Fort Atkinson Community Foundation Approves Grant Support for a Collaborative Community Effort to Revitalize the Brietzke Educational Wetland

Fort Atkinson, WI – December 15, 2025 – The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation’s Board of Directors recently approved a community grant for $97,213.60 to the School District of Fort Atkinson, in support of a community-led effort to revitalize the Brietzke Educational Wetland to reopen its use for students, educators, and community members.

“Our foundation is so excited to support this revitalization project and bring this beautiful, educational area in our community back to life,” states Lisa Caras, Fort Atkinson Community Foundation Board Chairman. “There is great potential for the wetland space to serve as an educational outlet, generate community connections, and bring the benefits of nature to the surrounding neighborhoods. We’re honored to lead the effort in financing the needed work to make that happen.”

The full scope of the project will include the removal of the old walkway and the installation of a new, walkout floating pier. The new pier will have surrounding handrails, two benches, and will feature an ADA-accessible ramp at the entrance. The new floating pier style will allow for more effective use of the space by local educators and their students. The project will also include full cleanup of overgrown vegetation, updated landscaping, and reduction in fencing in some areas. 

“The School District of Fort Atkinson is deeply grateful to the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation for their generous support of the Brietzke Wetland project,” notes Rob Abbott, School District of Fort Atkinson Superintendent. “This funding will enhance authentic learning opportunities for our students and create meaningful access for our larger community to experience and explore the natural world.”

The Project LEAD Class of 2026 also saw the value in the project and confirmed their participation in the collaborative, community effort.

“Project Lead selected the Brietzke Educational Wetland revitalization project due to its opportunity to positively impact Fort Atkinson classrooms and students, the surrounding neighborhoods, and the entire community of Fort Atkinson,” states Greg Klug, Project Lead Co-Facilitator. “Project Lead is currently researching ways to enhance the area with options like additional outdoor seating, interactive learning possibilities, and adding signs directing visitors to the Wetland.”

The Brietzke Educational Wetland, located between Purdy & Luther Elementary Schools, was originally dedicated in honor of retiring Purdy Principal, Dr. Rick Brietzke. Dr. Brietzke was an outdoor education enthusiast and often utilized the space for coordinated activities with Purdy students.

“The Brietzke Wetlands stand as a lasting tribute to Dr. Rick Brietzke, an educator whose passion for nature, science, and students inspired generations,” adds Abbott. “Through this project, his legacy of curiosity, care, and environmental stewardship will continue to shape learners for years to come.”

After Dr. Brietzke’s tragic passing in 2024, several donations were made, in his memory, to his family. His wife, Sarah Brietzke, directed those contributions to the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation to establish the new fund, in the hopes of restoring the area.

“Our foundation was honored to create a new designated fund from the generous, collective donations of those who wanted to honor Dr. Brietzke after his passing,” adds Caras. 

A total of $13,190 has already been raised through donations from Dr. Brietzke’s memorial, individual donor contributions, and a generous investment from the Fort Atkinson Kiwanis Club. The total project cost is estimated at $150,000, including the above outlined work, outdoor seating, signage, and other enhancements like birdhouses and sculptures. The fundraising goal also includes maintaining some dollars in the FACF designated fund to support future maintenance and needed repairs/updates.  

“Both the school district and our foundation are committed to providing future support to ensure long-term use of the wetland,” notes Caras. “We are thankful for the partnership and appreciate the investments of all who are interested in supporting this exciting project.” 

Donations in support of this project can be directed to the non-endowed, designated Brietzke Educational Wetland Fund at the Fort Atkinson Community Foundation. Contributions can be made via the foundation’s website at www.fortfoundation.org and clicking on the “Donate” button and selecting the “Brietzke Educational Wetland Fund.” Check donations can also be mailed to the foundation at 244 N. Main Street, Fort Atkinson, WI 53538, noting the fund in the memo.

Initial work clearing some of the old landscaping and removal of the previous boardwalk has started, led by the district’s maintenance crew, with support from the SDFA Crossroads program. The foundation and district are hopeful most of the work will be completed by late Spring 2026 and Project lead plans to complete their elements before the class graduation date of May 20, 2026.

Questions about the project or fundraising efforts can be directed to Megan Hartwick, FACF Executive Director at facf@fortfoundation.org or 920.563.3210.

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The Fort Atkinson Community Foundation was established in 1973 with a gift of $25,000 from Mary Hoard, who wanted to benefit “a future Fort Atkinson.” Inspired by the thoughtful gift, community-minded citizens set up the foundation to be able to accept donations to enhance the quality of life in Fort Atkinson. Run by a volunteer, five-member Board of Directors and full-time Executive Director, the foundation now manages over $42 million in assets across 90 funds and distributes hundreds of thousands of dollars each year in scholarships and local grant funding. All funding supports the organization’s mission of “A Better Fort Atkinson.”