Eric Hyde, Park Superintendent, discusses Park accessibility and upcoming Park upgrades.

Park Superintendent – Eric Hyde

On behalf of Peninsula State Park I want to thank the Friends of Peninsula State Park for all you do to enhance the Park and the experiences for all the visitors. Thank you to the Board, the members, and those who donate to our cause.

I’ve heard so many positive comments this year about the upgraded Nature Center and the educational programs.  Visitors also love the new all-access playground at Nicolet Beach. We’ve done so much together the past few years to improve accessibility and this year was no different.

Through the donation of an on-trail track chair from KinectM1 along with the help of the Friends, we are the first Wisconsin state park to have a track chair available to check out! Starting in July, visitors are able to go on the Friends website and Reserve the chair at no cost so they can enjoy our trails. We’ve had young children with disabilities as well as a 103 year old senior use the chair. It’s a great feeling to extend the Park experiences and make it more accessible for all.  In 2024 we are looking to expand the track chair program and have the device available more often.  Interested in volunteering to help check the chair out? Please give us a call at (920) 868-3258 or visit VOLUNTEER.

So what’s up for 2024?  We’re excited about some new universally accessible trails that we hope will be funded in 2024. The trail I’m most excited about is an interpretive trail from the lighthouse along the shore that will have a compacted limestone screened surface. Visitors will have lots of great views of Green Bay and learn about the history of the Bay and Lake Michigan.

The 2024 season will also be another big year for road and other infrastructure upgrades in the Park. The main entrance road up to Nelson’s Point will be getting resurfaced.  The five flush restroom and shower facilities in North Nicolet and Welcker’s campgrounds will be completely renovated.  That only leaves Tennison Campground as the last campground needing the restrooms facilities renovated and upgraded. Campers will be happy to know that the State approved over $3 million dollars of funding for these facilities to be renovated sometime between 2025-2027.

Roughly thirty water fountains will also be upgraded and many of our old waterline laterals are getting replaced. These projects will cause some inconveniences to campers and visitors next year but are well needed.  We’re thrilled that they are funded and moving forward.

We hope you all have a great winter and come visit the “Park for All People!”  We are here all year-long.