Lewis Point Park
Featured Property
From Field to Feature: A Park Transformed
Lewis Point Park has seen a dramatic transformation in recent years. Once a quiet field, the park is now home to the ORA Trails Bike Park, completed in 2024, which has quickly become a highlight for the Village of West Salem. But the improvements didn’t stop with recreation—stormwater management and ecological restoration were also key goals.
Next to the parking lot sits a long-standing stormwater collection pond. Due to the slope of the lot and suspected leaks, the entrance to the dog park was often a swampy, muddy mess. Plans for a rain garden were in place, but landscaping costs threatened to push the project over budget.
A Grant-Fueled Green Solution
In early 2024, a coalition of municipalities and organizations—including La Crosse Area Waters—came together to apply for the Toyota Pollinators Grant, which aimed to support native plantings in stormwater-prone areas. The grant was awarded, and Lewis Point Park was selected as one of the planting sites.
With excavation equipment still on site from the bike park construction, the timing was perfect. The team dug 18 inches deep across a 30-foot diameter, filled the area with engineered soil from Strupp Trucking, and planted a mix of over 15 native species in fall 2024. Switchgrass and Big Bluestem starts were added to help stabilize the soil and absorb excess moisture.
Collaboration at Every Stage
This project was a true community effort:
- Kaitlyn from La Crosse Area Waters provided early support and coordination.
- Aric from Driftless Area Natives LLC offered expert guidance on native plant selection.
- Dirt Monkey Excavating (Marty and Joey) shaped the garden with precision, using laser-leveling tools.
- Strupp Trucking supplied engineered soil.
- Teresa and the Village of West Salem staff supported the project through multiple stages.
- La Crosse County and other municipalities helped secure the Toyota Pollinators Grant.
A Summer of Waiting—and Wonder
Spring 2025 brought heavy rains and uncertainty. Would anything grow? The site remained soggy, and early signs of life were sparse. But patience paid off. By late summer, the garden burst into bloom, with Ticket Seed Sunflowers leading the charge—tall, golden, and buzzing with pollinators.
“So many butterflies, bees, and other bugs enjoying the area living their best life! I’m filled with pride seeing the hard work pay off.”
A Model for Stormwater Stewardship
This rain garden is more than a beautiful addition to Lewis Point Park—it’s a model for how community collaboration, strategic timing, and grant funding can turn a problem area into a thriving habitat. With support from local experts, municipal staff, and passionate volunteers, the garden now helps manage runoff, supports biodiversity, and enhances the park experience for all.