Mayor’s Youth Council Aquatics Survey Results, New Media Studio opens at McMillan Memorial Library

Mayor’s Youth Council Aquatics Survey Results

One of my proudest moments as Mayor of Wisconsin Rapids was the formation of the Mayor’s Youth Council in 2015. The Youth Council is a way to get young people from Lincoln, Assumption, and East Junior high schools to take ownership of their community’s future by getting involved in City government and planning neighborhood projects, such as the ”Kids to Park Day” event held this past June 18. Kids to Park Day, associated with National Park Trust and the First Lady’s “Let’s Move” initiative, was an event held to encourage kids and families to get out to local or national parks and play. This year was record breaking with over 1,100 events taking place across all 50 states.

The Mayor’s Youth Council also recently reached out to area youth  with a survey to get their perspective on a pressing community issue: aquatics. The survey reached a total of 515 students, ranging from 13 to 18 years of age and from ninth to twelfth grades.

Major findings show:

• 87 percent of survey respondents thought it was an “excellent” or “very good” idea to build a new pool to replace Mead Pool.
• 87 percent thought is was “very likely “ or “somewhat likely” they would use an indoor aquatics facility.
• 81 percent felt that way about an outdoor facility; and• Given a choice of facility locations, a substantial majority of 63 percent chose a location at Witter Field.

In addition, the young respondents voted by percentages of more than 70 percent in favor of facility features such as a wave pool/machine, slides, diving boards and concessions. By conducting this survey of their peers, the Mayor’s Youth Council has again demonstrated how our area’s young people can play a vital role in shaping a vibrant future for our community.

Survey results here.

New Media Studio opens at McMillan Memorial Library with Ribbon Cutting

Libraries are more than just a place to read books and magazines, they provide for new and exciting technical opportunities for all ages.  McMillan Memorial Library, recently opened their new Media Lab, that represents a huge leap forward in inspiring area residents of all ages to become more familiar with technology and, ultimately, more creative in using its tools for personal expression, career development and community involvement.

Residents celebrated the grand opening at a ribbon cutting celebration that took place on on June 15. The Media Lab is a “geek’s” paradise, with digital video and photography equipment, 3-D printers, scanners, a green screen, and a sound studio, among many other state-of-the-art features for creative expression. The space is free to use and open to the public. The only charges are
costs for anything printed through the photo printer, 3-D printing or film.

McMillan Memorial Library Assistant Director Brian Kopetsky has been a prime influence on conception and ongoing growth of the studio; he applied for and received partial funding from a Library Services and Technology Act grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and oversees its operation.

In addition, Tom Loucks, coordinator for River Cities Community Access Media, a Department  of the City, is on the steering committee for the Lab, and has signed on as an instructor for children, teens and adults who are willing to learn more about video and post-production techniques. One goal is to encourage more people to get involved in their community by getting out and possibly filming these events.  

The McMillan Memorial Library Media Lab provides a source of expression that is unique so be sure to check it out!

Thanks for reading,

Mayor Zach Vruwink

Community Update – Summer fun coming to a close

Park & Recreation summer fun coming to a close, with fall programs just around the corner;

The City of Wisconsin Rapids Park & Recreation Department’s summer season is quickly winding down, as Mead Pool closes Thursday, August 20, while the Municipal Zoo closes Sunday, August 23.

But if one (or more!) of your “family members” is a canine, you can still experience Mead Pool this Friday, August 21, for Doggie Daze. Residents can bring their dogs – with up-to-date vaccinations and who meet other requirements – to romp in the pool for one final family-oriented splash.

But even as the summer season comes to an end, Park & Rec offers a full slate of activities for the fall, with registration beginning online or in person on August 24.

Register online for fall Parks and Recreation programs.

Programs include tumbling classes for children ages 2-9, soccer for children ages 3-7 and tennis lessons for children ages 4-10; along with co-recreational adult and men’s volleyball leagues.

Two unique programs that promise to be a lot of fun are Nerf Wars, a “soft” combat competition for young people ages 7-14; and Pickleball, a fast-growing – and fast-moving – sport that combines, badminton, ping-pong and racquetball.

