Lake Holcombe Town Board/Budget Hearing - Wayside playground equipment needs replacing

It’s at least two decades old, if not more, so the playground equipment at the Wayside swimming area in the Town of Lake Holcombe, is in need of an upgrade. The Lake Holcombe Improvement Association would like to replace the equipment and is looking into costs, feasibility and style. Photo by Joy Dain

By Ginna Young

The Lake Holcombe Improvement Association is looking to give some money back to the community, so one member suggested replacing the playground equipment at the Wayside swimming area. She brought her idea forth Nov. 14, at the Lake Holcombe Town Board meeting.

“That is such a well-used area and I understand that it’s close to 25 years old,” said Linda Boettcher.

While the association is still looking into what they would purchase, Boettcher felt it would be nice to have someone local constructing it. She also questioned if the equipment should stay the same size or be increased.

“If we want to take up a little more area, I don’t know that it’s going to be that big a deal,” said town chairman Brian Guthman, adding they might have to take down some trees to make room for it.

That could cause a problem, as the town leases the property from Xcel Energy, whose approval will be needed. Boettcher promised to look into the matter farther and keep the board apprised.

“That’s great that you’re willing to do that,” said supervisor Doug Olson.

Also agreed, was that the town needs to place slow, nowake buoys around the County Hwy. M and State Hwy. 27 bridges. As Olson pointed out, it’s really about safety on the water, as many don’t realize those areas are deemed “no wake.”

“It’s like having a stop sign at the end of the road,” said Guthman.

The board also approved setting the 2025 tax levy at $313,059, after holding a public budget hearing, prior to the regular meeting.

It was also reported that there is still about $1,000 ARPA money earmarked for the railing in front of the town hall. Currently, there is a temporary wooden railing, as the new concrete is cracked, and has to be replaced or repaired, which will be determined by the spring.

“We’ll have to see,” said Guthman. Guthman also informed residents that the town’s lawn waste disposal site is now closed for the winter.