The City of Sheboygan is thrilled to announce that Beat! A Musical Garden at Vollrath Park has been recognized as the Best Park Improvement Project of 2024, a prestigious honor celebrating innovative and impactful park projects across the United States. Designed and brought to life under the guidance of lead architect Eileen English, a proud graduate of North High School and participant in its Innovator Fellowship Program, this $70,000 project represents a remarkable blend of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit.
The garden offers a unique outdoor experience by combining permanently installed musical instruments with a handicap-accessible sidewalk that winds through Vollrath Park’s playground area. Each instrument is paired with a page from a children’s storybook featuring Coda the Monkey, who embarks on a journey of musical discovery with friends. This innovative design not only fosters a love for music but also promotes community collaboration and inclusivity.
“Beat! A Musical Garden is more than just a park enhancement; it’s a celebration of creativity, accessibility, and community spirit,” said Eileen English, lead architect for the project. “We are delighted that this space is bringing joy and inspiration to visitors of all ages.”
This project, supported by 47.36% of reader votes in the fall 2024 nationwide poll, reflects Sheboygan's commitment to reinforcing long-held community values while embracing innovative design. It has also secured a place in Percussion Play’s 2024 Project Portfolio, which highlights exemplary park and recreation projects that have positively transformed their communities.
The Beat! installation emphasizes the role of public parks as hubs for connection, creativity, and learning. The garden offers an engaging space for families, schools, and community groups to explore music, storytelling, and the great outdoors.
Mayor Sorenson expressed pride in the accomplishment, stating, “This recognition underscores Sheboygan’s dedication to enhancing public spaces and fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. We thank everyone who voted and contributed to making Beat! A Musical Garden such a remarkable success.”
Sheboygan residents and visitors are encouraged to visit Beat! A Musical Garden at Vollrath Park to experience this award-winning space firsthand.