Residents can also look forward to two special events: the Great Pumpkin Hunt on October 29; and, just in time for the holidays, cupcake decorating classes for all “kids” ages 7 through adult.

Park & Recreation programs are also about promoting youth-development skills. The always-popular Red Cross babysitting certification classes for young people ages 11 and older return in October.

Take time to visit the Park & Recreation website www.wirapids.org or call 715-421-8240, starting August 24, to get full details on how you can register for these activities!

Thanks for reading,

Mayor Zach Vruwink

Community Update – Waterfront Design Presentation, Community Picnic, “Raft the Wisconsin,” and Northwoods League All-Star Game Recap

Waterfront Preliminary Design Presentation

I am again excited to invite residents to continue to guide the future of the Wisconsin Rapids waterfront, this Wednesday evening. That is when Supermass Studio design team-lead Taewook Cha presents the refined concepts for open spaces along the Wisconsin River. This event will take place Wednesday, August 5, at Veterans Memorial Park at 8:30 p.m. Bring a blanket or a chair!

The concepts that will be presented have been developed from feedback received on the initial concepts presented at Lunch by the River in early July. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A and feedback session.

Our goal is to further guide the preliminary design toward an outcome that will best serve the community at large. Please join us!

Join your neighbors for the Community Picnic

Also returning this Wednesday evening is an outstanding tradition begun by Incourage Community Foundation. That’s when the fourth annual Community Picnic takes place, from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m., adjacent to the Tribune Building, at the intersection of 1st Avenue S. and Johnson Street in Downtown Wisconsin Rapids. Residents of all ages can enjoy delicious food, live music – and a petting zoo!

It has been extremely gratifying to see this event grow and evolve each year. Even more heartening has been the donations of time, money and other forms of support by so many citizen-volunteers and local businesses making it truly a “community” picnic.

The Community Picnic provides a wonderful time for area residents to gather and enjoy being together in a celebration of our community. I look forward to seeing you there. 

“Raft the Wisconsin” Race

Join me for the first ever “Raft the Wisconsin” Race where I will be paddling and running with others this Saturday morning, August 8.

Beginning from the Tribune Building, individual competitors will paddle a raft across to the east side of the river, and finish by running the rest of the distance to the Witter Field. Winners will be recognized on-field prior to the Rafters game that evening. The race begins at 10:00 a.m.

There is a $10 entry fee. which includes a raft and paddles for the race, a Rafters hat, a ticket to that evening’s Rafters game, a guaranteed Rosco Rafting Bobblehead and post-race snacks at the stadium.

Please join me Saturday morning to participate in this fun event! You can register by emailing info@raftersbaseball.com. 

Kudos to an All-Star-caliber community

On Tuesday, July 21, Wisconsin Rapids hosted the Northwoods League All-Star Game at Witter Field. It was another memorable and festive occasion, highlighted by a free-swinging Home Run Challenge, an exciting nine innings of high-level collegiate-star baseball and the energy generated by a stadium- capacity turnout. The selection of our City to host this event for the second time in just the past few years is a tribute to the outstanding job done by the management and staff of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters baseball organization, City partnership and sponsors; the outpouring of support our community of enthusiastic and knowledgeable fans has displayed for our local team; and the warm and cordial reception our residents extend to the many visitors who attend these events. Congratulations to our community for again hitting a home run in hosting another successful All Star Game!

Mayor Zach Vruwink

Community Update – You’re Invited! August 5 – Waterfront Preliminary Design Presentation

Invitation – Waterfront Preliminary Design Presentation

 

Community Update – State Recognition/Assistance for City’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative

Wisconsin Rapids Welcomed into State’s Downtown Revitalization Program

Back in January of 2014, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) took note of the important role that downtowns and historic commercial districts play in their communities, and in Wisconsin’s overall economy. They also understood the significance the “Main Street” program has played in Wisconsin communities since its inception in 1987. But in our case and others, taking on the full fledged responsibilities of the Main Street program is a feat. As a result, WEDC developed the Connect Communities Program as way to provide local civic leaders with access to resources and networking opportunities to start and maintain a district revitalization effort. A pathway, of sorts, to becoming primed for participation in the Main Street program. Since the program launched, participating communities have reported adding 175 net new businesses and more than 500 jobs, as well as $30 million in private investment.

