Gateway Plaza Park

This dynamic downtown Neenah plaza serves as a vibrant gateway to the city’s park and trail system, featuring kinetic art, interactive elements, and flexible spaces for community gatherings.

This new centerpiece of downtown Neenah is designed to be the predominant gathering spot in the business district as well as a gateway into the expanded Neenah park and trail system. A unique entry court with kinetic art is designed to draw in views while screening undesirable views.

The “wind walls” are large kinetic sculpture that have reflective qualities similar to “The Bean” in Chicago, using the wind to create movement and light. Light can be projected onto the sculpture’s surface to change colors, themes, and messages. Each wind wall is flanked with tall fescues and adjacent seating that creates “art coves,” allowing for independent viewing and meditation of changing art and sculpture.

The large pedestrian plaza is designed for large group gathering while serving as fire access for existing and future adjacent buildings. The center of the plaza includes in-ground “dance chimes” allowing people to make music or play with the interactive piece. The rear of the plaza is anchored with a bosque of cypress creating a natural buffer into the park system. The cypress were selected to create an outdoor room that changes throughout the seasons. The plaza includes a permanent (70-foot white spruce) holiday tree that allows for seasonal variety.