Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) Secretary Missy Hughes visited the community of Altoona to experience The Yard , a new container park packed with local dining, pop-up shops, outdoor seating, and event spaces. The project was supported by a 2023 WEDC Vibrant Spaces Grant and opened to the public July 26. The grant will be used to place public art and interactive games in the public space to attract people to the park, ultimately supporting the efforts of the small business owners and entrepreneurs.
This project represents a place for the Altoona community (and beyond) to gather, enjoy a unique, upbeat dining experience, connect, and support entrepreneurs.
Altoona was also awarded a $50,100 Site Assessment Grant from WEDC in 2022 to clean up the site where The Yard is now open. The park represents how investments in a community can make it a place where people want to live, work, and grow.
“I can only imagine that we’re going to have cities from across the state, from all across the country, wanting to see what’s happening here in Altoona. It’s so innovative and gives an opportunity to really experience the businesses in a different way to bring community together. It’s just a really, really cool space,” Hughes said.
Learn more about how WEDC supports communities here.