I am pleased to report that WEDC today officially recognized the City of Wisconsin Rapids as just one of 18 communities around the state to be accepted into the Connect Communities Program this year. Applicants for this recognition were tasked with explaining the type of activities or assistance that they hope to undertake, as well as identify a local team that will be responsible for carrying out activities and participating in program events and training.

Among items presented to WEDC, Wisconsin Rapids shared details of the initiative under way to develop preliminary designs for enhancements to public spaces along the urban section of Riverbank. Residents were able to view early design concepts and alternatives at Lunch by the River on July 2.

The Connect Communities initiative goes beyond mere lip service. It provides Wisconsin Rapids with access to a variety of resources and training, including:

• A Network to get new ideas from staff and other participating Connect Communities;
• On-site visits from WEDC Community Development staff to assist in identifying needs and offering assistance;
• Training opportunities for leadership and staff; and
• Access to WEDC’s downtown development online library, and to specially developed resources and training materials.

We are proud that Wisconsin Rapids has been selected by the Connect Communities Program. This designation validates the vision shaped by years of local support – from the planning of civic leaders from years past down to our present day, to the interest and suggestions of everyday community residents. With continued engagement from our citizens, our involvement with Connect Communities will help us to leverage the unique assets of our Downtown Riverbank district.

Reinventing Our Future – The Time Is Now

Our City’s selection for inclusion in the State’s Connect Communities Program reaffirms points I made in an op-ed Column published last Saturday in the Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune, regarding the importance of reinvigorating our City’s Riverbank area. (The Column will also appear in this weekend’s edition of the Wisconsin Rapids City Times).

In this article, I detailed the ways in which Wisconsin Rapids has begun a public effort to recognize and identify the potential return on public investments in one of our most precious resources – the Wisconsin River.  These initiatives included developing preliminary designs for enhancements to our public spaces along the urban section of Riverbank; and developing specifications and attaching cost estimates to some of the already identified. planned and resident-inspired improvements.  In a few short weeks, we will again engage with our consultant as they further define the preliminary designs of the public waterfront.

As mentioned in my 2015 State of the City Address this past February, the time is now for the city to reinvent the place we live, work, dine and entertain … and to reimagine and transform our local economy into one that is more diverse, and continuously attracts investment and talented, entrepreneurial people.

To read the full text of my op-ed piece, please follow this link. 

Thanks for reading,

Mayor Zach Vruwink

Community Update – Put Your Business on the Map!

Put Your Business on the Map … with Google

It is estimated that businesses that are online are expected to grow 40 percent faster than businesses that are not online.  That is why, early in 2014, the City of Wisconsin Rapids began working with Google on “Get Your Business Online.”  This initiative was designed to make it fast, easy and free for local businesses to spread the word about their businesses, by getting listed on an online search engine.

Now, I am pleased to announce that we are again collaborating with Google to help local business owners, through “Put Your Business on the Map.”

“Put Your Business on the Map” is designed to help local businesses increase their presence online with a variety of resources, including online listings and website creation services – all, available at no cost.

To get started, you just need to create an online listing and verify your business with Google by visiting gybo.com.  Or, you can call City Hall.

Being online helps increases your visibility, which helps to ensure business growth and competitiveness.  We believe all of our local businesses here in Wisconsin Rapids should be found online.  “Get Your Business on the Map” is designed to help strengthen our community, by connecting local businesses and customers so they can easily support each other.

Join us, as we work to get every Wisconsin Rapids business online and seen by the world.  Let us help you “Put Your Business on the Map”! 

