APPLETON, Wis. (NBC 26) -- Mitch Lundgaard, a 14-year-veteran of the Appleton Fire Department, lost his life in the line of duty in May of 2019 while responding to a medical emergency.
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Now, a park is set to be built in his honor. The facilities are located directly next to Appleton's Fire Station No. 6.
The city seeked feedback on preliminary park concepts. Locals ranked playground amenities, such as water park features and wintertime activities.
Former colleagues say this is the perfect way to pay tribute.
“That means a lot to us, so we never forget his legacy; that's what we really want. Every day he was a fantastic father, and he was a fantastic friend to other people's kids, so this is a perfect way to honor all these things,” said Doug Vrechek, Battalion Chief of Resource Development and Special Operations.
The city asked kids at Wednesday’s meeting to draw ideas and concepts for the playground.
Back in May of 2020, the Appleton City Council voted unanimously to approve a park dedicated to the 14-year fire department veteran.
According to the city, master planning of the park will be finished by the end of the year. Fundraising will start shortly after.
