Police Station, park called compatible

Jed Buelow for the Beacon, Tuesday, December 14, 2004

SHEBOYGAN – The city may have the chance to kill two birds with one stone, if plans for a new police station and park prevail.

The city Building Use Committee discussed a preliminary police station and park design at Sheridan Park.

The cost estimated by a consulting firm hired by the city in June 2002 was $10.8 million, if the station were built in 2004. The ongoing debate of when and where to build the station has cost the city thousands of dollars, and the cost for the project may be higher than previously determined due to higher steel prices, and the overall construction cost hikes.

There is no cost to remove a building or purchase land. The proposed site is also located close to 14th street, accessible to the central fiber optic system located there.

Other board members were impressed with the design and pointed to the extra room available for the park. Members indicated that Sheridan School, located adjacent to the site, would benefit greatly from the police station and park location. The plans would create a safe place for children in the area to play, and the close proximity would allow police a greater opportunity to interact with children.

Concerns about the impact of the police station on nearby 14th street were placed on the agenda for a council meeting set for Dec. 20. One possible solution the board will consider is reducing the width of the road to create extra parking, and placing speed bumps on each end to slow traffic.

The designs created by local artist Roger Lahm call for the building to be one or two stories. His layout would allow for the park to remain on the site and would preserve ample green room by not disturbing the trees around the perimeter of the location.

“There’s lots of space for the building and one third of the area could remain as a pocket park,” Lahm said, adding that enough room is available for a shelter and picnic area.

In his design, Lahm suggested the city could attempt to create a crime deterrence atmosphere that might draw national and even international attention. His proposal includes a stone exterior to the building and bars on the windows. He would also like to see a list of the 10 most wanted criminals posted outside the station, and a lynching post set up to represent law enforcement.

“Basically, I’d like to get the point across that crime doesn’t pay,” he explained.

Board Chairman Michael Warner said that plans are in the early stages and have yet to go before a committee, but the design of the building and park “show the direction we’re going in, and what we have in mind”.

“The area would be a place where the police, the neighbors, and yes the neighborhood children would be able to form strong bonds in an environment that stresses their unity, not their differences,” Warner added.

For the city, Sheridan Park is appealing for several reasons.