Thanks for reading,

Mayor Zach Vruwink

Community Update – Riverbank Preliminary Designs

Riverbank Project Preview at Lunch by the River

Last Thursday, attendees to Lunch by the River had the great and fun opportunity to view several preliminary designs for our riverbank open spaces, as presented by Supermass Studio, the City’s riverfront design consultant.

The displays included the overall programming and planning framework of the riverbank park areas between Wisconsin Rapids dam and Riverview Expressway; as well as more detailed conceptual designs of Legion Park, Mead Rapids View Park, Veterans Memorial Park, and the west riverbank south of the Grand Avenue bridge area. Supermass representatives were on hand to offer project updates take your feedback and answer your questions. My favorite, the ‘Performance Knoll’ at Legion park where larger concerts could be held throughout the summer. It is also neat to see an alternative to that concept, a take on the city’s first swimming pool! The hammock grove was unique and could be a fun addition to our riverfront space!

You can view all the design boards here.  We are also welcoming your feedback! Comment below, on Facebook or by contacting myself or Planning & Economic Development Director Adam Tegen.

Thanks for reading,

Mayor Zach Vruwink

Community Update – Riverbank Project Preview at Lunch by the River, City of Wisconsin Rapids Fourth of July Display

Riverbank Project Preview at Lunch by the River

I’m pleased to share an update and another opportunity to engage in our Riverbank Design Project! Earlier this month, we kicked off the idea-sharing and information gathering process, with a Nightseeing event– which saw us exploring and discovering the downtown and Wisconsin River, to set the stage for future nighttime design.  As we mark the second month since the inception of the work and initial site visit from our East Riverbank design consultant Supermass Studio, another site visit is underway. Since the time, marked progress has been made in bringing renewed life to Wisconsin Rapids’ waterfront public spaces!

Now, to show the progress made, I am excited to invite our residents to experience a preview of our City’s waterfront future, at this Thursday’s Lunch by the River, July 2, where Supermass Studio, our riverfront design consultant, will share early concepts.

The concepts will include the overall programming and planning framework of the riverbank public space between the Wisconsin Rapids dam and Riverview Expressway/Demitz Park; as well as more detailed concept designs of Legion Park, Mead Rapids View Park, Veterans Memorial Park, the east & west riverbank south of Grand Avenue bridge.

All are invited to ask questions and to offer your thoughts and suggestions.

Please join us at Veterans Memorial Park this Tomorrow, during 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. to preview first hand the work by our consultant, and of course, for Lunch by the River!

Wisconsin Rapids Fireworks Display

 This Saturday, July 4, marks the return of the popular City of Wisconsin Rapids Fourth of July Independece Day Fireworks Display – widely recognized as one of the most unique, colorful and explosive shows in the entire State. The show begins at approximately 9:30 p.m., along the shores of the beautiful Wisconsin River, in Downtown Rapids.

This year’s Fourth of July Fireworks Display will be choreographed to music on local radio station WLJY 105.5; and members of the Teen Fireworks Committee, who diligently work to raise all the money to put on this event, have the richly deserved honor of launching the show with the ceremonial lighting of the first shot.

The show may be viewed along most of the riverbank, except for the launch zone on the western bank of the river, from the foot of the Grand Avenue Bridge to south of the Moravian Church. Combined with other activities that bring our City to life during the July Fourth holiday period, the Fireworks Display brings our community together and helps pull in many out-of-town visitors each year – so it’s important to plan ahead.

For more information on logistics and safety reminders, visit:  https://local.nixle.com/alert/5440498/?sub_id=535825.

Have a safe and enjoyable Independece Day celebration!

Mayor Zach Vruwink

Community Update – Street Construction Projects and Summer Activities

With another successful Cranberry Blossom Fest celebration concluded, I wish to thank all of the volunteers and sponsors who worked to make it possible as well as those who took part in the many events.

“Great Book Giveaway” and Summer Activities

Being able to read can make the difference between a child being successful in school or dropping out.  That is why I was proud to serve as a reading volunteer on June 10 at McMillan Memorial Library, as part of the United Way of Inner Wisconsin’s Sixth Annual Great Book Giveaway to send a message of the importance of reading, even during the summer.

