A local entrepreneur hoping to bring a rental facility for outdoor recreational equipment and a gourmet cafe to Lake Monona’s shore in Brittingham Park received preliminary city approval Monday.
Wingra Boats owner Tyler Leeper said he wants to convert a run-down, city-owned Monona Bay beach house into a new rental facility for Brittingham Boats to provide residents access to canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, paddle boats and possibly pontoon boats.
Leeper also plans to open a cafe on the property to feature acoustic musical acts while serving coffee and gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
He also expressed interest in a future expansion of the business to include equipment rentals for winter recreational activities, and Leeper said Brittingham Boats will ideally host educational programs, such as paddle board lessons and lakeside yoga, in addition to renting out sporting gear.
The Board of Estimates unanimously approved the plan, which will be reviewed by community members at a neighborhood meeting April 27 before going to the Plan Commission and the Common Council. Leeper hopes to open Memorial Day weekend.
The date and time of the next neighborhood meeting has been changed to May 2 at 5 p.m. at the Brittingham Park Beach House.
