After researching other snowmaking ventures in WI, MN, and Canada, the Lapham Peak Friends began fundraising for its snowmaking project in October 2005. Four months later, through the supreme efforts of a dedicated park manager, Ed Muzik, the Friends of Lapham Peak Snowmaking Committee and key donations, the first man-made snow hit the trail at the Peak. Using equipment borrowed from the DNR, high pressure pumps pushed water through firehoses to the snowguns and man-made snow fell on the warm up loop and extended a dismally warm and nearly snowless season. A pump house erected by an area high school class added a base of operations and major electrical hookups for the portable snow guns helped make snow piles for the Snow Cat to move around. Over $60,000 in donations enabled our dream to become a reality. Now it is time for Phase 2 of the $750,000 4-phase project.

Phase 2 includes construction of a .83 acre 10 foot deep pond for a cold water source, adding more snow guns, and electrical supply plug-ins, burying pipes and extending the snow-covered trail. The engineers have completed detailed plans for the construction and finish grading of the pond site. The Town of Delafield Planning Commission has given their unanimous endorsement of the permit application which has now moved on to the County of Waukesha. Once Waukesha County approves the special use permit, pond construction could start as early as August 2006. A potential donor has been courted for digging the pond which would then be ready for use this snow season.

All donors and progress can be viewed at the Active.com website or Friends of Lapham Peak website listed above. Donations at this time are critical to keep our project moving toward completion. In addition, the Lapham Peak Friends have hosted two fundraisers: The 17th Annual Colorama Run/Walk last October and a Bike Swap in March. The Summer Solstice Celebration in June and the 18th Annual Colorama Run/Walk will aid the funding of Phase 2.

The Summer Solstice Celebration includes a pancake breakfast at Homestead Hollow and a Sports Seminar at Evergreen Grove. At 7 a.m. there is a bird hike, followed by the breakfast from 8-11 ($5/$3), a prairie tour at 11a.m. and a silent auction until 10:30. The sports seminars include area sports shops presenting mountain biking, road biking, kayaking, dryland training and XC skiing, GPS for outdoor activities, and Compass Use. ($5) They will continue until early afternoon. For complete schedule and times, please contact John Corbin at 262-569-9397 or wrchota@execpc.com

The 18th Annual Colorama Run/Walk on October 7th will bring back the running with ski poles class for XC skiers who crosstrain on the Lapham Peak Trails all year. A 5K, 10K run, a 4K walk, and fun run for kids is also held. Colorful, long-sleeved t-shirts are the rule! A special free drawing featured is an $1143 ski package donated by Joe Gollinger of Chi-Town Sports. Contact Kris Maki jmaki4@wi.rr.com or 262-965-2636 for more information.

To make a donation, visit www.active.com/donate/laphampeaksnowmaking or send a check to Lapham Peak Friends Snowmaking, W329 N846 Hwy C, Delafield, WI 53018. You will receive a colorful patch to identify you as a Lapham Peak Snowmaker.