Glacier Hills Lakefront Development Project Update

Thanks in part to a grant from TC Energy, Washington County’s Natural Resources Department is now looking to secure the final funding needed to execute the Glacier Hills Lakefront Development Project on Friess Lake in the Village of Richfield.  Last month, the Washington County Board unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the pursuit of grants to be locally matched with a $250,000 donation from TC Energy and a pledge of $200,000 from the Washington County Golf, Parks & Trails Endowment Fund*.

The estimated $1.2 million dollar project seeks to enhance water quality on Friess Lake by significantly improving the stormwater system, while also providing park visitors with a top-notch facility for swimming and fishing that is inclusive and accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. 

Historically, the park was used from the 1930s-1970s as a summer camp for St. Aemilians Orphanage. Creating an accessible waterfront will involve removing old asphalt; installing new stormwater infrastructure that directs water into a bioretention basin for filtration before entering the lake; constructing a new ADA boardwalk to a large, permanent dock with a kayak launch; and the addition of a pit toilet facility.

“One of the reasons people choose to live here is to enjoy the natural beauty of our parks and lakes,” said County Executive Josh Schoemann.  “I am pleased to see our Endowment working as designed to perpetually invest in improving our parks. This is a great project in one of our flagship parks that improves access to swimming and kayaking, improves lake quality and honors our rich heritage.”

Residents interested in the project or in providing feedback on concept designs are encouraged to join the Glacier Hills County Park Lakefront Development Project Facebook Group or submit comments to [email protected].  

*In 2021, private individuals, organizations and businesses worked with County Executive Josh Schoemann to create a $3 million endowment fund held at the West Bend Community Foundation where disbursements perpetually invest in improving and maintaining Washington County parks, trails and golf course.

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