8 minute read
Relocation
Greetings!
from the Mayor of the City of Darlington!
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Whether you are visiting Darlington for the day or for the weekend, you’ll notice not only our diversity, but also all the fun Darlington has to offer. As Mayor and a resident most people know me as a straightforward, simple guy who loves his hometown and I know you will too. I invite you to come and explore Darlington with it’s rich history, wonderful schools and outdoor recreation.
From shopping to ATVing and stock car races to festivals, we’ve got you covered here in Darlington. Mayor,Mike McDermo
In January 1981, a half-dozen people met at the Darlington Public Library to discuss the possibility of forming a local historical group. Enough people indicated an interest in preserving our history to make a formal organization feasible. It was decided to make the group a Lafayette County Historical Society rather than a Darlington Historical Society, and to affi liate with the State Historical Society of Wisconsin.
JOHNSON PUBLIC LIBRARY
Of course we have books, but we also have DVDs, magazines, wifi , audiobooks, vinyl & more! 131 E. Catherine St., Darlington, WI Just off of Main St. on the fi rst block of Catherine St. cfi tzsimons@swls.org
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HOURS: Monday-Friday 10 am-5 pm Saturday 10 am-2 pm (608) 776-4171
Johnson Public Library is a beautiful welcoming community gathering place in the heart of Darlington. Set among the greenery of the park, it is conveniently located at 131 E. Catherine Street. The library boasts much more than the latest best sellers. One can also find newly released DVDs, I-readers, 13 high speed computer stations, wonderful children’s activities, a genealogy room, art exhibits, free WIFI, a fax machine, varied adult programs and much more. Just visiting our library is an experience in itself. Browse the stacks of our impressive light-filled arts and crafts - style space; cozy up with a local newspaper in front of our lovely fireplace; or take the kids into our spacious and colorful children’s room to play with puppets and blocks or to read a story in our antique rocker. No matter what you seek, you’ll find it at Johnson Public Library. Our friendly helpful staff and relaxed atmosphere will keep you coming back again and again! For more information, contact cfitzsimons@swls.org or call 608.776.4171.
Parks
The eight parks in and around Darlington consist of a Walking Trail, Pool Park, Black Bridge Park, Pecatonica River Trails Park, Festival Grounds Park, Riverside Park, Veterans Memorial Park and Peterson Park. There are three shelter houses which can be reserved. Walking Park
The paved lighted walking trail follows the Pecatonica River. You can enjoy the sounds of the Pecatonica River, rest on one of the benches along the trail or view flower gardens along the trail. Pool Park
Located at the northern end of Darlington off of Cty. Rd. F including frisbee golf; swimming pool; lighted basketball/tennis court; two shelter pavilions equipped with picnic tables and grills; restroom and playground equipment. Enjoy sledding and cross country skiing during the winter. Pecatonica River Trails Park
Located on the west side of downtown Darlington along the Pecatonica River. Amenities: Campgrounds; restroom/ shower facility; RV dump station; day use ATV Trail parking; open green space; canoe launch; handicapped fishing pier and playground equipment. Festival Grounds Park
Located at the south end of Main Street adjacent to the Main Street Bridge. Amenities: Octagon shelter; benches and open green space. This small park hosts many Darlington events. Black Bridge Park
Located at the northwest end of Darlington along State Hwy. 23 including two lighted sand volleyball courts; space for ballgames; handicapped fishing pier; boat ramp; shelter; picnic tables, grills, parking and portable pot restroom. Riverside Park
Located on the east side of downtown along the Pecatonica River behind the Piggly Wiggly Supermarket. Amenities: Lighted softball/baseball diamond; lighted youth baseball/softball diamond “SIEG FIELD” batting cage; lighted basketball court; shelter pavilion; restrooms; playground equipment; canoe launch; picnic tables and grills. Veterans Memorial Park
Located at the upper end of Main Street next to the Johnson Public Library, Lafayette County Historical Society, Lafayette County Courthouse and the Darlington Municipal Building. Amenities: Passive park with lots of shade and benches along the sidewalks. Peterson Park
Located on the west side of downtown along West River Road. Amenities: Picnic tables and trash cans. Visit www.darlingtonwi.org 29
One of the most interesting historic sites in Darlington is the Courthouse. The Lafayette County Courthouse was built between 1905 and 1907 at a total cost of $136,556.17. When Mr. Matt Murphy from Benton, WI, died in 1903, he bequeathed that 70% of his estate be used toward the construction of a County Courthouse. Today, Lafayette County has the distinction of having the only courthouse still in use in the United States that was paid for solely by one man. Lafayette County is also the home of Wisconsin’s fi rst State Capitol located just outside of Belmont, WI. The courthouse courtroom was used in the fi lming of “Public Enemies,’’ starring Johnny Depp in 2008.
