REDGRANITE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A popular Waushara County summer hangout is getting a makeover.
Just a few weeks ago, the Redgranite Quarry had to close. There were several problems, including overcrowding and littering.
Now, the Redgranite Quarry’s once jam-packed parking lot sits empty.
Even the trash visitors left behind in June is nowhere to be seen.
That’s thanks in large part to people like Friends of the Redgranite Quarry founder Dan Sanchez.
“Littering’s always a problem. I don’t understand people. I really don’t understand people, when it comes to littering. I see a need and, when I see a need, people say when I get an idea, or I see a need, I’m on it!”
Sanchez took some time off, driving an hour from Appleton, only to work at the quarry for free.
He tells FOX 11 he wishes the quarry didn’t have to be closed.
“It’s sad! I can’t even swim in it! I’m sweating my guts out here, and I can’t even swim in it!”
But it does give volunteers time to clean up graffiti, pick up trash and get some trees out of the way.
“We’re really hogging at the trees, and we’re clearing out,” said Sanchez. “When people are here, they get in the way. So, that is kinda nice.”
For many locals, the Redgranite Quarry has always been a hidden gem. Now, it just needs a little polishing up.
“It’s been a diamond in the rough for many, many years and, by the time we get it all finished, they’ll have a real nice place to come to,” Sanchez said.
Friends of the Redgranite Quarry have a vision. It includes making the site handicap accessible, building a bridge over the spillway and creating a museum to show off the quarry’s history.
This is a full list of goals the group hopes on accomplishing:
Remove all graffiti
Create a safety zone by trimming all trees to 6 to 8 feet high
Trimming brush that obstructs the view of authorities
Clearing lake of logs and other dangerous objects
Plan to eradicate all poison ivy and oak
Make the park handicap accessible
Install handicap-friendly bathrooms surrounded by anti-vandalism fencing
Build a bridge over the spill way
Enhance nature area so it can be enjoyed by visitors
Establish a museum or place to exhibit Redgranite Quarry history
Remove algae from submerged rocks
Clear out rocks from areas overrun with vegetation
Have a Quarry Daze to raise funds and maintain improvements
Clean garbage and waste from the quarry
Propose a no-smoking and no-glass-containers ordinance on the property
Install signs showing restricted areas
Install a solar waterfall
For more information on how you can get involved in these efforts, contact Dan Sanchez at 920-410-6167.
