Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan
Viroqua, Wisconsin
Planning for a healthier, more connected Viroqua.
Studio GWA partnered with the City of Viroqua to prepare its 2026–2031 Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (CORP), a roadmap designed to guide the stewardship and enhancement of Viroqua’s parks and open spaces. The plan ensures the city remains eligible for state and federal recreation grants while aligning with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources certification standards.
Viroqua is a vibrant Driftless Region community with a strong tradition of outdoor recreation. With 13 city-owned parks totaling 110 acres, plus access to county and state facilities, the city offers exceptional opportunities for residents and visitors. Recreation and outdoor space is so rooted in the culture that two large privately held parks are made available to the wider public to share in these natural riches. However, aging infrastructure, evolving demographics, and growing demand for inclusive amenities required a strategic plan to prioritize improvements and maintain a high level of service.
Studio GWA led a data-driven and community-focused process that included a detailed parkland inventory and analysis using NRPA and WisDNR guidelines, extensive community engagement through surveys, focus groups, pop-up events, and a public open house, and integration with concurrent planning efforts such as Viroqua’s Comprehensive Plan and Historic Preservation Plan. The CORP reflects community priorities such as improved accessibility, expanded trails, upgraded playgrounds, and enhanced connectivity between parks and neighborhoods. It also positions Viroqua to leverage funding opportunities through programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program.
The final plan establishes a vision for safe, sustainable, and inclusive outdoor spaces that celebrate Viroqua’s natural and cultural heritage. By providing a clear framework for decision-making, the CORP ensures Viroqua’s parks remain a source of civic pride and a driver of health, wellness, and economic vitality for years to come.
