FRIENDS OF NORMAL PARK BRICK WALK

MERRILL, WI -- The Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc. in partnership with the Merrill City Band and the Lydia Baumann family have announced the formation of a new group called the Friends of Normal Park.  The new group will be raising funds for enhancement projects to Normal Park in coordination with the new gazebo that will be erected next year for the city band in memory of Stan Baumann.  The gazebo is being donated to the city by the Baumann family.

The Friends of Normal Park Enhancement Fund has been set-up with the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit 501.c(3) organization.  The Foundation is an independent organization from the Chamber of Commerce, having its own board of directors, but with administrative duties coordinated by the Chamber’s staff.  Donations made to the fund are tax-deductible.  Other funds established with the Foundation include the Hanging Flower Basket program and Holiday Lighting/Decorations at the Courthouse.

The gazebo project started two years ago when Lydia Baumann and children decided to donate money to erect a gazebo for the Merrill City Band as a permanent home in memory of her husband Stan Baumann.  They established a fund with the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin and began the process of finding a suitable home for the project. Several locations for the gazebo were looked at but Normal Park was the most desirable due to its centralized location and being in one of the city’s historic districts.  The gazebo design will be a great addition to the park.

With the City of Merrill having recently obtained ownership of the Normal Park property from Lincoln County the gazebo project finally began its journey through the approval building process.  The gazebo design has been selected and the Baumann’s are now seeking bids from local contractors to build the project. They are hoping to formally break ground this fall, with actual construction of the gazebo and the first commemorative brick walkway installed in the spring of 2011.  The first band concert in the new gazebo is being scheduled to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the city band.

All the partners in this project envision Normal Park to become a gathering place for families and community events with the gazebo being a focal point.  “Ultimately we see Normal Park being a center stage not only for the Merrill City Band, but other musical events, weddings, art fairs, the farmers’ market, and other celebrations”, stated Debbe Kinsey, Chamber executive director.  “The commemorative walkway allows everyone to own a piece of Merrill’s history and help to make the park a reality.  We see many winding brick walkways throughout the park, historic lighting, seating areas, gardens, brightly colored banners and even the possibility of a new warming house and bathroom in the parks future.”

To be a part of Normal Park’s future the community is invited to begin purchasing commemorative bricks today.  Order forms are now available at the Chamber of Commerce office located at 705 North Center Avenue or from members of the Merrill City Band.  Other locations to obtain order forms will be announced in the future.

For more information on the Friends of Normal Park fund, for an order form or to make a donation contact the Merrill Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-536-9474 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Order forms for the commemorative bricks are available HERE.