For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Wisconsin Rapids is inviting the public to mark the achievement of renewed family friendly outdoor recreational amenities at Mead Field built on the west-side of the city.

City leaders are planning to celebrate a soft opening and dedication at the newly constructed Mead Splash Pad on Friday, Sept. 1 at Noon. A ribbon cutting and brief remarks will also take place during the event.

“This is the first in many steps in providing family friendly outdoor recreational facilities for residents, visitors and for future generations to come. We are also “Taking the Plunge” by fundraising for the Regional Aquatic Center at Witter Field. Our goal is to raise $7 million with corporate, individual and philanthropic donations in order to reach our $12 million goal for a 2019 opening. We encourage you to follow our progress at aquatics.wirapids.org  and make a donation to the project.”

Earlier in this year, students from Mead Elementary Charter School held a planning session with city staff and the Mayor’s Youth Council to brainstorm and create the splash pads artistic design features. The outcome of that session spurred the creations of a giant spider, flower, plant and a bullfrog, which is now placed in the center of the splash pad.

According to city officials, the project wouldn’t have come to fruition if it wasn’t for co-investment between the City and Legacy Foundation of Central Wisconsin who funded $575,000 for the project.

“We are grateful for their contribution and honored for their commitment to help make Wisconsin Rapids a fun destination for families to visit, and pleased that residents and visitors will be able to enjoy this new recreational experience free of charge.”

While finishing touches and final testing is ongoing, a soft opening will occur next Friday. The aesthetic features like plantings, grass and other landscaping amenities around the site won’t be complete until later this fall, and a grand opening is planned at the 2018 season opener.