Fort Howard Park

A Glimpse into History

Tucked away in Green Bay, Wisconsin lies the 13-acre Fort Howard Park, a green oasis with an interesting backstory. Named after the Fort Howard Paper Company that originally owned the land, this space was initially destined to become industrial warehouses.

In a wonderful twist of community activism, three determined local women in 1959 convinced the company to rent the property to the Village of Ashwaubenon for just $1 per year to create a public park instead.

From Paper to Park

The journey from company land to community space wasn't without its drama. When the paper company annexed to Green Bay, the Village moved to condemn the land, creating some local tension.

By 1977, most of the property was gifted to the Village in exchange for an unused parcel of land. Over the years, additional small pieces have been acquired to shape the park into what it is today.

Play Your Heart Out

If you're looking to get active, you'll find plenty of options at Fort Howard Park. The park features sports facilities including soccer fields, a basketball court, pickleball courts, and tennis courts.

Kids haven't been forgotten either - there's a playground area that's ideal for elementary schoolers and little ones under 7. And if you just want to toss a frisbee or relax on the grass, there's plenty of open space for that too.

Take a Breather

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, the park offers several peaceful spots to unwind. An open-air shelter makes a nice spot for a family picnic or casual get-together, with picnic tables scattered across the grounds.

The walking and biking trails winding through the park let you stretch your legs while enjoying nature. On hot summer days, the mature shade trees create cool, comfortable spots to sit back and maybe lose yourself in a good book.

Summer Fun

When temperatures rise, the park's splash pad becomes the place to be. Kids of all ages love cooling off in this water feature - and let's be honest, it's pretty tempting for adults too on those scorching Wisconsin days.

The park also hosts the Free Summer Lunch Program, providing meals for children in the community. Public restrooms are accessible from Memorial Day through Labor Day and are kept in good condition.

Good to Know

Four-legged family members are welcome at Fort Howard Park, but they must remain on leash at all times. Various community activities take place in the park - you might even spot groups of Pokémon GO players wandering the grounds.

With its mix of active recreation, peaceful natural spaces, and community amenities, Fort Howard Park offers a little something for everyone, regardless of age or interests.