For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — A call from Wisconsin Rapids area residents for renewed outdoor aquatic recreation will begin to take shape at noon on Wednesday, May 3.

That is when an official groundbreaking ceremony for the new community splash park adjacent to Mead Elementary Charter School takes place. The park’s $777,000 phase one investment consists of a $609,000 splash pad with a shelter, restroom, seating and shade structures. The development was funded in part through a $575,000 gift through the Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin.

Official opening of the splash pad is anticipated in late July. The design for the splash pad was intentionally developed with help from Mead School students during a special planning session in mid February with Wisconsin Rapids Mayor Zach Vruwink. Some of these students were on hand on March 16, when representatives from design consultant MSA Professional Services presented a timeline for splash pad groundbreaking and public opening.

At that time, MSA also presented a Mead Field Master Plan that revealed an overall vision for future multi-use recreational capabilities that appeal to all age groups. The splash pad is part of a multi-pronged drive by city officials to enhance the overall quality of life in the community, which could make the area more attractive for prospective families, employers and employees.

Other projects and amenities include Downtown and Riverfront redevelopment; expanded Mead School recreational facilities; and the $10-$12 million, year-round regional aquatics center the city plans to open near Witter Field in 2018.

For more information contact Jennifer Clark at 715-421-8216 or jclark@wirapids.org.