The Friends of Lapham Peak are working with the DNR to construct a new building (Lapham Lodge) at Lapham Peak.
Lapham Peak is very popular among hikers, runners, dog-walkers, cross country skiers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, just to name a few groups who recreate here! The last two years have seen record attendance at the park. Lapham is the only Wisconsin state park that provides manmade snow for cross country skiing, bringing skiers from throughout the region, especially when natural snow is limited. The existing Evergreen Shelter no longer meets the needs of the increasing numbers of users and events. Lapham Lodge will have the ability to host larger running races, ski races and special events as well as provide rental opportunities.
The new Lapham Lodge will be designed, bid and constructed by the Friends in coordination with the DNR. At the completion of construction, the Friends will donate the new building to the DNR for ongoing ownership, operations, and maintenance.
The design and construction budget is estimated to be $2,640,000 (updated 9/1/2023). We believe construction could begin late 2023 or early 2024 and be completed by late 2024 or early 2025. To date, the Friends have pledges, grants, and cash of over $2,506,424.28 towards the project, comprised of:
- a $1,300,000 grant from the Federal Economic Development Administration (EDA)
- a donation of $500,000 from a couple active in the Friends
- $100,000 donated by the Friends of Lapham Peak
- $250,000 from the State or Wisconsin
- $40,000 from the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund
- and other grants and many donations by people like you! Thank you!
We are reminded that the building project provides the building, but we will also need to furnish it, so additional funds above and beyond the construction costs will be needed.
To be part of this project, see below for donation options including our new Donor Paver Bricks!
Background of the Project
The Evergreen Shelter was initially constructed to support the needs of the Park’s 1989 Master Plan. That Plan called for a group picnic shelter/warming hut, and noted that the lack of facilities was a limiting factor in the park’s revenue picture. The growing popularity of the park, especially during the winter for cross country skiing, has often overwhelmed the capacity of the existing Evergreen building.
The DNR has wanted to replace the current Evergreen Building for a long time, and has forecasted that in their long-range plans, but has not had funding to do do that. So, the Friends of Lapham Peak are driving the fund raising to make this possible now!
Project Description
The proposed Lapham Lodge will be 5,000 sq. ft. and will include a 2,300 sq. ft. gathering space with fireplace and seating for 112 at tables, a 400 sq. ft. multipurpose room with kitchenette, larger and accessible men’s, women’s, and family restrooms, changing rooms with lockers, and a large outdoor patio for use year-round by park visitors. It will be located between the Evergreen Grove parking lot and the trailhead with great views of the trail.
On 2/15/23, a presentation with updates was made by the Lapham Lodge Building Committee to the DNR Parks Management Team. Click here to see those slides: 2023-02-15-Lapham Lodge Updates and Presentation Slide Deck
Donations to Lapham Lodge Project
The "Friends of Lapham Peak Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Inc." (FLP) is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization; our Employer Identification Number (EIN) is: 39-1650068. For donations to be eligible for tax deductions, they should be made in one of these ways so that we can provide you with a receipt (and so that we can sincerely thank you!) Any donation of $200 or more is also eligible to receive a donor paver (see below) with your name on it; you will be contacted for the additional information.
Cash or Checks:
Cash or Checks should be mailed to or dropped off at the Lapham Peak Park Office. Make checks payable to “Friends of Lapham Peak” and in the memo, specify "Lapham Lodge"
Friends of Lapham Peak - Lapham Lodge
W329 N846 Hwy C
Delafield, WI 53018
Online Giving:
You may donate online using a charge or debit card (e.g., VISA, MasterCard, Discover, American Express) or a PayPal Account. Online processing is performed securely through our agreement with PayPal. You do not need a PayPal account to use this option.
When possible, larger donations should be made directly to the Friends by check to avoid fees and charges that we incur from our online processing service. Thank you.
Online Donation
Stock Donations:
Donors who invest in stocks or mutual funds might want to consider donating securities to the Friends of Lapham Peak for Lapham Lodge. When you donate stock to a non-profit charitable organization, you avoid capital gains tax while deducting 100% of the value of your donation on your income taxes. Contact Dan Wiley, Friends of Lapham Peak Board Member, at 262-366-7830, for information on how to accomplish this.
Lapham Lodge East Patio Donor Pavers
The Lodge will be located at the Evergreen Trailhead, will include a large east-facing patio for visitors to enjoy the early morning sun or chill out after a hike or ski around the park. The patio will include a large area of brick pavers which will show the names of donors to the Lodge.
Donate today to get a laser-printed paver for the Patio with your name on it when the building opens to the public in 2024!
PAVER OPTIONS
- 4” by 8” PAVERS - Minimum Donation: $200 (Room for 2 Lines of 18 Characters)
- 8” by 8” PAVERS – Minimum Donation: $500 (Room for 4 Lines of 18 Characters)
Friends of Lapham Peak is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit; our EIN is 39-1650068; all donations including Donor Pavers are eligible for tax deductible purposes. Laser-Printed Pavers will be Provided by “That’s My Brick”
TO ORDER:
Reserve your paver by either:
1. using thatsmybrick.com/flp website to specify your options and make your donation*
2. or complete the Order Form and mail it with payment to:
Friends of Lapham Peak – Lapham Lodge
W329 N846 County Hwy “C”
Delafield, WI. 53018
Or, drop off the completed Order Form and payment at the Lapham Peak park office,
Or, scan and e-mail the completed order form to: laphamlodge@laphampeakfriends.org
and then send your check to the address above, or make your donation with your credit card* using the secure option below:
Online Donation for Lapham Lodge
East Patio Donor Pavers
After donating, if you haven't submitted your Donor Paver brick lines, please use the thatsmybrick.com/flp website to specify your options and click the “Pay Your Fundraiser Organizer Directly” button on the “Choose Your Payment Preference” screen.
*Note that the Friends receive the full value of your donation if you pay by check to the Friends of Lapham Peak/Lapham Lodge (since the Friends pay fees to the credit card companies when credit or debit cards are used).
For more information, E-mail: laphamlodge@laphampeakfriends.org
