Watertown, WI — December 18, 2025 – Watertown Parks and Recreation is excited to announce the official launch of the “Together We Build” Campaign, a community-wide fundraising effort to bring the Riverside Park Inclusive Recreation Area to life. As the holiday season arrives, a time filled with generosity and connection, residents, businesses, and community partners are invited to consider supporting this transformative project as part of their holiday giving.
The Riverside Park Inclusive Recreation Area will be the first of its kind not only in Watertown, but in this region of Wisconsin. Designed through extensive collaboration with parents, educators, caregivers, children, community members, and the design firm Parkitecture, the project aims to create a recreation space where individuals of all abilities can play and participate together.
Led by Kristine Butteris, Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director, the initiative has gained strong community momentum. To date, approximately $800,000 has been raised, positioning the project well on its path toward its $1.9 million total cost.
“The ‘Together We Build’ Campaign reflects the heart of this community,” said Director Butteris. “As we enter the season of giving, we encourage everyone to consider supporting a project that will provide joy, connection, and inclusive play for generations. Every contribution helps us move closer to building a space where all families and family members feel welcome.”
With the “Together We Build” Campaign, the City of Watertown invites the community to make an impact this holiday season. Donors will have multiple recognition opportunities, including naming rights, donor plaques, and various sponsorship levels, allowing supporters to leave a lasting legacy in this groundbreaking space.
“This project is more than a playground,” added Butteris. “It is a promise to create a community where every child, every caregiver, and every visitor can share in the joy of play. Supporting this project during the holidays is a meaningful way to help deliver that promise.”
To contribute to the “Together We Build” Campaign or learn more about the Riverside Park Inclusive Recreation Area, please visit watertownwi.gov.