be paid back until the building is sold, so it gives business owners some breathing room to focus on growing their business,” he explains. OUTDOOR RECREATION AND TOURISM Sparta’s natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities are a significant draw for tourists and residents alike. “We have Fort McCoy nearby, which offers skiing in the winter and camping in the summer, and our Rails to Trails conversion bike trail was the first of its kind in the country,” says Funkhouser. The alone brings in over 120,000 visitors annually, helping to boost local businesses that benefit from the influx of tourists looking to explore the area. In addition to the bike trail, Sparta is home to over 22 miles of class-one trout streams, which attract anglers from all over. Every spring, the Chamber generously adds to the stock of rainbow trout in the local streams and runs a popular fishing derby. The city has coordinated with a dedicated group of local volunteers to enhance an extensive system of parks that take advantage of the several waterways. This includes a system of walking/biking bridges and streambank restoration. The focus on outdoor recreation has bolstered tourism and enhanced the quality of life for Sparta’s residents, making it an appealing place to live. SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES One of the central themes of Sparta’s growth is the strong partnership between the city and the Chamber of Commerce in supporting local businesses. “The city and the Chamber work very closely together,” Funkhouser explains.This collaboration has resulted in numerous successful initiatives, including creating a bandshell and concession building for the city’s Concert in the Park series and paving trails to improve accessibility. Its long-term planning and initiatives show the city’s commitment to making Sparta a business-friendly environment. “Sparta has always focused on being the easiest city to work with. That’s something we decided over 25 years ago when we developed our first business park,” Fahning shares. This dedication to streamlining business processes has made Sparta 132 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10
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