Funds Raised for Neillsville's Opelt Project

Monday, September 20th, 2021 -- 11:00 AM

On a beautiful September weekend, supporters of Neillsville’s Opelt Project participated in several events to raise money for a new park to be constructed in the city’s downtown trailhead complex.

Local businesses sponsored holes for the September 4th golf outing, which included spectacular raffle prizes, a silent auction, and sales of Opelt legacy apparel. The next day featured a charcoal chicken fundraiser, sponsored by the Neillsville Lions Club, and a walkathon.

In total, the three weekend events brought in $10,000, to be applied toward the project’s goal, along with pledges for several in-kind donations. In July, the Opelt Project received a $5,000 grant from the Scarlett Nicholas Memorial Fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation.

This award was designated for the purchase of a “Vibes” xylophone auditory sensory play component for the park in honor of the Bernie and Hanna Opelt family. The park itself is a legacy project, supported by and dedicated to the extended family of Carl and Millie Opelt.

The trailhead complex where the park will reside is the work of the Neillsville Improvement Corporation’s Rails-to-Trails Project. This economic development effort will result in a 13-mile, non-motorized recreational trail on Northern States Power’s active powerline corridor, along a former railroad bed stretching from Neillsville through the Village of Granton to Chili.

This project continues to experience amazing support in the form of donations and grants. In September, NIC was awarded a $5,000 grant from the WE Energies Foundation.

To date, NIC has purchased two parcels of land for the trailhead complex and four parcels for the beginning of the trail going east. The trailhead, which is adjacent to the city’s Fountain Park and O’Neill Creek, will contain some exciting components including an ADA-compliant fishing dock, and water access for canoeing and kayaking.

The playground itself will feature inclusive elements for children of all abilities including a wheelchair swing, roller slide, conga drums, and “Vibes” xylophone. The trail can be used year ‘round for bicycling, walking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.

NIC serves as the fiscal agent for both the trailhead complex and the Rails-to-Trails Project. Donations can be made by check, payable to Neillsville Improvement Corporation, 508 Hewett Street, Neillsville, WI 54456.

If making a donation specifically for the Opelt Project, checks should be made out to NIC with, “Opelt Project” written on the memo line. You can also donate through NIC’s website: neillsvilleimprovement.jimdofree.com or through the donate button on their Facebook page.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.