WISCONSIN RAPIDS, WI (WSAU) -- The City of Wisconsin Rapids is moving quickly to match a $2.5 million donation to the proposed outdoor water park at Witter Field.
Mayor Zach Vruwink spoke extensively about the project for WSAU's Mayors Monday this week, saying it will be a great addition to the city's recreation offerings and could become another draw for the community.
"The gift gives the project early momentum for us to solicit other donations to get a pool back in the community," said Mayor Vruwink.
But, in order to fully secure the matching funds, the City must come up with the other $2.5 million plus some additional funding to make sure construction on the project can begin by the spring of 2019. "The donor has said we would like you to build that in the next two years." So Vruwink says the city is talking with other potential donors from the business world along with foundations.
The city has already committed $5 million to the project as a quality of life improvement. Vurwink says the facility will offer an activity pool with slides, a small lazy river, a small wading pool for smaller children, an active play area offering things like water basketball, and a pool for lap swimming.
Vruwink adds that the city has long been a youth and amateur sports hub for the city, and having a pool near a popular baseball field can make the area even more attractive. "Whether its the state cross country meet, soccer tournaments, [or] baseball tournaments many of those groups are looking for what else can they do outside of that playing time. Perhaps now hanging out at the pool will become a viable option [when the project is completed]."
He says having the Rafters facility nearby will also add to the appeal of the complex.
Designs for the facility were also approved last week, meaning the city can now begin soliciting bids for the project with the goal of beginning construction this spring.
Vruwink says any individual who might like to make a contribution to the $2.5 million matching funds can do so by going to the city's website or by contacting city hall.
The city of Wisconsin Rapids has been without a public, outdoor pool facility for several years. Vruwink said at one time there were five such facilities in the area, but they ultimately closed down.
Other topics Mayor Vruwink discussed with WSAU's Mike Leischner include (Timestamped):
Start of video- Growth and redevelopment projects recap for 2018
4:00- Update on the city aquatic center project and a $2.5 million donation to kickstart the project
6:40- Breaking down the need for an outdoor swimming pool and aquatic center in the area
8:50- City's plan to raise the matching funds
10:00- Holiday thoughts from the Mayor and what's to come in 2019
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