WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids has released a survey to select a name for the new park located at 681 Chestnut St., including the Aquatics Center, skate park, playground equipment, splash pad, outdoor shelter, tennis court, and pickleball courts.
 
From December 1 through December 15, the public can respond to a survey of three names for the new park:

• Wisconsin Rapids Recreation Complex – the current name of the park, according to construction documents.
• Witter Park – a name submitted by Rita Schiller.
• Witter Community Park – a name created by staff, which combines elements of two public submissions.

 
From June 1 through June 30, the public submitted 81 park names to the City of Wisconsin Rapids. Staff worked together to narrow the list down to five top choices, based first on the criteria that the name have some relevance to the city. Staff also considered marketability of the name.
 
On October 11, the Park & Recreation Commission discussed the list provided by staff and selected two of the new park names, in addition to the current park name for the public to vote on. The name selected for the park will be used in marketing and branding materials, website, and logo items for the park and Aquatics Center. Currently, there are no plans to replace signage at the park.  
 
“This was a unique opportunity for residents, funders and users to get involved in naming our new park. I want to thank the public for their thoughtful and creative suggestions. I look forward to seeing which name the public selects,” said Mayor Shane Blaser.
 
Visit wirapids.org to respond to the public survey. To learn more about the WRRC or make a donation, visit wirapids.org/wrrc-aquatics.

​Mayor Shane Blaser has announced a proclamation for Free Speech Week in Wisconsin Rapids.
'Free Speech Week' is honored every third week of October to raise awareness on the importance of free speech. This is an inclusive celebration for all Americans.
The city encourages all citizens to participate in the celebration of this fundamental freedom.

Mayor Shane Blaser has proclaimed September 17th, 2021, Constitution Day, which marks the 234th anniversary of its signing. September 17-23 is designated as Constitution Week.

​Be on the look out for a brief video on Constitution Day, as well as additional programming on Wisconsin Rapids Community Media.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- Mayor Shane Blaser has issued a proclamation for "National Recovery Month.”
 
The mayor has proclaimed the month of September 2021 to be “NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH” in the City of Wisconsin Rapids and call upon the people of Wisconsin Rapids to observe this month with appropriate programs, activities, and ceremonies to support this year’s Recovery Month theme, Recovery is for Everyone: every person, every family, every community. This year’s theme is a reminder to people in recovery and those who support them that no one is alone in the journey through recovery.
 
For more information please visit: ​https://threebridgesrecoverywi.com/

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids recognizes Battalion Chief Benjamin Goodreau for earning the professional designation of Chief Fire Officer (CFO) from the Commission of Professional Credentialing (CPC). Goodreau is one of only 1,554 CFOs worldwide and the first member of the City of Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department to earn the designation.
 
“Since starting my career with the City of Wisconsin Rapids in 2006, I have had the opportunity to continue to educate myself, as well as travel across the state and nation to network with other public safety organizations. Our Fire Department has generated a positive culture, focused on professionalism and proficiency, to provide our community with the highest level of public service. It is the actions I witness daily in our emergency response and the display of utmost sincere compassion at every level, which sets us apart. Although being credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer has been a professional goal of mine, the recognition is reflective of the organization itself. I am grateful to the City, our department and elected officials, both past and present, for the opportunity and support that has made the CFO distinction possible,” said Goodreau.   
 
According to the Center for Public Safety Excellence, the CFO designation program is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate their excellence in seven measured components: experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association memberships, community involvement and technical competence. In addition, all applicants are required to identify a future professional development plan. The CFO designation is valid for three years. Maintaining the designation requires recipients to show continued growth in the areas of professional development, professional contributions, active association membership and community involvement, as well as adhere to a strict code of professional conduct.
 
City of Wisconsin Rapids Fire Chief Scott Young said, “I would like to recognize Battalion Chief Ben Goodreau for receiving the respected  designation of Chief Fire Officer. Ben is committed to professional development and has worked diligently to meet the necessary standards in order to gain Chief Fire Officer credentialing. We are proud of all of our officers at the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department and this award demonstrates the department’s motto: Commitment to Excellence. Ben’s hard work and determination has been validated  with this award.”
 
Learn more about the CFO designation at www.cpse.org/credentialing/