By Joe Bachman

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Mead Elementary students helped lay the foundation for the future of Wisconsin Rapids aquatics today.

Mayor Zach Vruwink, city council members, the Mayor’s Youth Council, and representatives from the Legacy Foundation and MSA Professional Services joined Mead students in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Mead splash pad. The $777,000 phase one overhaul of Mead Field will consist of a splash pad, shelter, seating area, shade structures and restrooms. This was in part funded by a $575,000 grant by the Legacy Foundation.

Legacy Foundation Executive Director Micahel Bovee addresses the many on hand for the groundbreaking. (City Times Photo)

“The Legacy Foundation is very pleased about making this possible,” said Legacy Foundation Executive Director Michael Bovee. “Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of our community, and we look forward to seeing children and families enjoying this splash pad for many many years to come.”

As a special surprise for the students on hand, Mayor Vruwink announced that a special “spider” fountain that was set for future construction will be a part of the splash pad this summer. Great news for the many Mead students who helped the city design the splash pad with their input.

“We believe that this is the first tangible, visible step we’ve made to make Wisconsin Rapids more family-friendly,” said Vruwink. “We’ve heard for a long time from many families that really wanted more amenities, and that they were traveling to other communities — and that isn’t a good thing for quality of life in Wisconsin Rapids, so we wanted to offer that. They [students] are very excited to make their mark and make this a reality for the community.”

Construction will start right away on the replacement for the former Mead swimming pool with the expected finish by late-July.