Celebrating Dr. and Mrs. Shoop’s Gift on Sunday, April 19th

Please join us on Sunday, April 19th at 2:00pm just south of Shoop Park Clubhouse as we celebrate Dr. and Mrs. Shoop’s gift of Shoop Park.  Sunday is the 109th Anniversary of the signing of the deed that gave us this beautiful property on Lake Michigan. 

Dr. Shoop was explicit in his wishes that the land be used as a Public Park.  Meaning that it should be used for recreational purposes such as picnicking and play.  His focus was on families, the working poor and the working class back in 1917.  Sadly, two years after Dr. Shoop’s death in 1924, the Racine Park Board announced that they planned to create a 6 hole golf course on the east side of the park.   Eventually the entire park became a golf course against the wishes of Dr. Shoop. 

We are hoping to turn the focus back to the original intention of Dr. Shoop and create a park for everyone’s use.  We especially disagree with the city possibly turning over this multi million dollar property to private developers in order for them to create a destination golf course.  We must act now. 

We gather first near the clubhouse and then will walk down Lighthouse Dr. toward the Lighthouse.  We’ll end the walk on the green space in front of the lighthouse that is targeted to be a parking lot as part of the destructive transformation of this beautiful area in our community. 

You’re invited to bring signs thanking Dr. and Mrs. Shoop for their gift of Shoop Park or other messages you would like to share such as Shoop Park belongs to the People of Racine or Keep Shoop a Public Park.  Hope to see you there! 

Wendy Sorenson