City Of Watertown - Opportunity Runs Through It.

Watertown, WI – March 20^th, 2025 – As the 2025 park season approaches, the City of Watertown is excited to announce a series of significant renovations to enhance the community’s outdoor spaces. Thanks to funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), four local parks—Timothy Johnson Park, Lincoln Park, Union Park, and Clark Park—have received much-needed upgrades that residents will enjoy when the parks officially open on April 15, 2025.

The 2024 renovation work included:

• New doors and locks for enhanced security.

• Improved lighting for safer, well-lit public spaces.

• Updated bathroom fixtures and partitions for comfort and privacy.

• Upgraded plumbing and venting systems in restrooms.

In addition to the park improvements, ARPA funds also provided new lighting and partitions in the restrooms at the Watertown Senior & Community Center, new roofs to the Celebration Shelter and Island Shelter at Riverside Park and replaced the double doors on the second floor of the Riverside Pavilion near the dance floor.

Looking ahead, the City of Watertown has allocated $65,000 in 2025 for playground enhancements. More details on these upgrades will be shared as plans are finalized.

Beyond immediate improvements, the city continues to plan for the future of Watertown’s parks and open spaces. By June 2025, the Park and Open Space Plan will be completed, with multiple community engagement sessions offering residents a chance to provide input. The Riverside Park Master Plan, a long-term initiative spanning 5 to 10 years, will also incorporate community feedback through two to three engagement events.

Additional projects include maintenance of the riprap along the riverbank, future updates to the band shell, and addressing the aging Chamberland area. The city will explore creative solutions to ensure safety and continued enjoyment of public spaces. Furthermore, an inclusive recreation area will be incorporated into the Riverside Master Plan, emphasizing accessibility for all residents.

“We are committed to improving Watertown’s parks for residents of all ages,” said Kristine Butteris, Parks, Recreation, Forestry, and Aquatics Director. These upgrades are just the beginning of our efforts to enhance community spaces and ensure our parks remain a source of pride for years to come.”

The City will hold a Parks and Open Spaces Open House as part of the updating of the Parks and Open Spaces Master Plan. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to attend to share ideas, thoughts, and concerns as we develop a plan for the future of Watertown’s parks and open spaces!