By Rapids City Times staff

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – Wisconsin Rapids city and chamber officials gathered May 21 to officially kick off the construction of a city aquatic center, with a groundbreaking ceremony held at the Witter Field complex.

Alderman Tom Rayome spoke during the event, stating that he liked the location.

Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce President Angel Whitehead called the project a “quality of life piece that makes it easy promote the community as some place that’s growing”.

Mayor Zach Vruwink said the $11 million project will become a year-round attraction for Wisconsin Rapids.

Vruwink also said the aquatic center is not just a pool with park-like amenities; he said “it’s a reinvestment in ourselves and our community”.

A $3 million community matching fundraising goal must still be met over the next year.

Construction on the facilities starts in two weeks, and should be open for the start of the summer swim season in 2020.

Wisconsin Rapids mayor Zach Vruwink speaks at the May 21 groundbreaking ceremony. City Times Staff Photo