The Shovelmen

10/15/2026

Joan Cook once said something on the order of that the short term toil of creating something will be far overshadowed by the long term benefit of what was created.

This post was intended as sort of a then and now reflection on Joan’s concept, where we wanted to showcase one of our Shovelmen now as opposed to when we were building.

What we discovered was that there were no singular picture of anyone working, and that actually there were always swarms of volunteers placing block, raking soil, or laying sod. It was a tremendous effort. 15 days from start to finish less electrical trim.

So today we reflect on a great summer of music and great success for everyone in the concessions booth and on the stage, to say nothing about the thousands that enjoyed a free concert.

The “after” picture of Clint Russell in the middle of a beautiful ending after a summers use is not meant to be personally illuminating, rather, the look on his face represents the satisfaction all our volunteers feel in having participated.

Photo credit Jennifer Rodriguez-Moran.

10/12/2026

Hot off the press! 📰 Discover how Monroe County Justice Programs and The Shovelmen work together to create opportunities, build skills and offer second chances—while making our community a better place for everyone.

Want your community organization to get involved? The story also explains how to become a Community Service Work Site!

The Shovelmen: Connecting Volunteers with Community Needs and Resources.

Shovelmen + CSW: Building Community Together Creating public spaces, learning new skills and finding a place to belong

10/04/2026

We had a great weekend and an especially productive Sunday with these Shovelmen apprentices. We have a guy that sticks to metal roofs for installing fasteners, guys that can stain, guys that can cut, and guys that are all around good help.

The Lions hut pretty much has its exterior complete now. The interior follows in the coming week.

This will be a great facility improvement for the Sparta Lions.

Thank you from left, Andrew, David, Jason, and Charles.

10/01/2026

The Shovelmen want to thank all the volunteers for helping with the 2026 build. The Smores hut was the most different and complex due to the demountability built in. The Lions hut is dried in and and has a bit to go. We will be starting the merchandise booth in about ten days.

Did you know that we are currently in the process of adding three new huts this year!
1. Lions food booth. This hut will help keep everything under 1 roof for them. No more passing through the window.
2. The S’mores/Globe hut. The s’more’s have REALLY taken off to the point we had to build Fred a new shelter. Same story with the globes. In a few short years the globes have become a huge hit with our guests.
3. A new walk in hut. This hut will be more than DOUBLE the size of the other huts and be placed in the LoveLock Village. Below is a picture of Reinhard showing you how big it is 😆
Which addition are you most excited for?

09/23/2026

Wishing the man that coined the term Shovelmen a very happy birthday. We love you Jerry!

09/23/2026

We look forward to hosting this with our friends at the Sparta Area Chamber of Commerce.

Attention Sparta residents! 🏙️ Are you interested in the future of the local downtown area? There is an upcoming grassroots open forum that brings everyone to the table to focus on community solutions, looking past party lines to plan for the city's future.

Senator Brad Pfaff is visiting to collaborate with residents for the "Sparta 2030" initiative. They will be accompanied by representatives from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Revenue. This event is not about partisan politics; it is entirely focused on finding real, actionable ways to revitalize empty storefronts, support local businesses, and reimagine older buildings for new housing and commerce.

Instead of just delivering a long presentation, the organizers want to hear directly from the people of Sparta. They are looking to field questions and gather suggestions from residents to create a long-term plan, operating on the idea that "failing to plan is planning to fail."

Make sure to attend and share your voice! They are relying on grassroots input to make this a success. You can view the full details in the attached flyer.

📅 When: Thursday, October 15, 2026
⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Where: Sparta Free Library (Lower-level Community Room) - 124 W. Main Street, Sparta, WI

09/21/2026

Ten years ago today. The improvements that have followed were numerous, from a trail, to a paved trail, to nine benches by the Sparta Rotary.

On this day in 2016 we dedicated the Five Shovelmen Bridge in Amundson Park. Much has developed since that time including further land donations to the City, trail establishment to Hammer Road, and more recently paving the trail and building nine benches along the trail by the Sparta Rotary Club.

Much like last night, in 2016, the evening of September 20 received substantial rain, flooding the area around the bridge and wiping out the wood chips just placed a few days prior.

09/15/2026

09/14/2026

We pulled the forms today and then the rain came.

The new concrete seat should provide considerable longevity to the basin structure

09/11/2026

The fountain base at the library was cast in the fall of 2008 and the capstones around the basin were starting to show some advanced weathering. In response to this, the Shovelmen cast a circular cap that should last longer, provide a deeper seat, and refresh the look of the fountain.

Then, around the corner, The Shovelmen would make good use of the minimum load size, and placed three bench pads, one of which has been spoken for through the donation of a bench from the local Girl Scout Troop.