Reading a favorite of mine, “Oh the places you will go” by Dr. Seuss.

In all, the Great Book Giveaway ran from Wednesday through Friday, June 10-12, at seven different locations.  Volunteers read books to children up to age 12.  Afterwards, each child selected books to take home and keep.  By putting free books into the hands of children, the Great Book Giveaway bestows a gift that lasts a lifetime.

Of course, this event was just one in the summer-long schedule of reading programs McMillan Memorial Library offers toddlers, children and teens.

Just a few of the major highlights include:

• June 8-August 4 – Teen Reading Program (Ages 6-12}
• June 23 – Teen Book Club
• July 23 – All Ages Read-A-Thon
• August 3 – Library Night @ the Rafters Book Giveaway

Early childhood learning is essential to the future of our society.  I urge children and youth, parents, grandparents, caregivers, and daycare providers to attend and participate in the full range of McMillan Memorial Library reading events this summer.  For more information, call 715-421-5131, or visit www.mcmillan.org.

For a listing of other summer fun for families and children, click here for Wisconsin Rapids Parks & Recreation Summer programs.

City Road Construction Projects

The City of Wisconsin Rapids works to make streets safer and maintain appropriate maintenance and reconstruction cycles. Knowing that preventive maintenance helps to avoid more costly repairs or early reconstruction later on, the City continuously seeks out ways within our means to keep our infrastructure healthy and sustainable for generations to come.

The following projects have been completed:

• Washington Street Sidewalk – State Highway 54 to 28th Street N.
  – Completed May 15
• 17th Avenue N. – West Grand Avenue to Green Bay Street – Completed May 29
• West Grand Avenue Pavement Patching – 25th Avenue to Viaduct
  – Completed June 15

In order to promote driver and pedestrian safety during road maintenance season, our Public Works department wants local residents to be aware of these ongoing and upcoming street construction projects: Click each for a detailed project description.

• 7th Avenue N. – Harrison Street to High Street – Scheduled Completion June 24
  Closed to through traffic between High Street and Harrison Street; and at the High Street and 7th Avenue N. intersection. Truck route and detour routes from Riverview Expressway are at West Grand Avenue and Wilson Street.
• Klevene Court – 15th Place S. to West Cul-de-sac – Scheduled Completion June 24
  No road closure.
• 8th Street S and Grove Avenue Mid-block Concrete Refuge Island
  Completion is scheduled the week of June 26.
  Awaiting traffic control parts and planting in island area.
• Apple Street – 8th Street S. to 12th Street S. – Scheduled Completion Week of August 17.
  Road closed to through traffic between 8th Street S. to 12th Street S.
• Chestnut Street – 8th Street S. to 16th Street S.
  Work begins the week of June 29, with scheduled completion the week of October 1.
  The road will be closed to through traffic between 8th Street S. to 16th Street S.
• Municipal Zoo Parking Lot
  Completion is scheduled the week of September 28.
  The City will be reconstructing a new parking lot for the City zoo.  Work to be done includes grading and shaping the base course, paving asphalt, and painting parking lot stalls. This project will also improve the traffic flow between pedestrians and vehicles.
• 8th Street S. and Chestnut Street Highway Safety Improvement Program
  Maintenance and modification work begins the week of September 28, with scheduled completion the week of October 19.
  This joint project between the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the City of Wisconsin Rapids is designed to solve safety concerns at the intersection.  Construction is for restriping and modifying traffic signals.  Some lane closure is expected, but no road closures

In addition, the Public Works Department will oversee the chip sealing and crack sealing of more than 50 streets, beginning the week of July 20, and finishing up the week of July 27. These maintenance and repair projects are designed to extend pavement life and provide good driving surfaces.

• With chip seals, a thin film of heated asphalt liquid is sprayed on the road surface, followed by the placement of small aggregates (“chips”).  The chips are then compacted to maximize adherence to the asphalt, and excess stone is swept from the surface.
• During the crack sealing process, maintenance crews will clean out all loose debris and dry out moisture in the cracks, and then apply the sealing compound
• Traffic will resume on affected streets shortly after sealing procedures are complete.

