WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids invites the public to a leash cutting ceremony for the new dog park, located on Saratoga Street, between 24th Street North and 25th Street North. (The site does not yet have an address.)

The ceremony will be held on Wednesday, October 11, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. at the dog park. The mayor will make a speech, cut the ceremonial dog leash, and unveil the name of the dog park. The public is encouraged to bring their leashed dogs, if their dog’s temperament is appropriate for the event. Dogs will be allowed to go unleashed in the park after the leash cutting ceremony.

The City of Wisconsin Rapids will also unveil the name of the dog park at this event. From August 1 through September 1, the public submitted 296 dog park names to the City of Wisconsin Rapids. On September 11, the Parks and Recreation Commission selected three park names for the public to vote on. From September 12 until September 19, 311 people responded to a survey of the following names for the new dog park:

• Rapids Park and Bark Dog Park
• Rapids Barks and Rec Dog Park
• Rapids Room to Zoom Dog Park

The survey results determined the name of the dog park. The name selected for the dog park will be used on park signage, marketing and branding materials, and website.

“It has been exciting to see this project come together and I’m eager to share this new space with residents and visitors. I hope you’ll join us in celebrating the new dog park,” said Mayor Shane Blaser.

A site was selected for the approximately 10-acre dog park in 2022 and staff conducted appropriate research to ensure the site would work well as a dog park. On November 14, 2022, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted in favor of moving forward with the dog park plans and expenditures, including clearing and grubbing and installation of fencing, not to exceed $130,000, which is being funded by room tax revenues. Room tax revenues are collected from all of the city’s lodging establishments and tourist rooming houses.

While the necessities for the project are fully funded by room tax revenues, the public is encouraged to consider providing financial donations or investing in larger sponsorship opportunities to help furnish the dog park with a pavilion, agility equipment, park signage and more. Memorial opportunities will also be available.

Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 715-421-8240 to learn more about investment opportunities.

Donation checks can be mailed to:
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Attn: Finance Department
444 W Grand Ave.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
*Include note that the check is for "Dog Park"
Donations can be made online at: wirapids.org/dog-park
​
To learn more about the dog park and view video footage of the transformation of the park space, visit: wirapids.org/dog-park

Mayor Shane Blaser has made a proclamation for Constitution Day. September 17th, 2023 will mark the two hundred thirty-sixth anniversary of the drafting of the Constitution of the United States of America. 9/17 - 9/23 is recognized as Constitution Week in America.

See below for the full proclamation.

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids has released a survey to select a name for the new dog park, located on Saratoga Street, between 24th Street North and 25th Street North. (The site does not yet have an address.) From Sept. 12 through 8 a.m. on Sept. 19, the public can respond to a survey of three names for the new dog park:

•Rapids Park and Bark Dog Park
•Rapids Barks and Rec Dog Park
•Rapids Room to Zoom Dog Park

The public may respond to the survey online at: wirapids.org/dog-park Additionally, the public can respond to the survey by visiting the Wisconsin Rapids Parks and Recreation Department at 220 3rd Avenue South, Suite 3, or by calling them at 715-421-8240. From August 1 through Sept. 1, the public submitted 296 dog park names to the City of Wisconsin Rapids.

Staff worked together to narrow the list down to six top choices, based on the appropriateness and marketability of the names. On Sept. 11, the Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the list provided by staff and selected three park names for the public to vote on. The name selected for the dog park will be used on park signage, marketing and branding materials, and website.

“I really enjoyed reviewing the park name suggestions. The community’s love for canines was evident. I want to thank the public for their thoughtful suggestions; and I want to thank City staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission for their support. I look forward to unveiling the park name at a ribbon cutting ceremony in October,” said Mayor Shane Blaser.

A site was selected for the approximately 10-acre dog park in 2022 and staff conducted appropriate research to ensure the site would work well as a dog park. On Nov. 14, 2022, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted in favor of moving forward with the dog park plans and expenditures, including clearing and grubbing and installation of fencing, not to exceed $130,000, which is being funded by room tax revenues. Room tax revenues are collected from all of the city’s lodging establishments and tourist rooming houses.

While the necessities for the project are fully funded by room tax revenues, the public is encouraged to consider providing financial donations or investing in larger sponsorship opportunities to help furnish the dog park with a pavilion, agility equipment, park signage and more. Memorial opportunities will also be available. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 715-421-8240 to learn more about investment opportunities. Donation checks can be mailed to:

​City of Wisconsin Rapids
Attn: Finance Department
444 W Grand Ave.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
*Include note that the check is for "Dog Park"
Donations can be made online at: wirapids.org/dog-park
To learn more about the dog park and view video footage of the transformation of the park space, visit:
wirapids.org/dog-park

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – The City of Wisconsin Rapids seeks community input on naming its new dog park, located on Saratoga Street, between 24th Street North and 25th Street North. (The site does not yet have an address.)

From August 1st through September 1st at noon, the public may submit naming suggestions online at: wirapids.org/dog-park

Additionally, the public can submit naming suggestions in person at the following locations:
• Wisconsin Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, 220 3rd Avenue South, Suite 3
• Witter Park Aquatics Center, 681 Chestnut Street
• McMillan Memorial Library, 490 E Grand Avenue
• South Wood County Humane Society, 3621 64th Street N
• Bow Wow Meow, 231 Lincoln Street

Those submitting a suggestion are asked to share their name and contact information, so that they may be recognized if their suggestion is selected. They are not required to identify themselves, however. Participants are asked to refrain from using any inappropriate or suggestive language, or any political references in the park name. All other suggestions will be considered.

In September, the community will be asked to vote on the dog park’s name from a short list of options. The dog park’s name will be announced at the ribbon cutting ceremony in October.

“Since becoming mayor, I have been determined to secure a large dog park in Wisconsin Rapids – one which could remain open indefinitely. I appreciate the significant contribution of staff in helping me meet this goal. Thank you also to the Parks and Recreation Commission for their support. Now, I want to hear from the community – what will our dog park be called? I look forward to hearing your ideas,” said Mayor Shane Blaser.

A site was selected for the approximately 10-acre dog park in 2022 and staff conducted appropriate research to ensure the site would work well as a dog park. On November 14, 2022, the Parks and Recreation Commission voted in favor of moving forward with the dog park plans and expenditures, including clearing and grubbing and installation of fencing, not to exceed $130,000, which is being funded by room tax revenues. Room tax revenues are collected from all of the city’s lodging establishments and tourist rooming houses.

While the necessities for the project are fully funded by room tax revenues, the public is encouraged to consider providing financial donations or investing in larger sponsorship opportunities to help furnish the dog park with a pavilion, agility equipment, park signage and more. Memorial opportunities will also be available. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 715-421-8240 to learn more about investment opportunities. Donation checks can be mailed to:

City of Wisconsin Rapids
Attn: Finance Department
444 W Grand Ave.
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54495
*Include note that the check is for "Dog Park"
Donations can be made online at: wirapids.org/dog-park

​To learn more about the dog park and view video footage of the transformation of the park space, visit: wirapids.org/dog-park