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A New Chapter at Evergreen Park: Honoring History with a Handcrafted Entrance

Evergreen Park, one of Sheboygan’s most beloved natural spaces, continues to grow with the community it serves. Thanks to a team of passionate volunteers and a thoughtfully designed new addition, the park now welcomes visitors through a handcrafted front entrance gate—nearly a century in the making.

A Park with Deep Roots

Originally acquired by the City of Sheboygan in 1917, the area known then as "Cole Woods" was renamed Evergreen Park and transformed into a space for nature, recreation, and community gatherings. Over the years, the park has grown into a favorite destination for hiking, biking, picnics, and winter festivities.

Adjacent to the park is Camp Evergreen, founded in 1926 as “Kiddies Camp,” which has evolved into a space of inclusion, supporting individuals with cognitive disabilities. Even earlier, in 1854, the land served as home to the Sheboygan Lime Works—its old quarry, now filled with water, adds to the park’s charm and history.

In the 1990s, mountain biking became a major attraction thanks to local riders and volunteers. Groups like Sheboygan County Cycling continue to enhance the trail systems, ensuring the park remains active and accessible year-round.

Completing a Vision: A Gate with Purpose

For many years, Evergreen Park’s front entrance was protected by nothing more than a simple chain between two stone columns—columns that were clearly built to support something more.

In 2012, Making Spirits Bright began transforming the park into a brilliant holiday light show each winter, raising food and donations for the Sheboygan County Food Bank. As the event grew, so did the desire to complete the park’s entrance and improve its off-season security.

Planning for a new gate began in 2019, and by 2020, the project was complete.

The gate was designed by Greg Liebig, owner of Engineering Innovations, LLC, who created a structure that fits seamlessly with the existing architecture while adding both beauty and function. The park closes annually from October 1st to May 1st, and the new gate now clearly marks and protects the entrance during that time.

To see how the vision came together, check out:

Celebrating Craftsmanship and Community

This project is more than a structural upgrade—it’s a tribute to the enduring spirit of Evergreen Park and the volunteers who bring it to life, season after season. The new gate is a symbol of stewardship, creativity, and pride in public spaces.

To experience the magic Making Spirits Bright brings to Evergreen Park every holiday season, visit the official website or explore the YouTube playlist showcasing the incredible light show and its impact.

Whether you're passing through the lights in December or hiking the quiet trails in summer, Evergreen Park now has a front entrance that reflects both its history and its future—built by and for the people of Sheboygan.