Portage revamps Founders Square Park
Portage officials anticipate a festive summer packed with weekly activities following the completion of improvements at Founders Square and Founders Plaza.
Shrugging off a steady downpour, Mayor Sue Lynch and other officials snipped a ribbon signifying the culmination of the project that removed a public street between the park and amphitheater, which opened in 2005.
The area, on the park’s east side, is now a dedicated food court with an electrical hookup for each mobile vendor. The project also added fresh sod and landscaping and lighting, creating a plaza between fire and police stations.
There’s also a new parking area on the west side that holds 67 spots.
“This year we are going to pack this place with people,” said Lynch. “We’re so excited about this project.”
She said the area was torn up by the construction last year.
“This is what we dreamed about,” she said. “This is just the beginning.”
After the ribbon cutting, Lynch headed to Tocayo’s Express Mexican Food in the new food court. Kona Ice and Curbside Dogs were set up in the food court too.
While the rain discouraged customers, Scott Ahlborn, who owns Curbside Dogs, said he’s looking forward to participating in the summer events.
“This is something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
Interim park Superintendent Paul Ciesielski listed many of the seasonal events scheduled for the park running from summer to Christmas. The celebration kicks off Monday with a noon Memorial Day service. Residents are encouraged to bring lawn chairs.
On Fridays, from June 3 to
Aug. 19 from 3 to 9 p.m., the park will host its “Market on the Square” with fresh produce, meats, crafts, vendors, food trucks and live music from the amphitheater.
At dusk,weekly children’s movies will be shown from June 3 to July 29.