The Green Lake area was considered sacred to the Native Americans.  Every Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) member was expected to come to Green Lake (Daychola) at least once during their lifetime to pay homage to the “Water Spirit” which lived beneath the lake.  The Native Americans also saw Green Lake as sacred not only for the pristine deep waters but for the abundant forests filled with trees of their ancestors.

Highknocker Park evolved from a native hardwood forest on the edge of a large ag area.  As Green Lake settled, the acreage became part of the Greenway family’s large landholdings including Oakwood Lodge, the Oakwood Hotel and the Oakwood Cottages along with David Greenway’s home which is now a beautifully restored B&B on Lake Street.

After the Greenway family ceased operations of their enormous resort, land was parceled off.  The area became part of the Anchorage Acres plat.  Through the years, developers seeing a need for affordable, well- constructed housing for families who wanted to live in Green Lake, attempted to sell off lots with out much success.

Tim & Mike Jankowski purchased the plat through a county auction and held the property for a few years.

February 4, 1997 the property was purchased by the city for $99,000, half paid by a DNR Recreation Aids grant which required a 50% match.   To assist with fund raising needed for the city portion, the Jankowski brothers agreed to match donations up to $5,000.

Originally proposed as Anchor Park, the park was designed to serve the needs of the neighborhood and included a ball field, walking trail through the remaining hard wood tree forest and quiet space for reflection and relaxation.  The walking trail was done via easements obtained from surrounding neighbors including Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church.

Ultimately the city council decided a more apt name would be Highknocker Park, honoring Chief Highknocker and his family.  Chief Henaga Highknocker, a Winnebago (Ho-Chunk)was born in 1820 on the east shore of Green Lake.

A pavilion was added through additional fund raising and constructed by Jim Meyers Carpentry in February, 2000 at a cost of $32, 355.

In 2011, Mary Johnson (“Bim”) a well loved, long time east end lake resident donated funds in memory of her husband Kent to purchase the play equipment along with a beautiful ginko tree.

Today, the park continues to serve the neighborhood well.  The berm areas are being restored with usage of native, drought tolerant local perennials known to be deer resistant.