One of two major construction projects completed at Wilson Brewer Park in 2025 is the no-step entry ramps to Mulberry Center Church.

This year, Wilson Brewer Park officially logged 519 visitors to the depot museum in Webster City. They were visitors who signed the register during the 2025 season; that season runs each year from May through October.

The signers are the “official,” documented visitors. Many more visitors use the park for special events at Easter, during Webster City High School reunions, the annual Doodlebug Reunion and Fall Fest celebrations.

There’s been a noticeable increase of informal visitors to the park; to walk, picnic, or simply enjoy the historic setting.

It has been a productive year at Wilson Brewer Park. Three important projects were completed, including final work on the First Hamilton County Courthouse, the re-painting of the depot, and installation of no-step ramp entrances at Mulberry Center Church.

Work on several projects was planned, or progressed but not completed in 2025, including upgrading restrooms on the main and basement floors of the depot, placement of a lighted electric sign visible to motorists on Superior Street, and replacement of the depot platform, which was never rebuilt when the building was moved to the park in 1971. Also not done is the restoration of the Illinois Central caboose.

For one member of the Wilson Brewer Park Foundation board — Ryan Rupiper — re-painting of the former Illinois Central Railroad depot was deeply personal.

“When I moved to Webster City 10 years ago, the poor condition of the depot in Wilson Brewer Park caught my eye every time I drove past on Superior Street. I joined the WBP Foundation board with the objective of re-painting the depot.

“There are many people to thank and donors to be recognized in making this happen. I love when the community comes together to revitalize and beautify our town.”

The Foundation board already has estimates for potential 2026 projects, including restoration of the caboose ($45,000), and rebuilding of the depot platform ($125,000). Repairing and re-shingling the depot roof will cost an estimated $53,000. The caboose, built in 1969, is showing signs of ongoing rusting, which threatens its stability.

WBPF Board Secretary Kolleen Taylor has suggested ideas are needed to make the park self-sustaining, saying “We’ve got three years to figure out how to pay the bills.”

Noting that utilities cost the park an average $1,000 a month, Treasurer Tamiann Parrott envisions “some type of ongoing operating grant” might be a solution to longer-term funding. Climate control — heating and cooling equipment — is essential to preserve historic artifacts, especially anything made of fabric or paper, and has been installed, or upgraded, in the depot, courthouse, school and Mulberry Center Church.

The park currently charges no admission fees, either to its six historic buildings or for events. Freewill donations by visitors during the 2025 season totaled just $752, so at present the park isn’t self-supporting.

Referring to the park’s present finances, Parrott said, “We’ve made considerable progress in the last year, and thanks to several key donors, we’re in good shape to continue this progress into next year. With the community support we’ve seen, both from the city, county and private donors, the historical buildings in our care promise to be with us for many years to come.” Parrott added, “We’re always grateful for more donations, volunteers and community involvement.”

Dean Bowden has donated $25,000 toward repairs to the Illinois Central caboose, and a local anonymous donor contributed $10,000 to aid in replacing the depot platform, saying: “We know and appreciate the value of all the recreational and park facilities of this community.”

The Foundation board plans to increase both facilities and programming in 2026 so visitors will have more to see and do than ever; those plans include installing horseshoe pits, a little lending library, and a geocache.

Plans for new historical exhibits in the First Hamilton County Courthouse, which will tell the history of the courts and practice of law in Hamilton County, are still in process. The board hopes to open these exhibits to the public sometime in 2026.

The park will be open on Saturday, December 6 for Webster City’s Christmas in the City promotion. Activities planned for Wilson Brewer Park include live music inside Mulberry Center Church, and a display of antique toys in one of the historic cabins. Children will find Santa Claus in the cabins as well. It all takes place from noon to 2 p.m. at the park at 220 Ohio Street. All activities are free.