We are raising money for two projects at Red Barn Park: a new playground and new bathrooms!

Playground: This is the only public playground on Washington Island, and it is nearly 30 years old. It has lived a great life, but it needs to be replaced so safe play can continue. The new playground will be built for children from 2 to 12, with inclusive equipment such as adaptive swings and, if funding allows adult fitness equipment. The playground sees daily use from residents and visiting families, especially in peak season. Kids run back and forth between the beach and the playground, families picnic on the lawn, and during Friday night “Out at the Red Barn” concerts, families gather at the playground within earshot of the music.

A little history: In 1946 Islanders bought the Red Barn property for $5,000, and made the payments by going door to door, collecting $1 or $2 at a time from community members who had little to spare. In the early 1950s, a group of Chicago/Island homeowners pushed for a youth recreation program and started the Island Party fundraiser to pay for it. Proceeds from that fundraiser paid off the Red Barn mortgage. In 1998, more than 200 donors gave over $20,000 in two months to build the wooden playset that stands there now.

Playground funding: Quotes put the installed playground, including site work, at about $183,000 to $216,000, depending on which equipment features we choose. Island Angels will match every dollar the community gives by December 31, 2026, up to $52,500, so gifts totaling $52,500 become $105,000. The Red Barn Committee is contributing $45,000 from its funds, which brings the total to $150,000. Reaching that goal by year-end lets us lock in 2026 pricing for playground equipment.

Bathrooms: The park’s current bathrooms are pit toilets, and they are not a place kids (or really adults) want to go. We plan to replace them with flush toilets, like those at Schoolhouse Beach and the ballpark. We estimate the project will cost $150,000.

Grants: We have applied for two grants toward the playground equipment: $85,000 from the Door County Community Investment Fund (CIF) and $5,000 from the Door County Women’s Fund. Neither has been awarded yet. We will apply for grants for the bathroom during the next CIF cycle this winter.

We are hopeful that these updates to the Red Barn park will carry forward how this park has always worked: public and private organizations and year-round and summer residents building together around a shared love of this special place that spans generations. Children have been central to this park’s mission from the start, and these projects will keep that mission going for the next 80 years.

Thank you,

Red Barn Committee: Kerrie McDonald, Dan Hansen, Tom & Linda Taylor, Geb Jensen, Mark Nerenhausen, Steve Tobey Jr., Leila Nehlsen

Questions? Please contact the Town Office (920) 847-2522 townoffice@washingtonisland-wi.gov