Supporting the Eckhart Park playground build, September 29 to October 4.
Volunteers are needed to build the Dragon Park Playground. 2 shifts, 40+ people per shift, adults and teenagers, (14+).
Viroqua Lions Club Coordinating Volunteers
Playground Build Volunteers Needed
The Playground Consultants, ‘Play by Design’, specializes in custom playground designs. Construction of the playground is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29, through Sunday through Tuesday, October 4, 2026. To prepare the building site, the playground was closed in July, and all existing structures were removed. Special care is being taken to protect and save all trees during construction. The goal is to enhance play opportunities while maintaining the shade and character that make this park so special.
Volunteers are being asked to sign up to be part of the upcoming Playground Build Days at Eckhart Park scheduled for September 29-October 4. At least 40 people per shift are needed. We need adults and teenager volunteers, (ages 14+). All skill levels are needed, from helpers to builders. Refreshments and meals will be provided. All of the required tools, saws, and drills will be on site ready for use.
There will be two six-hour shifts per day for six consecutive days. By turning the project into a community building effort everyone will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact for local families and children. Build Volunteers are individuals tasked with constructing the new playground. Also needed to support the project are Committee Members. Individuals interested in committee work will assist with fundraising, volunteer coordination, logistics, refreshments, and community outreach.
After the volunteer construction phase ends the evening of October 4, the following week contractor construction continues. The playground fence will be installed, ground ‘chips’ laid out, and ‘punch list’ items addressed. After a final inspection, the playground will be certified safe before opening to the public.
The Grand Opening date will be announced in the future.
Our History, "We Serve"
Chartered in 1947, the Viroqua Lions Club has been serving the Viroqua area with service activities and financial assistance just like the over 1.4 million Lions worldwide. Our Mission is the same the world over: to empower volunteers to serve our community, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs.
In Viroqua, the men and women who join the Lions know a community does not become and stay a great place to live and raise a family by simply letting someone else take responsibility for improvements. Viroqua Lions believe individuals can make a difference by working together voluntarily on service projects and conducting fund raising activities to aid groups and individuals. Viroqua Lions are proud that 100% of the proceeds from fund raising are returned to the community
Our motto, “We Serve” means members are expected to serve a minimum of twelve hours service per year. That’s all it takes: twelve hours per member per year. Many serve far more. And the results of those efforts since 1947 are remarkable.
Other Area Clubs
If you live outside the Viroqua Area, these are other local Lions Clubs in Vernon County Wisconsin. Feel free to contact them, or contact the Viroqua Lions Club and you interest in joining a club will be passed on.
Coon Valley https://cv-lions.org/
De Soto https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071015207647
Genoa https://www.facebook.com/genoawisconsin/
Hillsboro https://www.facebook.com/hillsborowilions/
La Farge https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009881192630
Stoddard https://www.e-district.org/sites/27d2/contact.php
Westby https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068140151743
National Night Out
As a member of Viroqua Lions Club, you will have opportunities to volunteer and make a positive impact in your community. See our Groups We Donate To page for example of financial support we provide. National Night Out, held the first Tuesday in August, is a new group we support and participate with.
SPOT Camera,
The Viroqua Lions purchased a sophisticated “SPOT” vision screening camera which identifies early signs of vision disorders. We do not treat vision disorders but facilitate early and effective treatment. Lions are working to preserve the gift of sight for Wisconsin’s children and adults by testing to help ensure children are vision ready for success in school and that adults maintain healthy vision for a lifetime. We visit most area schools and related facilities annually.
Fishability Day, Genoa Fish Hatchery
The Lions Clubs in the area, host the annual Fishability Day at the Genoa Fish Hatchery. Youngsters with special needs have a chance to catch and keep trout raised at the hatchery. Imagine the excitement of kids with special needs landing a beautiful trout!
Helping Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Two Viroqua Lions took the lead to start a new chapter locally of the national “Sleep in Heavenly Peace” program. Volunteers meet periodically to build beds for children age 3 to 17. In the first year alone, over 50 beds have been built and delivered to families with children who simply did not have a bed. The response to build the beds has been tremendous as has the donations of sheets, pillows and quilts from caring local citizens.
Wisconsin Lions Camp
Wisconsin Lions are particularly proud to sponsor and run a camp for special needs children to enjoy a free week of camping at our permanent wilderness site. Wisconsin Lions Camp, Rosholt, WI. The Viroqua Lions have been honored for significant contributions to the camp. wisconsinlionscamp.com
Annual Golf Tournament
Viroqua Lions are the principal organizers for an annual golf tournament, with co sponsors by four other area clubs. In recent years, we have donated thousands of dollars to local needs and organizations including the Lions Eye Bank to facilitate cornea transplants.
And Many Other Service Projects
We also make contributions annually to the local Food Pantry, The Driftless Music Festival, the Viroqua Fireworks Display, the Humane Society, the Vernon County Historical Society (Museum), Leader Dogs for the Blind training school, Toys for Tots and we set up and maintain the community Christmas tree. Each year the Lions donate funds based on ad hoc requests for worthy causes. We have been particularly proud to support the McIntosh Library’s after school programming and the RedLou Library program.
Our History
The Viroqua Lions Club was founded in 1947. The first 'World Famous Lion Burger' was first served in 1960, and has been our traditional fund raiser at the Vernon County Fair. In 2022 we celebrated our 75th Anniversary. We encourage you to apply to join the Viroqua Lions Club.
How do we pay for the activities above? Each year Lions conduct a few fund raising activities so we can support these activities. The Viroqua Lions are probably best known for our “World Famous” Lion Burgers sold each year at the Vernon County Fair. Other fund raisers include an annual rummage sale (donations of usable furniture and equipment always welcome!). We cook at local community gatherings such as the popular breakfast for the annual “Fly In” at the Viroqua airport. In addition, we get donations from local citizens and estates that value what Lions do for Viroqua. Setting up and running these activities are one-way Lions serve.