PRESCOTT – A set of approvals made at the Oct. 28 Prescott City Council meeting will advance the next and final phase of Fairy Wonderland Park. 

The council approved two resolutions: a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Land and Water Conservation Fund grant contract for park improvements totaling $387,594 and an engineering services agreement with Cedar Corporation for the improvements totaling $110,300.

According to City Administrator Matt Wolf, the council in 2023 approved a concept plan for improvements to Fairy Wonderland Park in partnership with Healing Play, Inc. These include additional playground equipment, a stormwater pond, parking lot, youth soccer/football field, restroom facilities, lighting, and other park amenities.

“Healing Play, Inc. has raised more than $500,000 toward the installation of the first two phases of playground equipment, with the remaining improvements planned as part of the final phase,” Wolf said.

Following the completion of the Elm/Washington Street project, the city had $1,138,457 in surplus funding within its Capital Projects Fund, which came from grant funding received after the city's 2023 borrowing, a city memo states. To avoid additional borrowing for planned 2027 capital improvements, the city allocated $683,567 of these funds toward Fairy Wonderland Park.

In partnership with Healing Play, Inc., the city submitted a grant application to the DNR to assist with funding the final phase. On Sept. 18, 2025, the city learned it had been awarded $387,594 through the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), administered by the Wisconsin DNR. The city has now received the formal grant contract from the DNR.

The grant provides about 40.41% (387,594) of the project cost, which totals $959,210. Other sources include $571,616 from the city and $111,951 in previously allocated city funding.

The grant requires compliance with federal and state requirements, DNR approval of development plans before construction and permanent restrictions on converting the property to uses other than public outdoor recreation.

Cedar Corporation will perform topographic surveying, preliminary and final engineering design, permitting, preparation of construction plans and specifications, bidding assistance, construction staking, construction observation, and project administration. Final engineering designs should be done in February, with construction bidding taking place in March. Construction is planned for April with completion by Aug. 31.

Alderpersons Adam Granquist and Dar Hintz were absent.

Other business

• Mayor Michael Gerke proclaimed Nov. 2-6, 2026 Crash Responders Safety Week.
• The council approved a driveway request for Doug Erickson, 1280 Walnut Circle. The driveway will be 50 feet wide, exceeding the 40-foot maximum allowed under city code. Public Works Director Ryan Newland said the width does not negatively affect stormwater drainage or cause runoff to flow onto the public street.
• The council approved the purchase of a new SnowDogg V-wing snowplow to be installed on the city’s 2024 Chevrolet Silverado. The cost, from Kinni Sport & Power, is $13,187.92 to be paid from the 2026 Public Works budget.
• The council also approved a service agreement with HydroCorp. for the 2027 Cross Connection Control Program, costing $9,233.40 for a maximum of 55 inspections performed.