NEW GLARUS — Just before 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Save Glarner Park Facebook page began to fill with celebratory posts indicating the group had succeeded in its mission; that Glarner Park had indeed been saved.

Its salvation was to remain a park, rather than serve as the building grounds for a proposed new public library. The location was chosen by resolution in May 2016 by the New Glarus Village Board upon recommendation of the public library board. 

Village Board President Roger Truttmann said the sentiment of the Facebook group was echoed in person at the meeting of the board after it rescinded the motion on an all-in-favor voice vote.

“There were a lot of people there,” Truttmann said. “They all applauded, and when (board members) were done, they were happy.”

One of the people who rejoiced at the news was resident Mark Hawley, a resident of 3rd Avenue for 22 years. Hawley spoke publicly at more than one village board proceeding for the last four months because he said he had concerns over the flooding of his 100-year-old house across the street from the park. 

“I don’t think a flood pays attention to lines on a map,” Hawley said. “I think they realized the continued feedback from the community … we just weren’t going to let it drop. I’m extremely pleased we got them to the right decision.”

New Glarus Public Library Board of Trustees President Linda Hiland said because of zoning concerns and the number of arguments against use of the space for a new library in the centralized, downtown location, she and others on the library board agreed to give up the location. 

“Given the situation, we felt that was the best choice, the best option,” Hiland said, adding that she hopes a new location can be decided “very soon to maintain momentum” of fundraising and support from the public.  

Truttmann said he was told by Hiland before the beginning of the village board meeting that the library had decided to no longer pursue use of the Glarner Park location. Hiland said despite the setback, the group remains dedicated to the project.

“I hope it’s very soon we can get this new library facility for the community of New Glarus because it is greatly needed,” Hiland said.

Truttmann said flooding of the space was a large concern by a number of residents. 

During a meeting Aug. 21, Engineer Brian Beaulieu from Edge Consulting Engineers Inc. of Prairie Du Sac, hired by the library, said a review of the site showed that with an additional detention basin as part of the project could improve containment of floodwater. Village Engineer Pat Rank noted his own review of the site found flooding of the area which urged him to advise against building in that space. 

Hawley added that just because the group was in favor of “saving” Glarner Park, members were not necessarily anti-library. 

“I’m all for a new library as long as they’re fiscally responsible and it’s an appropriate size,” he said, adding he felt most of the people concerned over the loss of green space and a ball diamond felt similarly.

Hawley said he assumed positive intent by the library and village boards but noted that their strategy might need to be adjusted given the number of years the village has been attempting to build a new library and the failure of more than one location. He said he and his wife only became involved roughly four months ago, after it appeared that the library board was nearing its projected fundraising goal. 

A parcel of land purchased by the village along Wisconsin 39, commonly referred to as the westside site, remains for sale. It was originally meant to be a building place for a new library, but was disregarded for a more centralized location. 

Divisiveness on the topic had “neighbors not talking to neighbors,” Hawley said. Now that Glarner Park is no longer the projected site, he said the arguments should be ended. He added that officials should consider gathering more community feedback to avoid similar problems in the future and successfully build a new library.

Truttmann said the village intends to put together an ad hoc committee to discuss suitable options for locations once more and said the village does not have any current solid suggestions.