The area where the new Possibility Playground will be installed was originally the site of the John S. Sherwood Grist Mill, built in 1850.  The original structure was a 4-story wood frame.  The water power for the mill’s wheel came from the many men who hand dug the new channel from the mill pond. (The channel now has a bridge with beautiful flower displays along it from May-October tended by local volunteers).

The mill pond happened as a result of early settlers’ decisions on how to create great usage of the lake’s water power.  They opted to build a dam to move more water where they needed it to power equipment.

Also on the mill pond was a sawmill, the Dartford Mill, owned and run by Oliver Dart with the intention of encouraging more settlers to move into Dartford so the new hamlet could flourish.

A mile east another mill, in operation since 1848, The Brooklyn Flour Mill was adjacent to the site where the eventual train depot would be.  The ownership of the Brooklyn Mill changed hands frequently as the mill had difficulties producing a consistent profit.  A multiple year court battle ensued vying over water rights.  Mr. William Vliet (of Milwaukee) decided to build a dam at the flour mill site to try to divert water from the Dartford mills.  To retaliate, early on a Sunday morning when most people were in church, Mr. Sherwood used some sticks of dynamite and blew up the Brooklyn dam.

The sawmill ceased operating in 1870 and the grist mill burned in 1873.

Starting in 1915, the many ladies’ organizations in town offered to take on beautification of the area turning it into the park that it is today.  Their efforts included clearing brush, removing unwanted plants, shrubs and trees and through financial assistance from Victor Lawson and his wife Jessie, who owned the property, the area became a lovely, inviting spot for the throngs of visitors who were taking up residence in the community.  They put in grass, trees, shrubs, a swing set, sand boxes and a teeter-totter. The yearly lease Lawson’s had set up with the groups was $1.  After Mr. Lawson’s death, the city purchased the property from his estate.

In late 2023 a passionate hands-on group of local women, Playground Pals,  began a very ambitious plan and fund-raising campaign to transform Playground Park into an all-inclusive play area for park visitors of all ages.  The new park features tactile areas, barrier-free play areas and exciting, colorful play areas designed to ignite creativity and allow everyone to be able to enjoy outdoor activity.  If all goes as planned the new park should be operating in 2026.