Master plan calls for large improvements to Lake Altoona County Park

Wednesday, August 23, 2017
Amanda Tyler | WEAU

ALTOONA, Wis. (WEAU)-- Brothers Brody and Logan Gates are big fans of Lake Altoona County Park.

"We like to jump off the dock and swim," Brody said.

"The water near the dock is just the perfect height to jump in," Logan added.

On Wednesday, the boys were getting a last splash in before the start of the school year. In the coming years the summer hot spot could be seeing big changes as part of a master plan. Eau Claire County Parks and Forestry Director Josh Pedersen says the master plan calls for an estimated $12 million in improvements.

"I think it would bring a much nicer park down here. The facilities we have are dated. A lot of them haven't been updated," Pedersen said.

While planning and discussions have taken place the past two years on the master plan for Lake Altoona county Park, Wednesday night the Parks and Forestry Committee will meet to review the final master plan.

A 3D rendering by Ayers Associates shows proposed features including a new clubhouse on the lake shore, a large concession and restroom pavilion, multiple open air shelters spread throughout the park, beach improvements, and expanded parking. Pedersen says the changes are meant to make the park more group friendly

"The plan centers on group activities. We want to have areas in the park where they are set up for groups. The park would include more pavilions than we have now," Pedersen explained.

While the master plan still has to pass the committee level before heading to the full Eau Claire County Board, the features proposed in the master plan would make Lake Altoona County Park a standout summer hot spot.

"A general facelift for the park would be a nice thing for people in the Chippewa Valley to come and get a different experience that they wouldn't get in another facility like this," Pedersen added.

The master plan calls for work on the park to happen in three phases. Pedersen says if the plan moves to the county board and is approved later this year he expects work to begin in 2019.

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