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 Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin – Independence Day is fast approaching, and plans are in the works to make this a safe, enjoyable and memorable holiday for Wisconsin Rapids residents and visitors.
On Tuesday, July 4, one of the best fireworks displays in the area will be launched from the Wisconsin River in downtown Wisconsin Rapids. The display will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. and may be viewed along most of the riverbank and downtown area, except for the launch and safety zone on the western bank of the river from the foot of the Grand Avenue Bridge to south of the Moravian Church. The DJ, Entertainment Engines, will start playing music at 6:00 p.m., and the National Anthem will be sung by Don Johnson immediately before the fireworks show begins. Food and refreshment vendors will be located on West Grand Avenue on the west side of the river, and on Second Street South, south of East Grand Avenue, on the east side of the river. The Wisconsin Rapids City Band will perform outside of the Centralia Center, 220 Third Avenue South, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. The fireworks show relies upon donations from citizens and businesses, and donations are still being accepted. Visit www.wirapids.org/donate or contact the Finance Department at 715-421-8233 to donate. If you are planning to attend this event, please consider the following as you make plans: • No tarps, blankets or chairs may be placed on the riverbank or in any City park before 6:00 a.m. on July 4. Any article placed before 6:00 a.m. will be removed. Do not place blankets over plantings or mulch. • No parking will be allowed on Second Street South between East Jackson Street and Mead Street, from 6:00 a.m. on July 4 through the conclusion of the event. • No vehicle traffic will be allowed on Birch, Maple, Walnut, Pine, Witter, Locust and Mead Streets, between Second Street South and Third Street South, from 3:00 p.m. on July 4 through the conclusion of the event. • No vehicle traffic will be allowed on West Grand Avenue between Second Street South and Third Avenue South, from 3:00 p.m. on July 4 through the conclusion of the event. • Parking spaces designated for individuals with disabilities will be available at the Moravian Church on Goggins Street (West side) and First Congregational Church, Maple Street parking lot (East side). • Boaters: There will be a safety zone established (dependent on weather conditions) which will be set and monitored by boat patrols. This will protect boaters from being in an area where fallout from the display could strike a person or boat and potentially cause injury, or a fire or explosion. -- Boaters are reminded to make sure there are sufficient certified flotation devices onboard and the boat’s capacity is not exceeded. • For easier departure at the conclusion of the event, park on the side of the river in which you live or the area from which you travel. • Obey traffic direction provided by local law enforcement. • Always yield to pedestrians and be especially alert for children. • Take the time you need to return home safely. In the event of inclement weather, stay tuned to local media and communications outlets for information. If possible, a decision to cancel the display will be made by 3:00 p.m., July 4. The alternate date, should the display be canceled, will be Wednesday, July 5. A notice would immediately be released on the following media outlets: • City of Wisconsin Rapids Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/WIRapids • Wisconsin Rapids Community Media: Solarus Channel 3, Charter Channel 985, www.wr-cm.org • Nixle: Sign up for Nixle alerts at www.nixle.com or by texting your zip code to 888777 Also, regarding the possession, sale or use of fireworks, everyone should be reminded of the following: • City Ordinance 20.04 (1) (a) allows private individuals and organizations to purchase, possess and use only those fireworks allowed in Chapter 167 of the Wisconsin Statutes. This would include sparklers, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, caps, noisemakers and confetti poppers with less than one-quarter (¼) grain of explosive mixture. These items are legal without permits. • Any device which contains more than one-quarter (¼) grain of explosive powder, that emits a report, discharges a flame, or leaves the ground is not permitted to be sold, possessed or used in the City of Wisconsin Rapids. • All other fireworks, including roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, mortars, etc. are illegal except for groups with permits. Anything which explodes or leaves the ground is illegal without a permit. Our thanks to City of Wisconsin Rapids staff who have been a part of the planning process and to those who will carry out responsibilities during the event. And a special thanks to our colleagues in law enforcement, fire, EMS and Rescue who have committed time and resources to make this event safe. From all of us at the City of Wisconsin Rapids, please have a very safe and enjoyable Independence Day. Mayor Shane Blaser has declared Friday, June 16th, 2023 as Poppy Day in Wisconsin Rapids. The red poppy is a recognized national symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I.
The full proclamation is below: WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- The Rapids Rediscovered housing investment program, has recently been modified to now allow for renter-occupied construction, including duplexes, to qualify for funding: $10,000 for demolition and construction; and $5,000 for construction only. The program exists to strengthen existing neighborhoods through reinvestment by creating new construction.
Program basics: Builder/buyer completes an application meeting the minimum program requirements (www.wirapids.org/economic-development) and submits the application along with proof of ownership or an offer to purchase to the Community Development Department. The Community Development Department performs an internal review to ensure a complete application has been submitted. The Planning Commission and City Council review the application for compliance. The lot is purchased by the builder/buyer, if applicable, and a grant contract is executed. Builder/buyer constructs the new home, which shall be completed within 1 year. To be eligible for the Grant, you must own the property or have a purchase agreement for a lot, building plans, and financial commitment in hand. Prior to the submission of an application, a pre-conference is required with the Community Development Department. House design and site development requirements exist which are outlined in the full grant guidelines. For more information or to apply, stop by the Community Development office or call 715-421-8228. Program Guidelines Rapids Rediscovered Application |
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