Police Department
The Darlington Police Department was established in 1865 and is comprised of fi ve full-time offi cers and fi ve parttime offi cers who provide 24 hour police services to the city.
Fire Department
Darlington Community Fire District, 230 West Cornelia Street, P.O. Box 2, Darlington, WI.
Emergency Ambulance
For the City of Darlington Emergency Ambulance, call 608.776.2205. 30
Darlington High School: Offers academic classes to prepare students for the college level. Distance learning classes, AP classes and National Honor Society motivate students to compete beyond the high school experience. Darlington consistently excels in the sports arena as well as being home to a stellar forensics team and awardwinning band. Our fall musical draws sell-out crowds with its professional performances. Whether it is business, technical education, art, foreign language, agriculture, or a core class, the school provides interesting challenges for all. Call 608.776.4001. Elementary/Middle School: Often referred to as DEMS, the building is comprised of four main wings: Early Childhood-1st grade, 2nd-4th grade, 5th-8th grade and Allied Arts. Approximately 530 students, who consistently score above the state average on WKCE exams, call DEMS home. Call 608.776.4021. Holy Rosary School: Located at 730 Wells Street, Darlington, WI. Email hrschool@mediacombb.net or call 608.776.3710. Humpty Dumpty Pre-School: Call 608.776.2300. Southwest Tech: Located at 11838 Center Hill Road, Darlington, WI 53530.
Wellness Center
Dora Ritter Wellness Center:
Committed to bringing awareness the benefi ts of wellness and fi tness to Darlington. A full range of well maintained, state-of-the-art fi tness equipment and programming; introductory and advanced training for all ages and ability levels; diversity of members in age, ability and background; spacious, beautiful and clean facilities.
Darlington Heights Senior Housing: A housing unit for active seniors conveniently located near the public library, downtown shopping, the Lafayette County Courthouse, many of the community churches, the post offi ce, parks and more! Featuring controlled access entry; furnished hospitality room with full kitchen, dining room and entertainment center; fully furnished roofl ine terrace with gas grill; secure garage for tenant parking with individual storage spaces; fi re protection system, inside mail delivery; elevator and off-street guest parking.
Lafayette County Health Department:
Offers many services for the citizens of Lafayette County, taking pride in providing care in all aspects of the services they provide, which include: Public Health Program, Home Care, Personal Care and Loan Closet. Located at 729 Clay St., Darlington, 608.776.4895. Lafayette Manor: The only skilled nursing home in Lafayette County. It is both Medicare and Medicaid certifi ed. It also has the licensing authority to provide care to our veterans. Lafayette Manor provides: Physical, occupational and speech therapy, memory care unit for dementia and Alzheimer’s residents, certifi ed social worker to assist residents and families with admissions, daily needs and discharges, activities, programs and 24-hour skilled nursing care.
Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County
(MHLC): A healthcare organization that consists of a 25 bed Critical Access Hospital (CAH) and three Primary Care Clinics. MHLC’s hospital is located in Darlington and is committed to providing quality healthcare to Lafayette County and the surrounding area. MHLC provides 24/7 ER coverage as well as week-end and holiday Urgent Care hours. As a CAH we provide a wide range of services including in-patient, out-patient and Specialty care. Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County’s Primary Care Clinics are located in Argyle, Darlington and Shullsburg. A variety of services are provided at all three clinics by our Physicians, Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners. The Darlington Clinic offers evening clinics Monday through Thursday.
Sienna Crest Assisted Living, Inc.:
Founded in 1997 and committed to providing a quality home and respectful, well conceived services for older adults in our assisted living homes. They support family members who struggle with the decision-making and change in roles that occur in the move to assisted living. Sienna Crest is attuned to the shifts in health, fi nances, family relationships, mobility and the rise in the consumer voice.
