The Southern Door Community Auditorium, the Heritage Harbor Cultural Center, Plum and Pilot islands, and pathways in two Egg Harbor parks will all see future improvements as part of the latest round of Community Investment Fund grants awarded by Destination Door County earlier this week.
The five grants, benefiting the Southern Door School District, the Gibraltar Historical Association, the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands, the Town of Egg Harbor and the Friends of the Door County Parks System, totaled $318,852. Two of the grants — which will help modernize the Southern Door Community Auditorium and support the creation of the Heritage Harbor Cultural Center in Fish Creek — were for more than $100,000.
Destination Door County interim CEO Jon Jarosh says the projects are just the latest examples of how room tax dollars collected by the county’s lodging partners help support worthwhile projects that benefit visitors and residents alike.
JAROSH1
With this latest funding cycle, the program has now contributed to 71 projects countywide, bringing the total impact from DDC’s Community Investment Fund to $3,774,623 since the program began in May 2023. The next grant application deadline is June 22. More information about the five projects is available below.
PROJECTS
Southern Door School District received support to modernize the Southern Door Community Auditorium stage infrastructure with a motorized batten system, expanding opportunities for touring productions, educational programming, and cultural events that serve both visitors and residents. Investment amount: $125,000
Gibraltar Historical Association received support for the Heritage Harbor Cultural Center, creating a welcoming community and visitor hub that preserves Fish Creek history while expanding access to exhibits, archives, genealogy resources, and cultural programming. Investment amount: $109,000
Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands received support toward the restoration of the historic Plum Island boathouse roof and gutters, preserving a highly visible maritime landmark while supporting expanded educational and ecotourism programming on the island. Investment amount: $50,000
Town of Egg Harbor received support to construct an accessible paved pathway connecting its new playground, pavilion, parking area, and ball field, improving accessibility and creating new recreational opportunities for visitors and residents alike. Investment amount: $27,852
Friends of the Door County Parks System received support to install 500 feet of ADA-compliant mobility mats at Frank E. Murphy County Park, improving waterfront accessibility and enhancing the visitor experience for major community events and recreational use. Investment amount: $7,000
