(Beaver Dam) Beaver Dam is beginning construction of bicycle repair stations in key locations across the city. Administrator Nathan Thiel says Beaver Dam is partnering with the school district.
“We’ve created three locations…mostly towards our parks…Swan Park, Vo-Tech Park, and at Waterworks Park,” says Thiel. “We’re going to be working with the school district…we’re really excited. Their shop class is going to build these repair stations for us and then we’ll be able to install [them].”
Design work is already underway, with construction set to begin at the start of the 2025–2026 school year.
Students from the Beaver Dam High School Technology and Engineering program will play a key role in fabricating the stations, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful community improvement. Sam’s Well Drilling has donated the pipe needed to build the main structures.
Beaver Dam Parks and Forestry Supervisor John Neumann says this is a great example of the community coming together to support health, active lifestyles and practical amenities.
The repair stations will be equipped with bike tools and air pumps, offering cyclists a convenient way to maintain their bikes while using city parks. One of the stations is planned for installation near the future GoldStar Trail connection at Vo-Tech Park, helping support the expansion of the city’s trail network.
This project is funded in part by the city’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act dollars, with up to $6,000 earmarked for equipment and supplies. However, much of the materials and labor will be donated by the high school students and eagle scout project volunteers.
This community driven project came by recommendation of Beaver Dam’s Hometown Plan, which identified the expansion of bike routes, multi-use trails, and biking infrastructure as a top community priority. The Hometown Plan was developed by the Community Action Plan Committee in 2024, involving almost 40 community members and volunteers that met regularly over the course of six months to create community inspired initiatives for the City Comprehensive Plan update.
Pictured left to right: Joe Kutzler, Beaver Dam High School; Jackson Sauer, Eagle Scout candidate; Steve Ihm, volunteer; and John Neumann, City of Beaver Dam Parks & Forestry
