Neenah Washington Park Master Plan & Design

Washington Park is an 11.5-acre park centrally located in the City of Neenah. Situated at the corner of Winneconne Avenue/STH 114 and Harrison Street, it is bordered by residential neighborhoods on three sides. Existing amenities enjoyed at this community park include a sledding hill, softball field, tennis courts, ice skating rink, and access to Neenah Slough, which flows into Little Lake Butte des Morts. 

Ayres worked with City staff and the community through several meetings to identify opportunities and constraints at this site and where attention should be focused to develop this park to its maximum use. By reorganizing some of the high-use elements on the site and enhancing them through this master plan effort, Ayres aimed to improve the park’s function and flow. The existing four-season community building served as a hub for added amenities in the plan, including a splashpad, new playground, basketball court, and an improved trail system that connects elements and provides water access to nearby Little Lake Butte des Morts.

To improve accessibility to various park activities, parking was separated into two areas to serve different uses. To complete the master planning process, Ayres provided a detailed estimate of probable cost based on phased construction. 

Ayres’ design phase responsibilities included engineering and design for a Miracle Field for inclusive baseball, a splashpad, a basketball court, tennis/pickleball courts, a skating rink, a restroom building, trails, exercise equipment, playground surfacing, parking, lighting, shade structures, custom planters, and stormwater structures. Our team also assisted during the bidding and construction phases.

Focused planning and communication throughout this process guided Washington Park toward becoming a cornerstone park in the community and an important gathering and recreation place for generations to come.

• Park Planning & Design
• Public Involvement