Not too late to make a splash

Fredonia did it. On Saturday, Nov. 1, with temperatures in the 40s, the village turned on the water at its new splash pad, although just long enough to hold a celebration to thank those who donated to and worked on the project and to accomplish its mission of opening the amenity this year.

The PWSB Splash Zone, as it’s called in honor of the Port Washington State Bank donating the first 25% of the costs to build it in exchange for naming rights, is ready and waiting for spring to provide families with wet fun at Marie Kraus Park.

“When you think about what really comprises our way of life here in Ozaukee County, it’s places like this,” Port Washington State Bank President James Schowalter said. “Spaces where families gather, kids play and neighbors connect. This splash pad isn’t just about water and playtime. It’s about joy, togetherness and community pride.”

Village President Peter Lenz told the crowd at the ribbon-cutting ceremony that he remembers the effort to build the amenity started with former Village President Dan Gehrke, who wanted to create a “cost-effective attraction” for everyone to enjoy.

After Gehrke left his post, Village Administrator Christophe Jenkins picked up the effort and began fundraising for the project.

Lenz thanked some of the other donors besides the bank, including Kim and Joan Steffen, the Fredonia Lions, Hartmann Sand and Gravel, Peterson Products, the Casey’s Charitable Fund and the Friends of Fredonia Parks and Recreation.

Jenkins added Andrew J. Construction to the list.

“I told the Village Board many times that this splash pad would not have been constructed without the help of Andrew and his team. From the foundation, to gravel, to final concrete pouring — they did all this work free of charge,” Jenkins said.

Quasius Construction installed the features for free, and Greatland Electrical, which installed the electrical components, is a new building in the village’s business park.

The splash zone’s features were tested, then it was winterized and will wait for children to visit in spring.