The project began with a conversation between Florence County Superintendent Ben Niehaus and Debra DeMuri. There were a few areas that needed some finishing touches after the renovations to the Florence County Middle/High School.

The idea of having a walkway from the patio doors off the cafeteria to Olive Avenue was set in motion in January 2019 by a committee of six individuals. Personalized bricks would be purchased by Florence School Alumni, which would make up the walkway. After several different parties became interested, the project expanded to include community individuals, families and businesses.

A total of 289 engraved bricks were purchased from April 1 to Aug. 1 The project was to be finished in fall 2019, but due to unexpected circumstances and early cold weather, it was postponed until this spring.

The bricks were purchased from Creative Brick & Concrete, Gift Bricks located in Sturtevant, Wis.

Signs next to the walkway.

“Their assistance with the website and ordering of the bricks was valuable throughout the project,” DeMuri said.

The recently completed walkway was laid by Second Nature Landscape of Kingsford, owned by Jason Pietrantonio. He designed the patterned layout of the 4-by-8-inch and 8-by-8-inch blocks. He was assisted by Loren Hayman. Cement edging by Jason Walthers allowed the placement of two benches along the walkway. McLain Logging provided the fill for the edging which was completed by Jeff DeMuri and son Dominic.

Adding to the area, the Class of 1969 planted a Prairie Fire crabapple tree near the walkway.

The Florence County Health Department added a sign as part of their “Get Fit and Explore Route.” This is a 1.3-mile walking tour that begins at the Florence County Historical Society, continues on through various points of interest within the town and ending at the newly finished walkway on Olive Avenue. Individuals can take a rest at the two maintenance-free benches that were purchased from the walkway’s profits.

“Many thanks to those who supported the project by purchasing bricks and to those who donated their time, materials and services throughout the project,” Debra DeMuri said. “Thank you to the School District of Florence County Board for allowing the project to move forward.”

Committee members on the walkway — are Lavone VanRemoortere, Autumn Lambert and Jeff DeMuri; at right are Debbie DeMuri, Lisa Novak and Don Dumke.

The committee include school board President Don Dumke, Lisa Novak, Jeff DeMuri, Autumn Lambert, Lavone VanRemoortere and Debra DeMuri.

“A thank you to the committee members who worked faithfully from start to finish,” she said. “All of these individuals are Alumni of FHS.”

She added, “A very special thank you to the Florence County Historical Society, for without their support and partnership this project would not have been possible.”