Green Bay's Parks Committee has taken a significant step towards enhancing utility services for a new subdivision and its adjacent park, approving a $225,000 project to install essential electric and gas lines. This decision, made during the committee's recent meeting, aims to facilitate the timely provision of utilities for ongoing residential development by Gorman, which is currently underway.

The approved project will bring in four separate electric services and a gas line, crucial for powering the park and supporting street lighting and sewer pump operations. Importantly, the funding for this initiative is already allocated from Tax Increment Financing (TIF), meaning no additional city funds are required. Each developer in the subdivision will be responsible for connecting their individual developments to the newly installed services, ensuring that the city will not incur further costs.

The urgency of this project is underscored by the approaching winter, as the committee aims to complete the installation before seasonal weather impacts construction. The committee's recommendation will be forwarded to the Common Council for final approval at their upcoming meeting on September 16.

In addition to the utility project, the Parks Committee discussed seasonal updates, including the closure of Bay Beach Amusement Park for the year and the upcoming Ottertoberfest event at the Wildlife Sanctuary on October 18. The festival promises a family-friendly atmosphere with live music, food trucks, and activities for all ages.

The meeting also highlighted the successful completion of a new train ride at Bay Beach, which will be officially opened to the public next May, following a brief operational test run. The Parks Department is optimistic about the upcoming season and the continued engagement of the community through various events and improvements.