CAP Services will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Waupaca Eco Park at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20.
The park, located in the Oz Natural Area, will create permanent environmental education opportunities while maintaining the natural feel of the area.
CAP’s Fresh Start Program crews will build most of the park’s components as part of a two-year project. Planned components include a wetlands walkway, an education center and shelter for a wide variety of public uses, a natural amphitheater for talks and entertainment, and picnic and play areas.
“We have worked hard to build partnerships with the city, area businesses, environmental groups, and the Oz Natural Area Board,” said Clif Morton, CAP Services’ Fresh Start Program coordinator. “We’re very excited to see the plans finally start becoming reality, and are proud to be able to work on this project, both for our program’s participants and for the Waupaca community.”
The groundbreaking will feature officials from project partners, sponsors and CAP Services representatives. Additionally, attendees will be able to view samples of the eco-park projects, including the wetland walkway, the picnic structure, and invasive species removal.
Morton said area business have committed money, materials and labor to the project.
“Waupaca Foundry and Faulk Brothers Construction are two of our lead business sponsors. Their enthusiasm for this project helps to ensure that the entire area will be able to enjoy environmental education projects in a natural setting that everyone can enjoy,” Morton said.
CAP’s Fresh Start Program takes disadvantaged, at-risk, and drop-out youth, as well as young people who have been in trouble with the law, and teaches them construction and employability skills while helping them complete their education.
Individuals, groups or businesses interested in helping out with the project should contact Morton at 715-258-9575 ext. 203 or [email protected].
CAP Services is a private, nonprofit community action agency that has been helping low-income people in Waupaca, Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, and Waushara counties since 1966.