2025 SPARC Projects

Click on each project below to learn more about the final recommendations for each project.

After receiving assistance in 2022 to develop a waterfront plan, New London aimed to integrate and expand upon previous work with ongoing downtown improvements.

The workshop produced new concepts to update Anchor Park, enhance the grassy area on Pearl Street, and create a "downtown loop" on Water Street. Participants also identified opportunities to create placemaking ideas and improve riverwalk connections.

In order to capitalize on traffic through Highway 21 and the pedestrian bridge over the Fox River, Omro utilized the SPARC program to develop a design plan that would allow future opportunities to pursue funding and implementation.

The design session produced a plan that pursues development and redevelopment along Webster Avenue and at the old Dollar General building, removes the parking lot at the foot of the pedestrian bridge, and continue conversations with the Department of Transportation for traffic calming measures along Highway 21.

Along the Southeast side of the City, Shawano has an industrial area with opportunities to establish a new park. Green space would be beneficial for industrial workers and residents in the new developments nearby.

Upon the site-walk, it was discovered that the topography was quite extreme, and participants decided potential site uses would be more helpful than a detailed site design at that time. Four potential site developments were produced. Shawano moved forward with the recommendations to define park boundaries and develop boundaries, and to pursue funding and implementation in the future.

South Park is Waupaca's most popular and developed park, with a large pavilion and access to water on Mirror and Shadow Lakes.

Participants identified connections to new residential developments to the east of Mirror and Shadow Lakes, expanding trail networks, pursuing funding opportunities to build a pedestrian bridge, and work to restore the historic pump house.