De Pere · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in De Pere, WI public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Youth volunteer opportunities at community events
The commission was tracking volunteer needs, including the December 10 Holiday Lights event at Voyageur Park, which needs six youth volunteers.
Youth recreation project planning (skate park, ice rink, and other concepts)
The Signature Project subcommittee is discussing a possible skate park and ice rink, and Parks Department staff plan to visit a future meeting to hear teen ideas — including foot golf and a kickball tournament.
Refurbishing Wisconsin Historical Society markers
The new historic/information kiosk sign for the De Pere Lock and Dam Historic District is now installed on the Riverwalk. It was approved by the DNR and the Fox-Wisconsin Heritage Parkway and matches the look of the city's other historic district signs.
Downtown walking tour expansion
A joint project with Downtown De Pere to refresh the historic downtown walking tour on their website. Work is just getting underway now that summer business activity is slowing down.
NFL Alumni Youth Football Camp at VFW Park
A Packers-affiliated youth football camp for kids ages 6-14 will use VFW Park's field and shelter in June 2027 after losing its St. Norbert College site. The city earns a share of registration fees and the camp still needs a legal agreement and council approval.
Recreation scholarship donation
The Pink Flamingo Classic donated another $250 to the recreation scholarship fund, which helps local families afford city recreation programs. Staff are looking at loosening guidelines to help more families.
Wilson Park improvement project donation
The council accepted a $2,500 tree donation from the Packers and Green Bay Packaging, plus $2,500 from WI United FC Soccer for soccer field treatment at Southwest Park.
Native gardens and planned natural landscapes in city parks
The commission reviewed proposed pollinator garden locations at four city parks and praised the native grasses and flowering plants going into city roundabouts. Emily Castellanos continues working with the Conservation Corps on planting projects.
Carney Park playground surfacing replacement
Volunteer Park gets turf surfacing, Carney Park will be rebid after a lone expensive tile bid was rejected — part of the city's ongoing playground safety upgrades.
Sister Cities youth leadership opportunities
De Pere Sister Cities wants to expand teen participation, including starting a club at West De Pere High School to match East's, plus opportunities like the 2027 Youth Leadership Summit and a global art and writing competition.
Voyageur Dock replacement
The council awarded two park contracts — a $231,139 Wilson Park project and a $221,577 Voyageur dock replacement — partially funded from unassigned reserves. A new Nelson family pledge of up to $25,000 will reduce the reserve hit for Wilson Park.
Volunteer Park recognition sign and project progress
The new Waterview Heights park is named 'Volunteer Park' after the De Pere-area Civil War volunteers of Company F, the 14th Wisconsin Regiment's 'De Pere Rifles.' A plaque will explain the history, and a Lee Recreation playground is coming.
Ice Arena flooring replacement
The ice arena gets new flooring for $149,490.70, with youth hockey families raising $50,000 and the arena fund temporarily dipping to zero until fall revenues return.
Fire truck history project pays off
The completed fire truck history research is already useful — the fire chief says it will help apply for grants to restore the old wagon and could become a brochure or parade material.
Business sponsorships for community events
Local businesses fully funded the summer fireworks show and sponsored beer gardens and special events, keeping those costs off taxpayers.
Fox Point Boat Launch repairs
About $14,276 from reserves will fix the boat launch and its restroom roof — good news for anglers and boaters.
'See a Sign, Lend a Hand' neighbor-help initiative
Launching in October during Good Neighbor Week, residents in need can post a yard sign asking for help with mowing, raking, or shoveling — and neighbors, including high school and college students, can lend a hand.
Teen Movie in the Park and FAFSA Night
Two youth events are in the works: a free Teen Movie in the Park on August 19 (rain date August 20) at Voyageur Park, with a social-media poll to pick the film, and a free FAFSA Night tentatively set for Fall 2026 to help families navigate college financial aid.
Fox Point restroom roof repair
A storm damaged the Fox Point restroom roof; instead of patching shingles, the Council is spending $4,504 from reserves on a metal roof it already planned.
De Pere Ice Center flooring replacement
The ice arena's rubber floor is deteriorating and bids came in nearly double the estimate at about $150,000. The board is asking the council for reserve funds, using the arena fund and youth hockey's $50,000 pledge to cover most of the rest.
Mystic Creek access trail to Southwest Park
Wisconsin United Football Club gets a field use agreement and, in return, is donating the full cost of a trail project at Southwest Park — good news for park users at no taxpayer cost.
James Street Parkway dock signage
Alderperson Hansen asked for a sign at James Street Parkway near the docks to make clear the area is publicly accessible, not private property of the adjacent restaurant.
Youth Commission involvement in historic preservation
The new Youth Commission is now official via ordinance — the city can start recruiting young members.
De Pere Ice Arena electrical upgrades
The council approved the 'Stay the Course +1' option for ice arena improvements, targeting the dehumidification system, flooring, HVAC units and electrical panels. Arena users should see more reliable conditions.
Park Donations Accepted
The council accepted a $2,500 tree donation from the Packers and Green Bay Packaging, plus $2,500 from WI United FC Soccer for soccer field treatment at Southwest Park.
Legion Park Disc Golf Course Improvements
Alderperson Hansen wants a course map display, scorecards, and hole signage with distances at the recently improved Legion Park disc golf course. The idea will go to the Park Board.
De Pere City Band 50th Anniversary
The city band has been bringing free summer concerts to Voyager Park since 1976. The mayor proclaimed its 50th anniversary and band members invited residents to five summer concerts.
Brown County trail extension at Perkofski Boat Launch
Brown County will extend a trail from Ashwaubomay to the boat launch, crossing about 30 feet of city property to connect.
Legion Pool replacement funding gap
The 2018 referendum provides $900,000 a year, but a replacement Legion Pool is now projected at $10.5 million — leaving a $5.2 to $7.3 million hole. Council members want to move faster and are floating general fund money, bonding, sponsorships, and asking neighboring communities to chip in. No decision was made; staff will bring back options.
Downtown summer event alcohol permits
Three Definitely De Pere events — Tour De Pere, Alley Nights, and Music on the Plaza — sought special permits letting attendees drink beer in public areas downtown. The committee approved all three unanimously; final sign-off comes from the Common Council.
Robotic mowers for city baseball fields
De Pere Baseball is chipping in $5,000 so parks staff can deploy quiet robotic mowers at Kelly Danen and Southwest Park. Mowers run overnight until 9 a.m., with signs keeping players off freshly cut fields.
West-side Fox River pedestrian trail past NEW Water facility
Brown County's 2026 budget funds extending the west-side trail through NEW Water's treatment plant property between the fairgrounds and Ashwaubomay Park. NEW Water is planning fencing, security, and public education so trail users understand what they're seeing at a working wastewater plant.