Two Rivers’ Central Park West party July 16 will have live music, food, bounce houses and more

TWO RIVERS – In addition to the dedication of the Schmitt Brothers Stage July 15 in Two Rivers’ Central Park, the City of Two Rivers on July 16 will throw a party to mark the completion of the overall $1.75 million renovation of Central Park West.

Activities July 16 will run noon to 7:30 p.m. and include the following:

• Music by the Spicy Tie Band on the Schmitt Brothers Stage, starting at noon;

• Dedication comments by local officials and project volunteers at 1:30 p.m.;

• More music from the Spicy Tie Band from 2 to 3:30 p.m.;

• Music on the Pavilion Patio by Ten Strings from 3:30 to 6 p.m.; and

• Lakeshore Wind Ensemble on the Schmitt Brothers Stage from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Other offerings July 16 will include food and drinks like barbecue from Brian’s Smokehouse, pita specialties from Nina’s Pita Hut, Mexican food from El Tequila, burgers and brats from HP Enterprises, popcorn from Ma’s Kettle Corn, ice cream sold by the Two Rivers Historical Society, and drinks sold by Two Rivers Rotary.

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Two Rivers merchandise will also be on sale with chances to win free T-shirts.

Bounce houses and trampolines will also be part of the activities for kids July 16.

Central Park West is a $1.75M renovation of the city's 'heart' funded by local donors, the city and others.

Central Park West 365 is a $1.75 million project that has reinvented the longtime downtown gathering space to offer a larger variety of activities year-round.

Features of the renovation include the following:

• The new Schmitt Brothers Stage, named for four brothers from Two Rivers who were crowned world champion barbershop quartet in 1951 and continued to sing together for audiences worldwide over the next 35 years. The stage was funded, in part, with a $100,000 naming rights gift from the Schmitt family and friends.

• A new Park Pavilion with public restrooms and a large multi-purpose room for group rentals and concessions. The pavilion, whose architecture complements the nearby historic J.E. Hamilton Community House, is named in honor of long-time Two Rivers City Council member James Taddy.

• The Pavilion Patio is an outdoor space next to Taddy Pavilion made possible through a $50,000 donation from Bank First.

• The Rotary Skating Loop, to be outfitted with synthetic ice, was funded, in part, by a $65,000 donation by Two Rivers Rotary and an anonymous donor.

• A Splash Pad with colorful night lighting was made possible through a $60,000 gift from the David Wage and Sandra Murzyn family.

• Picnic Island at the south end of the park around the community Christmas tree was supported with a $25,000 donation from Fox Communities Credit Union.

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The city committed $550,000 for the project. At the outset of fundraising, the West Foundation of Manitowoc awarded the project a $300,000 challenge grant. Community fundraising netted more than $830,000 for the project and the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation also recently awarded a $50,000 Vibrant Spaces grant to the project.

Contact Brandon Reid at 920-686-2984 or breid@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @breidHTRNews.

This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Two Rivers Central Park West 365 renovation complete, city holds party