For the City Times

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The Wisconsin Ready Mixed Concrete Association (WRMCA) has awarded the Wisconsin Rapids Recreation Complex with a “Municipal Facility” concrete design award.

“The aquatics center consists of over 95 percent ready-mix concrete.  1,550 cubic yards was used to form three pools, a lazy river, the floors, and walls of the pump house, mechanical room, and water storage tank,” a WRMCA awards presentation stated.

“The pools and lazy river were created using a 5000-psi mix. Because of the project’s tight one-year timeline, crews worked through the winter, installing temporary shelters, allowing shotcrete to be applied in inclement weather.   Integral color was incorporated into the design with the use of deep blues and subtle greys on the interior floors.

“Specialized design skill is demonstrated by the tight radiuses of the lazy river and the decorative ready-mix rocks stained with several earth-tone colors to emulate rocks found in natural rapids, tying together the overall theme.  A variety of ready-mix applications, techniques, and colors came together to form a unique nature-themed waterpark for families to enjoy for years to come.”

Concrete supplier for the project was County Materials Corporation; contractors were Miron Construction Co. Inc., COST of Wisconsin Inc., Chippewa Concrete Services, Pool Works Inc.,

Tri-City Concrete Contractors Inc.; architect/engineer was MSA Professional Services; and aquatic designer was Water Technology, Inc.