The Friends of Belmont Mound State Park is raising funds to install a new, accessible playground. The playground equipment has been secured through a grant, but the funds for excavating, installing and landscaping have not yet been secured.

This long-time project through the Belmont Lions Club, in cooperation with the Friends of the Belmont Mound State Park and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, aims to provide additional recreational activity while visiting the beautiful natural space the park has to offer. The playground will have 1,075 square feet of poured-in-place surface that joins an accessible sidewalk to the playspace, allowing for inclusive play near the shelter and restrooms.

Last fall, Friends of the Belmont Mound State Park announced receiving a successful grant from Dubuque Racing Association, Dubuque, IA, for $15,000, which kickstarted the playground plans that had been lying dormant through the pandemic. The Belmont Lions Club matched the grant funds from the DRA through additional financial support and in-kind donations. Working locally with Gerber Leisure Products out of Blue Mounds, the playground equipment has been delivered and is being stored in a local warehouse, with some assembly happening over the winter months by a small group of volunteers. Groundbreaking is anticipated for early this spring, as weather allows. The playground needs to be completed by the end of August; a ribbon cutting and grand opening will follow.

To meet these goals, the Friends of Belmont Mound State Park is fundraising $30,000 for the groundbreaking, excavation, landscaping, installation and potential additions of DNR-approved play structures, as well as establishing a maintenance fund. If you are interested in assisting with this cause, contact the Belmont Lions Club at belmontlions53510@gmail.com. Financial donations from individuals, families and local businesses and organizations can be made online at https://givebutter.com/newplayground or mailed to Friends of Belmont Mound State Park, PO Box 126, Belmont, WI 53510. Please mark all donations “playground.” Anyone interested in donating labor or assisting with site prep, please reach out through the email. \

Julie Abing, a member of both the Belmont Lions Club and Friends of the Belmont Mound State Park, quotes fashion designer Stella McCartney, “Everyone can do simple things to make a difference, and every little bit really does count.”

About Belmont Mound State Park

Belmont Mound State Park is operated by the Belmont Lions Club. The site, located on the mound north of Belmont along Cty. G, offers 2.5 miles of hiking and snowshoeing trails, hunting and trapping as well as picnicking. The top of Belmont Mound is 1,400 feet above sea level, providing fantastic views of the area. There is no fee to use the park. To learn more, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/belmont.

About Friends of Belmont Mound State Park

Friends of Belmont Mound State Park formed as a 501(c)3 non-profit to raise funds for park improvements. Over the last two years, the group has hosted many events, such as Winter Hike, Star Gazing Party, Mound to Mound 5K, Music at the Mound, Fall Earth Day and Wine Walk. The goal of the group is to increase use at the state park, provide educational opportunities about the park and raise funds for additional attractions within the park. New volunteers are always welcome. To learn more, visit https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofBMSP.

Belmont Mound State Park Playground Fundraiser

By Friends of Belmont Mound State Park

Belmont Mound State Park Playground Fundraiser

Revitalization of Belmont Mound State Park continues