Tony Evers visits Gillett to back federal program that provided $1 million upgrade for park

Zippel Park in Gillett is getting a makeover, and Gov. Tony Evers swung by Aug. 28 to learn more about it.

The park received $1 million in funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, which was awarded by the state on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This project includes the addition of a new inclusive playground, lighted walking paths and trails, a park kiosk, reconditioned pickleball and basketball courts, multiple picnic stations, ample seating, and an ADA-compliant restroom.

“We believe that this project will not only enhance the quality of life for our residents but also foster a sense of community and belonging,” Chelesa Anderson, a member of the city of Gillett Parks Committee, wrote on the city’s website.

Evers and Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld met with local leaders to hear about the city’s uses for its CDBG grant funding and tour Zippel Park.

Evers also is using the tour to lament President Donald Trump’s proposed budget cuts that would eliminate the federal CDBG program that helps rural communities improve and repair local infrastructure.

“I’m … deeply concerned about what it will mean if the investments that make these projects possible all go away, and Wisconsinites need to know what’s at stake,” Evers said in a press release prior to his visit.

The Trump administration said CDBG’s efforts have been “poorly targeted” and local governments should administer the program on their own.

Overall, 21 communities in Wisconsin received more than $18.6 million to support improvement projects, which were announced Aug. 26. The others are:

• City of Abbotsford – $1 million for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• City of Ashland – $1 million for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• City of Augusta – $383,600 for sanitary sewer system infrastructure improvements and the construction of a new lift station;

• Village of Bagley – $1 million for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• Village of Boyd – $1 million for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• Village of Clyman – $1 million for water system, well, and water tower upgrades;

• City of Cornell – $1 million for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• City of Cumberland – $412,672 for water main boring, relocation, and replacements;

• Village of Iron Ridge – $950,300 for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• Village of Lomira – $1 million for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• City of Markesan – $1 million for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• Village of Milltown – $1 million for community center reconstruction and improvements;

• Village of Minong – $1 million for water system and wellhouse infrastructure improvements;

• City of Nekoosa – $956,151 for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• Village of Norwalk – $536,800 for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• Village of Plum City – $442,800 for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• City of Prairie du Chien – $1 million for street and utilities infrastructure improvements;

• Town of Ridgeville – $1 million for construction of a new fire station for the Norwalk Area Fire District;

• City of Shullsburg – $945,333 for street and utilities infrastructure improvements; and

• Village of Soldiers Grove – $1 million for wastewater treatment plant rehabilitation and equipment replacements.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Tony Evers visits Gillett to support Community Development Block Grant