“Serenity Woods,” on the corner of Jefferson and Quincy streets, is being developed as a place for the community to reflect while enjoying a piece of local history.

“People who visit will find peace and quiet — it’s a beautiful, serene space,” said Niagara Area Historical Society President Karen Klenke, noting her inspiration for the park came from her late daughter. “We feel it’s a historical space without walls that is open 24/7.”

The concrete path through the wooded corner lot was poured last week to accommodate a walkway to the pond. A large square slab was also laid to install seating at the end of the meandering path.

“The rich rust color complements the grounds,” Klenke said, adding the path will also allow wheelchair access for visitors from Maryhill Manor.

THE NIAGARA HISTORICAL Museum is in the process of developing its second property, “Serenity Woods.” The lot on the corner of Jefferson and Quincy streets in Niagara, Wis., will be a serene space filled with history for the community to enjoy. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News photo)

Klenke complimented Shad Brown, Roger Deforge and crew for the work on the historic walkway.

Paul Westrich continues to develop the pond that will feature a solar fountain. The rocks used to form the pond and throughout the grounds will come from the community, including area farms.

Prominently placed next to the water feature is an old church pew that was saved from a historic 1907 Methodist church on Brown Street in Iron Mountain.

“My friend, Joe Stevens, knew how important it was to me,” Klenke said.

Stevens obtained a section of its original 15-to-20-foot-long curved wooden pew and cut it down to approximately 7-feet to be used at the park.

SHAD BROWN, Roger Deforge and crew work on the concrete walkway in the Niagara Historical Museum's "Serenity Woods" on the corner of Jefferson and Quincy streets in Niagara, Wis. (Karen Klenke photo)

Local artist Dan Recla then restored the pew.

Visitors will be able to enjoy the pew during the summer and fall months, but it will be moved into storage for the winter.

“We want to preserve it for as many years as we can — it’s a true treasure to have,” she said. “It’s so significant.”

Todd Eklund donated two Adirondack chairs he built from reclaimed cedar logs.

“These are very solid and we hope they last for decades to come,” Klenke said.

In addition, last summer Bill Neuens donated two large pieces of wood that Recla shaped into benches.

The historical society plans to add more seating in the future.

“We want people to be totally comfortable here,” she said.

The “red shed,” which was the former mill site fire shed, was moved by the museum to be displayed on the property. Volunteers did several repairs as well as added a new coat of paint to the structure this spring.

“It’s now standing proud in Serenity Woods,” Klenke said.

Klenke purchased the property in the early 1990s for her photography sessions, and shortly after acquired the old gray shed from a small farm on Roosevelt Street. The building was used in the 1920s to house cows, chickens and other animals.

“It was a miracle we saved the old gray DuBord shed and was able to restore it so it will be here for years to come,” said Klenke, who donated the property to the museum in recent years to be developed as a historical park.

The historical society is also looking into installing lighting in the old farm shed for visitors.

Betsy St. Arnauld and Kathy O’Connell are in the process of making planting selections for the grounds that will include native plant species.

“That’s the beauty of this whole thing — it was designed around nature,” Klenke said.

Steve Zigman has been the leader for the park project, she noted.

Last spring, volunteers began work on the second property by removing dozens of trees as well as digging for the small pond.

The “Serenity Woods” welcome sign is a gift from Niagara native Jim Zukowski. His granddaughter, graphic artist Ellie Zukowski, created the design that will be carved into a hand-selected piece of wood, then donated to the park.

Kukowski has dedicated the piece in memory of the late Jill Ann Klenke Smith.

“Jill was always interested in these woods — she loved that space and would go when she had the opportunity,” her mother said.

Klenke hopes others will find comfort in the park as much as she does.

The museum’s primary focus has been to continue the development for the rest of the summer.

Tentative plans are to host a park dedication around the installation of the “Serenity Woods” sign this fall, when the artist delivers the sign to Niagara.

They had hoped the project would be completed by July 1 but are letting things happen on their own time, Klenke explained.

She also thanked Bill Bailey for conducting a Native American spiritual blessing at the site this spring.

One of the final projects will be to create signage for the historical structures and features in the park.

Klenke, along with Niagara native Darlene Kadulski of Eagle River, Wis., have plans to write a book about the development of the park and the significance of the “museum without walls.”

“It will be important for Niagara to have in addition to the space,” she said.

To raise funds for both properties, the Niagara Area Historical Society is selling personalized commemorative bricks. Brick orders will close on Jan. 15, 2025.

The commemorative bricks that will be engraved in honor or in memory of a loved one will be installed along the sidewalk next May.

Klenke credits Kadulski for stepping up to help promote this fundraiser.

“We are looking forward to the community being able to enjoy ‘Serenity Woods’ for many generations,” Klenke said. “I thank everyone who volunteered or donated to help make this dream a reality.”

The Niagara Historical Museum welcomes donations for ongoing projects. Checks should be made to NAHS, and mailed to P.O. Box 114, Niagara, WI 54151.

The museum, 1364 River St., is open for the summer from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays and Saturdays. To arrange a museum tour, contact Klenke at 906-396-7499.