When driving near these areas, consider an alternate route. Further, please proceed with caution; be aware of workers, equipment and barriers; and be prepared for possible delays. For more information, call the Engineering Department at: 715-421-8205; by email: engineering@wirapids.org or Streets Department at 715-421-8218 or JVelazquez@wirapids.org.

We thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we make all of these improvements to our City’s infrastructure.

Thank you for reading,

Mayor Zach Vruwink

Community Update – NightSeeing, Cranberry Blossom Festival and WSAW-TV’s “Your Town”

NightSeeing Event

Thanks to the impressive spirit of commitment by residents, property owners and investors- and the kickoff of our Riverbank Green Space and Recreation Preliminary Design project, our City stands ready to make the Wisconsin Rapids Downtown area truly a centerpiece of which will activate the spaces surrounding it.  In order to ensure continued success, this process requires imaginative thinking and citizen participation.

On Wednesday, June 3, we invited residents to hear and share ideas about revitalizing our Downtown riverfront environment during the nighttime hours – and then, experience an up-close look at the possibilities, during an evening walk along the river.

“NightSeeing” was conducted by Leni Schwendinger, a lighting designer/artist with Arup, an international firm of designers, planners, engineers, and technical specialists. During the NightSeeing walk, Ms. Schwendinger and her design team offered insights on the impact of lighting by pointing out the effects of existing lighting choices; envisioning the opportunities for enhancements; and inviting residents to take a critical look at lighting options and to express their preferences.

A video recap of the event can be found here:

Designed to spark community engagement and open minds to new approaches and imaginative ideas, NightSeeing programs have been held in the United States, Colombia, London and Australia. As Mayor of Wisconsin Rapids, I feel it is important that our public spaces be activated beyond the hours of daylight. We light our streets, how about our public spaces, too?  A vital element in realizing that vision includes creative lighting.

The “NightSeeing” event ties into the Riverbank Green Space and Recreation Plan, which will incorporate improvements along the east and west banks of the river within the City limits. Supermass Studios, the company hired for the plan, sub-contracted Arup for structural engineering and lighting design.

There will be further engagement opportunities for your participation in the coming months. We expect to have recommendations on the Riverbank Green Space in late summer.  In the meantime, we continue to act to reinvigorate a critical piece of our community- our core central business district.

Blossom Fest

This week marked the start of the 2015 Cranberry Blossom Festival!  This year’s Fest runs through
Sunday, and features something for every member of the family – a total of nearly 20 events, including live music, arts and crafts, exhibits, a variety of foods from local vendors, and our annual grand parade.  See a brief recap at River Cities Community Access Media.

Some of the featured events include:

• Arts, Crafts and Cranberries Fair
  Saturday, June 20, from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. at Witter Field
  You’ll find a treasure trove of crafts, framed art, pottery and cranberry-themed products.

• Cranberry Blossom Festival Carnival
  Friday-Sunday, June 19-21, at Witter Field
  Families can enjoy carnival rides, games and food throughout the weekend.

• Cranberry Blossom Fest Parade
  Sunday, June 21 at 12:00 noon, Downtown
  Our colorful parade along Grand Avenue this year features members of the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, who will follow up at 3 p.m. with a performance at Witter Field.

For full details on all the events, Blossomfest.com.  Look forward to seeing you at the events!

WSAW Promotes “Our Town”!

This week, WSAW-Channel 7 news anchors and reporters have created stories throughout the community, for its week-long “Your Town” feature. The feature included live broadcasts for its 5:00 and 6:00PM newscasts at locations around our community highlighting much of what Wisconsin Rapids has to offer!

View the great exposure WSAW and area businesses provided Wisconsin Rapids right here.  I had a good time closing out the Live 6pm broadcast from Witter Field last night with news anchors Jeff Thelen, Heather Sahr and Director of Meteorology, Chris Nelson- Thanks Guys!

I hope to see you around this weekend! 

Thanks for reading,

Mayor Zach Vruwink