League ball diamond, two soccer fields, a beach area, play area, and shelter house with restrooms.
Lake Pacawa Park originated with the generous donation of the land by Clarence and Regina Worzella, who were community-minded people who felt it was important for Village residents to have a place to bring families to for fun and relaxation. In 1970 the land was leased to the Plover Whiting Lions Club for $1 per year. In 1984 Clarence Worzella offered to donate the Park to the Village contingent on the Village honoring the lease with the Lions Club. In 1999 the Village officially took title to the property and continues to allow the Plover Lions Club use the facilities.
Worzella & Sons is now a 6,000 acre potato and vegetable farm located in the central WI sand country. Clarence Worzella l, grew up on a dairy farm which also had 20 acres of potatoes. As a young man, he grew crops and sold vegetables door-to-door on his truck route. In 1953 he bought a 40-acre parcel of sandy soil and started growing potatoes under irrigation. Over time he regularly purchased farmland to expand the potato growing operation. His sons, Norm and Marv, now own and operate the large potato farmland.
In 2014, a Master Plan with major renovations worth of $4.5 million was planned for Lake Pacawa Park, a 35 acre park. The Master Plan included, not only the bandshell, but additional walking trails, fishing piers, designated areas for an historical patriotic marker, parking, and new shelters. Already there were two Lions Club shelters, a Pony League ball diamond, two soccer fields, a beach area, play area, and shelter house with restrooms.
Lake Pacawa Park originated with the generous donation of the land by Clarence and Regina Worzella, who were community-minded people who felt it was important for Village residents to have a place to bring families to for fun and relaxation. In 1970 the land was leased to the Plover Whiting Lions Club for $1 per year. In 1984 Clarence Worzella offered to donate the Park to the Village contingent on the Village honoring the lease with the Lions Club. In 1999 the Village officially took title to the property and continues to allow the Plover Lions Club use the facilities.
Worzella & Sons is now a 6,000 acre potato and vegetable farm located in the central WI sand country. Clarence Worzella l, grew up on a dairy farm which also had 20 acres of potatoes. As a young man, he grew crops and sold vegetables door-to-door on his truck route. In 1953 he bought a 40-acre parcel of sandy soil and started growing potatoes under irrigation. Over time he regularly purchased farmland to expand the potato growing operation. His sons, Norm and Marv, now own and operate the large potato farmland.
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