Celebrating 25 Years of Dorothy Carnes County Park and Rose Lake State Natural Area: A Legacy of Generosity, Partnership, and Community
The Friends of Rose Lake and the Jefferson County Parks Department invite the public, park supporters, and Friends Group members to celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 25th anniversary of Dorothy Carnes County Park and Rose Lake State Natural Area—a space that has become a cornerstone of outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and community connection in Jefferson County.
The celebration will be hosted by the Jefferson County Parks Department and the Friends of Rose Lake on Tuesday, August 19 at 6:00 PM at the Dorothy Carnes Park Pavilion off Radloff Lane. Attendees are invited to enjoy light refreshments, share memories, and recognize the individuals and partnerships that have made the park what it is today. Guests are welcome to bring stories, photos, or simply their appreciation for this beloved local treasure.
This milestone event honors not only 25 years of natural beauty and public access, but also the vision and generosity of Carol Liddle, whose donations were instrumental in the original land acquisitions and subsequent improvements to the park—including the very shelter where the celebration will be held. Carol’s early contribution was not only a catalyst for preserving this land but also served as the inspiration for naming the park in honor of her mother, Dorothy Carnes. Dorothy’s deep love of the outdoors and “all things wild and free” instilled in Carol a lifelong commitment to conservation and public access to natural spaces.
The development and expansion of Dorothy Carnes County Park would not have been possible without key funding partnerships. Through the Wisconsin DNR’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Jefferson County has been able to make multiple strategic land acquisitions and improvements over the years—turning a bold vision into a thriving public space.
“This park is a reflection of what can happen when generosity, partnership, and community commitment come together,” said Tom Belzer of the Friends of Rose Lake. “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the past 25 years and look forward to the next chapter.”
From its first trail to today’s wide-ranging recreation, conservation, and community programming, Dorothy Carnes County Park and Rose Lake State Natural Area have become more than just a park—they are a testament to public participation, shared stewardship, and the power of local action.
Event Details:
�� Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
�� Time: 6:00 PM
�� Location: Dorothy Carnes Park Pavilion, 6915 Hoard Road [just east of Fort Atkinson on Hwy 12], Jefferson County, WI
Join us to honor the people and partnerships that built this park—and the community that continues to make it thrive.
Editor’s note: The above press release was provided by Jefferson County Parks Department.
