On Thursday, there will be a press conference to discuss Assembly Bill 821 which allows private organizations to donate labor and materials to construct facilities on governmentowned property. Rep. John Macco (R-Ledgeview) successfully proposed the legislation, with Sen. Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay). This proposed legislation came about when the Optimist Club approached the City of Green Bay with a plan to build a concession stand at the Optimist’s Park. They had already secured donated labor and materials, but needed the City’s permission to forgo the public bidding process. The City of Green Bay was interested in the project, but needed a change to state law and sought the assistance of our state representatives to propose a change to state law. Representative Macco said, “Many municipalities throughout Wisconsin will benefit from this legislative change.” Mayor Schmitt said, “This is a great step forward that will honor our community partnerships and encourage the construction of more amenities in our parks.”

Where: East River Optimist’s Park 1422 Lawe Street 

When: 4:00 pm 

Who: Rep. Macco Dan Madigan, Optimists Club 

Mike Reed, Wildlife Sanctuary

Mayor Jim Schmitt 

Dan Ditscheit, Interim Co-Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry