By Joe Bachman

A firm has been chosen to lead the way for designing the new aquatics facility for Wisconsin Rapids.

MSA Professional Services, headquartered in Baraboo, will lead the charge for the outdoor aquatics facility design, which will include splash pads at Mead. Founded in 1930, MSA Professional Services has 14 locations across Wisconsin, and is considered a nationwide top 500 firm.

“They’re very familiar with pool design, and in fact, their sub-consultant Water Technology is a common name in facilities like the Dells and other outdoor water parks and aquatic facilities,” said Mayor Zach Vruwink.

Water Technology and MSA Professionals are currently finishing up Erb Park in Appleton, a $10.5 million dollar project that includes aquatic and recreational park amenities. According to Vruwink, the size of Erb Park will be similar to the facility coming to Wisconsin Rapids.

While design services get underway for a hopeful 2018 facility completion date, work on the splash pads will be starting as soon as possible.

“We’re hoping to open a splash pad facility at Mead next year,” said Vruwink. “One of the bigger caveats is to raise the necessary gap financing and donations that we’ll need to build the facility.”

For more information on MSA Professional Services, you can visit their website by visiting http://www.msa-ps.com.