History of Green Bay's Parks

Wilder Park

1977 - officially named for Laura Engels Wilder who wrote "Little House on the Prairie." She was born in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

This is a park development where land acquisition was first proposed in 1972 as a long-range park/school site. The purchase was finalized in 1974 using matching LAWCON funds. The owner of the property, Lena Radinz, was given life tenancy in her home and outbuildings with about 3 acres. When she moved to a nursing home in 1983, the buildings and remaining acres were deeded to the City of Green Bay.

1977 - Due to explosive growth in the area, the Council representative initiated preliminary development of the park site with a request for funds in the 1978 budget, which was approved. Progressive installation of facilities over several years and a shelter were completed in time for the 1981 ice skating season.

1980 - School officials indicated that they were no longer interested in building on this site "at the present time."

1988 - Due to growth in the southwest areas, consideration was given once again for building a school in this area.

2007 - The Wilder Neighborhood Association was given permission to place a memorial to Arnie Wolff, Green Bay Firefighter who died in the line of duty, in Wilder Park.


Notes

  1. Only annotated statements have been verified. Any other historical statements are unverified and based on personal knowledge or informal notes kept by the Green Bay Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department.
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