On May 4, 2027, Hattie Sherwood Park will celebrate its 100^th anniversary of being a Green Lake park.

It is a wonderous site filled with enormous, soaring hardwood trees like those that once stood proud around the shores of Green Lake.  Native perennial shrubs and plants that were in vogue in 1927 still dot the shoreline around the mill pond and all types of birds and waterfowl call the edges of the shores home for breeding, nesting, vacationing and convening for the long migration south.

This treasured site was donated to the Village of Green Lake on May 4, 1927, by Dr. Victor Kutchin, widower of Hazel Sherwood, daughter of William C. Sherwood who laid claim to the property on May 21, 1861.

Included in the donation was land known as The Island.  Rights were given to transverse to The Island via use of the lagoon and permission given to build a bridge for the express purpose of the public’s ability to gain access while maintaining the lagoon in such a way that boats could continue to pass through.  These actions eventually paved the way for Hattie Sherwood Beach.  A bridge that once connected The Island to South Lawson Drive is now in Friday Park making it an easy shortcut from the dog park, softball and baseball fields and tennis court to Mill Street and Playground Park

The first Island building was a bath house with changing rooms and a concession stand.  The beach had lifeguards (a much sought-after summer gig) and was always a fun social spot for the young locals as well as area visitors who wished to enjoy the stunning views and cool waters of Green Lake.  In the 1980’s the bath house was replaced with the current structure.  Also happening in the early 1980’s was a change in vision by the WI DNR about fish habitats and their needs.  Through much discussion it was determined the best course of action for the bridge was to replace it with large culverts with the intention that the waters could and would still flow through the lagoon.

After 40 plus years it is very evident those decisions created some very challenging circumstances so now the city of Green Lake is starting to work on the design, fund raising options and rebuilding of the bridge to ensure its keeps to the donation agreement originally signed.  The original agreement states “The Island and lagoon must be maintained to as near their natural state as possible.”

The campground is located on a geographical esker which is an elongated rolling hill, steep on one side then broad and long on other sides with soil completely different from that on The Island.  It is easy to imagine the many Winnebago, Ho Chunk, Menomonie and Potawatomi tribal members who came to worship “The Great White Spirit” at Daychola when you walk through this part of the park.  The serenity amid the enormous trees is present.

This part of the park was also addressed in the donation agreement stating that it must be preserved as a sanctuary, safe resort and must stay as a public park that allows camping during the season of “comfort”.

Starting in the fall of 2023, Camp Hattie has been undergoing updates and will continue to until the preservation portion of the original agreement is again met.  With the loss of ash trees due to the Emerald Ash Borer, and very aging oaks and hickory trees it is essential the city replant and reinvigorate the trees, shrubs and essential plants that make this park so special for now and into the future.