Second bids for tower leave smaller funding gap
FISH CREEK - The state still seeks funding to construct a new Eagle Tower in Peninsula State Park, but last week’s second round of bids kept officials hopeful for a fall groundbreaking.
The first batch of bids came in at $2 million over the state Department of Natural Resources $2.07 million budget for the project. The department regrouped to adjust structural elements and suggested materials in their plan with hopes of lowering expenses. But the next round, which came in last Thursday, was still $1 million over budget.
Missy VanLanduyt, DNR recreation partnerships section chief said her group is working with the state Department of Administration to find additional funding options to fill the gap. They do not anticipate another bid.
The nonprofit organization Friends of Peninsula State Park already donated $750,000 for construction.
VanLanduyt hopes they’ll have all funds secured in the next 30 to 60 days, which would allow for late fall construction. It’s slated to be complete next summer.
The original Eagle Tower was erected in 1914. That structure was torn down and rebuilt in 1932, measuring 75 feet tall, according to Friends of Peninsula State Park’s website. That tower stood until it was inspected and found to be in poor condition, which forced it to close. It was torn down in 2016.
The new structure design includes an accessible ramp to the tower viewing deck, which will sit at 60 feet.