City of Wisconsin Rapids announces leashcutting ceremony for new dog park

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