City of Sheboygan neglects Indian Mound Park, tight-lipped on its future
Superintendent Joe Kerlin has refused to answer questions about the neglected park
SHEBOYGAN — Visitors to the city-owned Indian Mound Park will find the historical site has been neglected over the years.
Long overdue improvements to the Indian Mound Park, located at 5018 South 9th Street in Sheboygan, were expected to begin later this year but are now uncertain. The burial mounds of the woodland Indians which distinguish the local park date back 500-700 A.D., according to archeology specialists. Restoration of the mounds was conducted by Kermit Freckmann, a widely known archeologist.
"The city, in accepting this property, dedicate itself to development, maintain and preserve in its natural state as a public park for the specific purpose of giving persons an opportunity to view and study these rare Indian Mounds."
City of Sheboygan Common Council Resolution, June 1960
The park has largely been neglected. During a recent visit, fallen trees and overgrown brush were observed which blocked the walking trails. While the park is owned and operated by the City of Sheboygan, it is surrounded by the Town of Wilson in a residential neighborhood. The land was not annexed into the city limits until 1988.
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Joe Kerlin, Superintendent of Parks and Forestry, has refused to answer repeated questions about the proposed improvements to the park. Attempts to reach Landmark Landscapes and the Town and Country Garden Club were unsuccessful. Deputy City Attorney Liz Majerus is married to Joe Majerus, co-owner of Landmark Landscapes.
In 1957, the Sheboygan County Historical Society began efforts to preserve the Indian mounds. The Indian Mounds Holding Association purchased the land in 1959 after raising nearly $15,000 in donations. City officials in 1960 wanted the grounds to be a state park but ultimately took ownership of the property.
A formal dedication of the park was held on June 18, 1966 when the park opened to the public. A year later in 1967, the city granted permission to the Town and Country Club to build an open burial mound. Mayor Joseph R. Browne proclaimed that day as "Sheboygan Indian Mound Park Day" and his proclamation cited the importance of the official historic site marker.
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