Crescendo Fundraising Professionals is honored to partner with Vernon County as they explore a transformational vision for the future of Sidie Hollow Park & Lake, one of the region’s most treasured outdoor destinations.
For nearly 60 years, Sidie Hollow Park has welcomed more than 40,000 visitors each year, offering opportunities for camping, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, and enjoying the natural beauty of southwest Wisconsin. Centered around the scenic 35-acre Sidie Hollow Lake, the 544-acre park has become a cornerstone of recreation, tourism, and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
As the park has grown in popularity, it has also faced increasing challenges. Decades of sediment buildup have reduced the lake’s depth, impacted water quality and fish habitat, and limited recreational opportunities. While a partial dredging project in 2010 addressed one area of the lake, a more comprehensive solution is now needed to restore the lake’s long-term health and usability.
To address these needs, Vernon County is considering a $3.3 million capital campaign that would revitalize Sidie Hollow Park for future generations. The proposed project includes:
- Full lake dredging to restore water quality, improve fish habitat, and enhance recreational use.
- Construction of a new zero-depth public beach, providing a much-needed swimming destination for the region.
- A new bathhouse to better serve campers, families, and day visitors.
- Road and signage improvements to enhance accessibility and the overall visitor experience.
- Additional project and contingency funding to ensure long-term success.
Beyond restoring the lake itself, Vernon County is taking a proactive approach by working with local farmers and landowners to reduce future sediment runoff through conservation practices, helping protect this investment for generations to come.
The project builds on the County’s ongoing commitment to the park, with more than $600,000 invested in improvements over the past three years. Preliminary engineering and design work has already been completed, creating a strong foundation for the vision ahead.
We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Vernon County on this exciting initiative. At Crescendo, we are passionate about helping communities bring meaningful projects to life through thoughtful planning and fundraising strategy. Projects like Sidie Hollow Park demonstrate how investing in public spaces strengthens communities, preserves natural resources, and creates places where future generations can gather, explore, and enjoy the outdoors.
We look forward to supporting Vernon County as they work toward preserving one of southwest Wisconsin’s most cherished parks and creating an even brighter future for Sidie Hollow Park & Lake.