Community-built Cahak Pavilion brings a new concession stand and gathering space to Kautzer Park

A community fundraiser has given Kautzer Park a new centerpiece: a concession stand and pavilion that is open for the public to enjoy and available to rent for parties and gatherings.

NEKOOSA – The pavilion — named the Cahak Pavilion by the Nekoosa City Council in June 2026, in recognition of Bill and Carole Cahak and Family — was officially celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 12, 2026. It sits right next to the park’s baseball diamonds, splash pad, skate park and playground.
The building includes a covered pavilion with picnic-table seating, a full kitchen and concession stand, and restrooms. The City awarded the construction bid to Ascent Construction in June 2024, at $511,644; finishing work since then has included a polyaspartic floor coating throughout the building and a security camera upgrade at the park.
“This pavilion exists because this community stepped up. Neighbors, businesses and organizations gave to build something families in Nekoosa will use for years — a place to grab a bite during a ball game, celebrate a birthday by the splash pad or just gather. We are grateful to every single donor who helped make it happen,” said Rick Schmidt, Director of Public Works, City of Nekoosa
A park with a legacy

Kautzer Park — also known as Kautzer Recreational Plaza — is named for William “Bill” Kautzer, a Nekoosa High School graduate drafted as a pitcher by the Chicago White Sox organization, a 26-year Nekoosa police officer, and a longtime youth coach. The plaza is one of Nekoosa’s busiest family destinations, with baseball diamonds, a splash pad, a skate park, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball courts and a playground — and now the Cahak Pavilion at its heart.
Rent the Cahak Pavilion
The Cahak Pavilion is available to rent for birthday parties, family reunions, graduation parties, team gatherings and community events. To rent the pavilion, call the City of Nekoosa at 715-886-7878.
The City of Nekoosa thanks everyone who donated, volunteered and supported the fundraiser for making this new space possible for the whole community.