A group of Fond du Lac businesses and community organizations is responding to a recent increase in public opposition to a Lakeside Park alternate master plan. The group, Lakeside Forward, says the proposed plan are key factors in the growth and development of the City of Fond du Lac; site selection for new and existing businesses; and resident attraction and retainment. “At Envision Greater Fond du Lac, we listen to our business partners and are consistently hearing an overwhelming theme of reinvestment in our community as a means to retain and attract talent,” Sadie Parafiniuk, Envision Greater Fond du Lac President/CEO said. “Those organizations who have stepped up to make a financial investment in this project are looking to enhance the Lakeside Park experience to all who live in and visit our city.” “The proposed enhancements to Lakeside Park are essential to making Fond du Lac a destination similar to our neighboring cities who utilize the water as a gateway to entering,” Paul Reetz, Integrity Saw & Tool, Inc. President, said. “The multipurpose building and amphitheater will provide year-round amenities and access to our current residents and those guests who visit.”The plan includes a restaurant on the lighthouse peninsula and amphitheater on Oven Island. The group says the restaurant and amphitheater are meant to complement and enhance what is already there. The Advisory Park Board last week recommended the council put the question to a public referendum after dozens of residents voiced opposition to the plan. More than two thousand people signed an online petition in opposition. The Advisory Board also recommended the council halt renovation of the existing park pavilion until a feasibility study on the alternate plan is completed.
