ACROSS THE POND VETERANS PARK INC

The 23 acre site of the Across the Pond Veterans Park is located in Bayfield county of
Northern Wisconsin . It is located on high ground overlooking the Iron River Flowage. The 23acre site is located halfway between the larger cities of Superior and Ashland. It is a perfect location for fishing, hunting, kayaking, canoeing, cross country skiing, RV camping as well as rustic camping. With two Green Bay Packer Foundation grants we were able to cut a handicapped accessible trail through the 23 acres and erect an impressive Vietnam memorial. We are just 5miles away from the North Country Trail which is 4600 miles long and goes through 7 states. We look forward to the time we can have a spur between the park and that trail. There are miles and miles of ATV trails throughout the area.

History:
The concept of this park was the dream of Ray Kangas, a disabled Vietnam veteran. He chose the site and gathered people around him who could see his vision. For most Vietnam vets there was no celebration or recognition of their sacrifice, and he single handedly chose to correct that wrong. Incorporated and recognized as a 501(c)(3) in 2017. We have to date raised over $300,000 with an equal amount in in kind donations.

The undeveloped land was purchased, all state, federal permits secured, and architectural drawings completed. Fund raising began in earnest. With covid we lost two years but have continued to have outstanding support from individuals, businesses, and the small communities around us. Completed the honor wall which now recognizes 270 past and present veterans. It is important to note that Iron River has had some one serve in every conflict dating back to the Revolutionary War.

The massive display of the American flag and all service flags was possible by individual donations. We tried solar lighting but that was not sufficient through the winter, so the flags are lit and fly 24/7 at a cost of $9600 per year. There are benches throughout the park given by individual donations. Our huge brass bell was donated by a widow and the stand created and donated by Absolute manufacturing. On Memorial Day the names of each new person placed on the wall is recognized with a ringing of the bell. I was in the park when a veteran came in and celebrated his late father, who is on the honor wall, by ringing the bell 21 times. It was very moving.

The required DNR ponds were completed by the Wisconsin Army National Guard this summer along with Lake Superior Excavation. We also put in the well and pump for water service to the park and service building. With the guards help it was a $100,000 dollar savings.
Along with the donation for the Vietnam memorial from the Green Bay Packer Foundation, we also received a statue of a boot and rifle with the names of every Wisconsin soldier killed in Vietnam. It is our intention to recognize each conflict with a similar memorial. We have a granite laser etched piece for World War 11. It is especially fitting to do so as the "ace of aces" from World War ll, Richard Bong's home is just down the road.
Also completed was the paving and sidewalks as well as the concrete pad around the Vietnam memorial. There were no services to the area, so electrical service was also completed. Yet to be done is the 50-amp service to each of the 16 RV sites.

Recreation and rehabilitation.

As stated above the recreation opportunities are everywhere. There are 398 lakes and 400 miles of streams in Bayfield County. As veterans return to civilian life or the new reality of a life altering injury it is important that all alternative therapies are available. With certainty we know what the north woods offers is an exceptional alternative therapy. Our long term goal is to have a lodge where a workout center would include rehabilitative equipment, therapy pool, sauna and hot tub. In the lodge would be small meeting areas for conferences with visiting or resident veteran officers, therapists and employment/educational specialists.
Yet to be completed is the following
1. Service building with handicapped accessible showers, bathrooms, and laundry
2. 15 rustic camping sites with picnic tables and fire ring. (etched out but not surfaced)
3. 16 RV sites with 50amp electric, picnic table fire ring (etched out but not surfaced)
4. Outdoor biffy for rustic sites and dump station.
5 Lodge with rehabilitative equipment, therapy pool ,sauna, and hot tub.
6. additional memorials to all conflicts
7. access to waterfront must be handicapped accessible
8. playground
To name a few

Completed in 2025 were the 16 rustic camp sites with picnic tables and fire pits. The sites were enlarged and readied for tent camping. Signs at each site were donated by individual and businesses in the area. Water and electric services extended to the area with the dump station prepared. We will open the camping sites on September 1st. We have hired a camp site management company for scheduling and payment. Eventually when the Welcome center/ service building is completed the management will be done by an employee, preference given to a veteran.

Our next project has to be the Welcome /service building which will cost $300,000. Grants have been written to Weather Schield and Kubota. others in progress are Cenovus and The Boreal Foundation. We need 12 foundations to award $25,000 each and we could get the building done next year. There is still a chance that the Wisconsin Army National Guard as part of their summer deployment would build the service building which would be a significant savings. They wanted to help this year but were deployed to the border. It is important to note that our By-Laws do not allow for indebtedness.

Iron River has a population of 700 but does grow to over 4000 in the season due to the number of lakes and campgrounds. There are 8000 veterans in the area and the travelers along HWY 2 will add to the visitors to the park . When completed the park will be the only handicapped accessible park in Bayfield County. When completed and the park full, the revenue will be a significant addition to the community as the anticipated $20,000 in revenue per month circulates through the community. At that point we would be self-sufficient and able to assist veterans in the area with travel, housing, educational scholarships or work-related needs.