Panel installation completes checklist for Glen Park renovation project

RIVER FALLS – The City of River Falls Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) recently installed seven 4-by-7-foot historic panels mounted on the outside walls of the Glen Park Pavilion. Each panel weighs 107 pounds and is accompanied by an explanatory “nameplate.” The panels include the following images:

•Glen Park, est. 1898

•Swinging Bridge, 1925

•Glen Park Zoo, est. 1923

•River Falls Improvement League, est. 1900

•Glen Park Pool and Bathhouse, 1937

•Glen Park Lodge, 1912

•Summer Days (various years) The images on the panels come from the personal collections of HPC members, as well as the Pierce County Historical Association, and the Archives at UW-River Falls._ See the panels and read the nameplates_at Glen-Park-Pavilion-historic-panels (rfmu.org) “It was a goal of ours to educate anyone who casually looks and reads about the park’s rich history,” said Heidi Heinze, Historic Preservation Commission chair. “The panels will also bring back memories for all of us ‘townies’ who grew up in this park and pool.”

Heinze said she particularly likes the picture of the women of the Improvement League who, she said, were instrumental in the development of the park, its bridges, its structures, and maintenance.

Glen Park renovation project

Glen and Hoffman Parks were included in a_comprehensive park plan_competed in 2015. In 2017, the City Council approved moving forward with portions of the Glen Park Plan as part of City’s 2017-2021 Capital Improvement Plan. Preliminary design work began in March 2017 followed by two community feedback sessions in June and August. Following final Council approval, renovation projects began in summer 2018 and were completed in late 2019. These included construction of the new pavilion, splashpad, new parking areas, pathways, and roadways, landscaping, and pool liner replacement. The pavilion opened Jan. 1, 2020, and the splashpad opened that June.

Planned projects, including a playground and sports areas, will be installed as private funding allows.

From Jan. 1, 2020, to Aug. 15, 2021, 237 functions were held in the pavilion, with an estimated 10,000 people attending. Reservations for 2022 can be made starting Jan. 1 at 8 a.m. A reservation link is available at_riverfalls.activityreg. com_ “The pandemic prevented us from celebrating the grand reopening of Glen Park last summer,” said City Administrator Scot Simpson. “However, I hope that, by now, residents have had a chance to experience the improvements and new construction and can agree that they honor and preserve the past while ensuring that this treasured community space can be enjoyed for another 123 years.”

About the Historic Preservation Commission

River Falls_Historic Preservation Commission _members are appointed by the mayor, approved by City Council, and serve four-year terms._The Commission’s mission is to promote and protect the historic resources within the city and to educate the community about its cultural heritage. Meetings are held monthly at City Hall, and agendas and minutes are posted at_www.rfcity.org._There is an opportunity for public comments at each meeting, and community input is encouraged.

Commission Chair Heidi Heinze said that group’s next project is new signage in the park._ “Watch for a colorful new heritage panel describing the Glen, the Cascade Mill,_the Swinging Bridge, and more,” she said.

Submitted by City of River Falls

Photo courtesy of City of River Falls

Photo courtesy of City of River Falls

Photo courtesy of City of River Falls

City workers Ken Thill (left) and Eric Viessman secure the final panel on the Glen Park Pavilion on Aug. 4.

Members of the City of River Falls Historic Preservation Commission pose in front of the new installation in Glen Park on Aug. 11. (From left): Julie Huebel, Mark Anderson, Pam Friede, Heidi Heinze, Jayne Hoffman, Ben Plunkett. Not pictured: Denton Anderson.