SHULLSBURG — The City of Shullsburg announced the receipt of another grant for the Badger Park Project in the amount of $489,500 from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. With the grant award now secured and contractors selected, construction is expected to begin in the coming days.
The start of the project experienced a short delay while the City awaited notification of the grant award. Despite the delay, the project remains on schedule for completion in June 2027, in time for a grand opening celebration during Shullsburg’s annual Fourth of July festivities in the City’s bicentennial year.
Badger Park has been a special part of our community for generations, and this project will ensure that it remains a place where residents and visitors can gather, celebrate and learn about Shullsburg’s unique history for generations to come.
The project represents a significant investment in the future of one of Shullsburg’s most recognizable community assets. Major areas of improvement will include:
● Excavation and reconstruction of the existing ball field, including installation of new storm sewer infrastructure to significantly improve field drainage;
● A new ballfield backstop and fencing;
● New dugouts and ballfield storage
● A new concrete retaining wall behind home plate;
● Refurbishment of the historic rock wall;
● New LED stadium lighting;
● A new Badger Park entrance sign;
● Roundhouse renovations and conversion to display baseball memorabilia
● Replacement and expansion of the existing walkway with concrete;
● Construction of a new multi-purpose building that will house the Badger Mine & Museum, concession stand and ADA-compliant restrooms.
Together, these improvements will create a more functional, accessible and attractive park while preserving the character and history that make Badger Park unique.
A Community Investment
The LWCF grant is a 50/50 matching grant, administered through the Wisconsin DNR, and is the latest addition to a broad funding effort that has brought together public investment and extraordinary community generosity.
The project is being funded through a combination of City of Shullsburg funds, a $1 million grant from the State of Wisconsin, the newly awarded LWCF grant and more than $2 million in contributions from generous donors who believe in the future of Badger Park.
Advance Shullsburg, a local nonprofit organization, has been an integral partner in the fundraising effort, helping to generate community support and secure private contributions that have played an important role in making this project possible. Additional tax-deductible gifts can still be made through Advance Shullsburg. More information is available at https://www.advanceshullsburg.org/badgerpark.
The City extends its sincere appreciation to the individuals, families, businesses and organizations whose generosity has helped make this project possible.
One of the most anticipated components of the project is the new multi-purpose building, which will provide a permanent and significantly improved home for the Badger Mine & Museum. Thanks to a Technical Assistance Grant through Wisconsin Main Street, the City is currently working with Edwards Creative to develop a state-of-the-art museum experience that will highlight Shullsburg’s rich mining heritage and the important role the community played in the origins of the Badger State.
The museum will provide visitors with an engaging opportunity to learn about Shullsburg’s mining history, the people who built the community and the connection between the region’s lead-mining heritage and the name and identity of Wisconsin. Additional naming opportunities and donations are currently being solicited to help fund the interior design and museum exhibits. Community members and supporters interested in contributing to the museum are encouraged to contact the City of Shullsburg for more information.
As part of the City’s efforts to enhance Badger Park and celebrate Shullsburg’s history, the community will also welcome the installation of a Freedom Rock. The Freedom Rock project will bring a uniquely painted boulder to Shullsburg as part of the nationwide Freedom Rock tour. The boulder is scheduled to be delivered in mid-May 2027, with the artist expected to arrive in mid-June to complete the painting over approximately five days.
The Freedom Rock is an opportunity to showcase the community’s history and patriotic spirit, as well as an opportunity to honor its veterans for their service to our country. This is an exciting addition to the many improvements planned for Badger Park, as it will further enhance the park as a place for residents and visitors to gather, explore and celebrate. To learn more about the Freedom Rock project and tour, visit www.thefreedomrock.com.
Construction of the overall project is expected to begin immediately, with the entire project remaining on schedule for completion in June 2027.
The completed Badger Park will provide a renewed gathering place for residents, athletes, families and visitors while celebrating the history and heritage that have made Shullsburg a special community for 200 years.