Safer events, new trails and facility enhancements are among the improvements visitors will see throughout the peninsula thanks to local room tax dollars and Destination Door County.
The tourism organization announced nearly $350,000 in grants Friday through its Community Investment Fund. The seven grants, which ranged from $8,000 to $100,000, will support projects across the peninsula.
The largest grant was awarded to Door County to support the purchase of a countywide, mobile, crash-rated barrier system to protect events throughout the area, similar to what the Sturgeon Bay Police Department used for the first time last year.
The Door County Land Trust also received a $100,000 grant to support the creation of a new shorefront nature preserve, providing visitors and residents alike with a new point of public access for hiking, skiing, hunting and fishing.
Washington Island-based Gathering Ground received $66,000 to construct a pavilion, trails and a new food processing station to expand its agritourism operation.
The Peninsula School of Art was awarded $40,000 to make its facility more accessible with ADA-compliant sidewalks and campus pathways, while the town of Liberty Grove received $11,942 for the purchase and installation of a floating launch pier at Ellison Bay Marina. The Belgian Heritage Center garnered an $8,000 grant to make improvements to its historic burial ground.
The Greater Escarpment Organization of Door County received matching funds from the Door County Community Foundation to secure $36,500 to install outdoor exhibits on its property in Liberty Grove.
Interim Destination Door County CEO Jon Jarosh said the latest recipients show how tourism can directly support the places that make the area special.
The Destination Door County Community Investment Fund has contributed more than $3.4 million to 66 projects since May 2023. Area organizations and municipalities have until March 23 to apply for the next round of grants. Jarosh expects that by the end of the year, more than $5 million will have been distributed through the program.
