Lets help out Balsam Lake, WI

Hello friends of Balsam Lake,

The Balsam Lake Homeowners Association (BLHA) and your Balsam Lake Community needs your help. Balsam Lake has a lot of positive momentum right now. We have Viv's, a new fitness center, HopSack, updated outside bars at Doc's and TopSpot, a thriving Barred Owl, revived Paradise - The Lodge, and coming soon… the new brewery. Now is a great time for us to continue the positive momentum while also benefiting the Village and the Lake.

The BLHA has met with the Village of Balsam Lake and Faith Lutheran Church. Faith Lutheran leases the beautiful park and beach in Town Bay to the Village of Balsam Lake for $1/year for the community to enjoy. After carefully reviewing the needs of the beach area in Town Bay, the lack of docks to park boats and the ongoing needs of the Balsam Lake area food shelf, the Balsam Lake Homeowners Association is launching one of the most important fund-raising initiatives in Balsam Lake history.

This is an opportunity to give back to the village and the lake that has given us so much. Outlined below is a plan to revitalize the beach in Town Bay, increase access for boaters to walk into town, and help the long-term viability of the local food shelf. In order to reach these 3 key objectives, we are attempting to raise a total of $80,000. To get this rolling, the BLHA is matching the first $15,000 raised.

Level 1 - $25,000 - Beach Update

· Replace the benches to be ADA compliant and with weather-resistant composite material

· Reset the leaning grills in concrete pads

· Lay asphalt from the top of the bridge down to the lake (currently a dirt path)

· Power wash and paint the bathroom and stage building

· Add a playground structure

· Replace signage around the beach

· Signage letting the community know the BLHA is supporting the community

Level 2 - $25,000 – Additional Boat Slips

· Install a six-slip dock in the Mill Pond. Sunnyside Marine has generously offered to install these docks at no cost. These would allow six boats to park behind the church

· Add steps and a lighted walkway to the church parking lot providing access to the sidewalk side of the street - County Road I

· Install signage prohibiting overnight parking

Level 3 - $30,000 – Balsam Lake Community Food Shelf Update

· Renovate the food shelf distribution space

· Evaluate options for climate control, refrigeration/freezer for more healthier food options year-round

Moving forward, the BLHA is committed to promoting “Boating to Balsam” to promote patronizing our local businesses. Our beautiful village, nestled next to our amazing lake, makes Balsam stand-alone compared to other lakes in Western Wisconsin. An updated Town Beach will benefit our community residents and also provide an area for others to come and enjoy a great day on the lake while also visiting our local businesses. Last but not least, our desire to support the food shelf makes a huge difference for those in our community in need when the basic necessity of food is not guaranteed.

Please dig deep in your heart and your checkbook - please consider making a donation of any size. Let’s make 2021 a year we all remember for many reasons, plus make a positive impact that will have lasting value in our community.

Thank you for your consideration. The BLHA Board of Directors