MANITOWOC – As the city of Manitowoc puts the finishing touches on Red Arrow Park, it has unveiled a concept plan for future improvements at Henry Schuette Park.
In 2025, the Manitowoc Common Council allocated funds to develop a master plan for Henry Schuette Park, 3800 Broadway St., a process that has included a community survey and small, targeted workshops with residents.
“The result is a vision for a vibrant, nature-focused adventure playground that will serve all ages and abilities, continuing the tradition of making Henry Schuette Park a regional destination for play, exploration and environmental education,” Mayor Justin Nickels said in an announcement on Facebook.
For families and regular park users, the improvements could mean newer playground equipment, more shaded gathering space, nature-focused trails and a more accessible park experience as the city considers a $5.2 million, phased plan that could take up to 10 years to complete.
More than 1,000 Manitowoc residents helped shape Henry Schuette Park plan
The announcement came as the city released the 2026 Master Plan for Henry Schuette Park Playground, a concept created by Ayres Associates as part of the process to develop a master plan for park improvements.
More than 1,000 people responded to the city’s call in April for participants in a survey about the current and future use of the park.
Only a few respondents said they felt the park was not safe at all, with more than 50% saying it was somewhat safe and more than 45% saying it was completely safe.
More than 80% said they go to the park primarily to use the playground equipment.
From that survey, the top three themes were residents’ desire for updated and high-quality playground equipment, a strong preference for natural landscapes and trail experiences, and improved maintenance and general upkeep.
Henry Schuette Park playground plan includes $5.2M in improvements
The final master plan for improvements at Henry Schuette Park includes many new features, such as a central paved gathering area with trees and shade sails, nature trails through a landscaped garden, and an adult exercise area in a place that can easily overlook the playground.
The full concept plan shows the improvements, from demolition to new equipment and landscaping, will cost more than $5.2 million in total, but are broken into six phases that could take up to 10 years to complete.
The full master plan for the Henry Schuette Park playground is available on the city’s website, manitowoc.org.
Contact Alisa M. Schafer at aschafer@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc eyes 10-year plan for rejuvenated Henry Schuette Park
Reporting by Alisa M. Schafer, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Alisa M. Schafer, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter | USA TODAY Network
