Parks Committee
Established in 2017, the Nelsonville Parks Committee is committed to fostering physical & social wellness in our community. We are currently redeveloping our playground to create a multi-use and accessible gathering and recreation space for all ages & abilities known as The Nelsonville Commons.
Click here to donate to the Nelsonville Commons Project Fund through the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin.
Parks Committee meetings are held about once a month or on an as needed basis. Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns at parks@villageofnelsonville.wi.gov. You can also follow us on Facebook!
Members
Caitlin Brillowski (Chair)
Walter Leppen
Stacy O’Carroll
Will McGraw
Nelsonville Community Sanctuary grand opening in 2018
Upcoming events:
July 25, 2025 Nelsonville Parks Benefit at the Rising Star Mill in Nelsonville, WI. Details to come! Follow our Facebook page for the latest information.
Our Parks:
The Nelsonville Community Sanctuary was established in May 2017 thanks to the Anderson family, the Portage County Land Conservation Committee, Land and Water Conservation Fund, and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. Special thanks to Dave Mangin, the Land Acquisition Committee, and the Village of Nelsonville for their hard work and dedication. The Sanctuary is comprised of 37 acres of mixed upland forest, fallow field, bottomland forest and marsh, and 1200 feet of frontage on the Tomorrow River. Three springs and many acres of sensitive riparian habitat are protected by a wide buffer of woodland and meadow.
The Playground is centered at the heart of the village and is comprised of vintage play equipment, a sledding hill, and a tennis court. The Parks Committee is currently focused on redeveloping this park into a safe and accessible space known as the Nelsonville Commons. Donations can be given through the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin here.
The Lake Elaine Beach is a quaint, “secret” swimming-hole.
