New pavilion at Croatian Park in Milwaukee Wisconsin USA

Croatian Park in Milwaukee (Photo: Federation of Croatian Societies of Milwaukee Wisconsin)

So far over $820,000 has been raised for an impressive new pavilion at Croatian Park in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States. 

Designed by architects from Barrientos Design and Consulting, the new pavilion is an open- air shelter designed to seat over 300 people banquet style and over 600 people theater-concert style. 

Architect Taylor Korslin describes the need and design concept of the new pavilion as follows: 

“The Croatian Park of Franklin, Wisconsin has built a rich history of entertaining pastimes and social gatherings for over 65 years. As an active cultural hub growing community, it has outgrown its original shelter. The Croatian Federation is now making a commitment to the next era of the park with a new pavilion designed to celebrate its heritage and suit its many community events.” 

“The new pavilion is an open- air shelter designed to seat over 300 people banquet style and over 600 theater-concert style. It features laminated timber trusses and a scalloped metal red roof that houses a stage, seating area and a large bar. The shelter is fit amongst the park’s mature oak-tree grove, giving the sense of it being a continuation of the park’s canopy. The design takes the shape of a shield that widens in the center and narrows towards the stage directing the audience into the performance. To each side are secondary canopies that extend to the other buildings in the park, resembling a village arrangement. The Federation’s leadership worked hand in hand with our architectural design and consulting firm to develop the design toward their liking and make it a part of the Croatian Park’s storied history.”

Michael Stivoric, former Vice President of CFU and Member of the Campaign Committee, says that when constructed, it will be one the most unique outdoor pavilions anywhere, be it in the public or any ethnic park in North America. 

The roof on the pavilion and adjacent buildings will be Croatian-style colored and the area around the pavilion will be uniquely landscaped as well.

New pavilion render (Federation of Croatian Societies of Milwaukee Wisconsin)

New pavilion render (Federation of Croatian Societies of Milwaukee Wisconsin)

Support from Wisconsin Croatian Community High 

“Our campaign to raise funds to construct the new pavilion and update the existing buildings has been outstanding. Our campaign brochure with its accompanying material designed by James Company, our fundraising consultant, has been well received. As of today, we have received pledges to the tune of $820,000. Our goal is to raise $1.2 million. At this early stage, a number of Naming Rights Opportunities have been picked by families and organizations ranging from $25,000 to $100,000. Our Board and Campaign Committee have established a total of 20 such opportunities for interested donors to get excited about our innovative project at the Croatian Park,” he says.  

Hugely Grateful 

Stivoric stresses that a project of this magnitude can never be a success without the united leaders at all levels and community support.

“At this early stage of our campaign we wish to extend our sincere appreciation to the following who are making the difference in improvements to the Croatian Park. Our Board of Directors of The Federation of Croatian Societies under the leadership of Tomislav Kuzmanovic, Our Campaign Committee under the leadership of Paul Lucas, Member organizations which compose our Federation of Croatian Societies, Fred Stoltz consultant with James Company, Aaron Stelzer our Project Manager who is overseeing all the construction as an in-kind contribution, Mike Hoyng, Construction Advisor, our architects who have produced for us this most unique pavilion design. And we are forever grateful to all the founders of the Croatian park who in 1956 had the vision to purchase the farm land to create the Croatian Park. Their photos and names will be forever etched and on display in our new pavilion.”

New pavilion render (Federation of Croatian Societies of Milwaukee Wisconsin)

New pavilion render (Federation of Croatian Societies of Milwaukee Wisconsin)

The Campaign Committee is charged to raise 1.2 million dollars and are close to achieving their goal. They are appealing to the community to assist them in reaching their goal.

“We will be grateful regardless of the size of the donation. All donations can be directed to: Federation of Croatian Societies, PO Box 34-1548, West Milwaukee, WI 53234, USA. Our Federation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. All donations will be properly acknowledged,” Stivoric concludes. 

In Wisconsin alone, there is believed to be around 15,000 people of Croatian ancestry. 

To learn more about the new pavilion and information how to donate visit the website HERE.