7825 First Avenue, Kenosha, WI
Lower Level
About CEDAR
The Center for Community Partnerships (CCP) at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside is partnering with the City of Kenosha Parks Department to renovate and develop the lower level of the Southport Beachhouse into a Center for Environmental Education, Demonstration, and Applied Research.
Beginning in July 2007, renovation work will begin through support from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Grant program. Current plans include building a handicap accessible ramp to the lower level, improvements to the restroom facilities, cleaning the facility, and securing the facility from both pigeons and vandals.
As the image to the left indicates, this site location offers a wide variety of educational and research opportunities due to its location on Lake Michigan. It is also within walking distance of the Kenosha Wastewater Treatment plant, Chiwaukee Prairie, the Kenosha Sand Dunes and Low Prairie, and one of Kenosha's many beachfront public parks.
The Southport Beachhouse was built in 1936 and was listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings in 2003. While the upper level has recently been renovated and is increasingly used for weddings, elections, and other gatherings, the lower level has fallen into disrepair and suffers from periodic vandalism.
In addition to providing a location for experiential environmental education, we hope to foster increased awareness of the Lake Michigan ecosystem by promoting eco-friendly recreational opportunities (kayaking, canoeing, biking, etc.).
Founding Sponsors:
What Can You Do?
We invite the public to assist us with this important development. In addition to inviting public participation in our strategic planning, donations of time, talent, and resources are always accepted. Specific needs include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Donations of eco-friendly recreational equipment (kayaks, canoes, PFDs, bikes, etc.)
- Donations of security equipment (cameras, outdoor lights, etc.)
- Donations of furniture (chairs, desks, display boards, etc.)
- Donations of construction materials and/or in-kind support for facility renovations
- Donations (or loans) of educational materials and/or displays
- Financial contributions of any amount
If you are interested in learning more or making a contribution, please contact:
John Skalbeck (262-595-2490)
Assistant Professor of Geosciences, Director of the Environmental Studies Program
Theresa Ford (262-595-2651)
Americorps* Vista
Justin Lundell (262-595-2651)
Americorps* Vista
Interested parties are also encouraged to email Theresa Ford to join with other Friends of the Centers. The Friends of the Centers will receive periodic updates and invitations to future strategic planning sessions.
Financial contributions are tax-deductable and can be made online (please list "CEDAR FUND" in the final box on the form to make ensure your contribution supports the center). Checks can be made payable to:
UW-Parkside Center for Community Partnerships
c/o John Skalbeck
UW-Parkside Center for Community Partnerships
900 Wood Road, Box 2000
Kenosha, WI 53141
