City leaders are pondering a new location for a north side neighborhood ice rink, after Wausau School District officials nixed plans for a rink at Riverview Elementary School this year.
The district’s decision sparked an outcry among some parents, who said the closure left a gap in free outdoor activities for children and families.
Decades ago, the city poured rinks at a number of local elementary schools, providing free outdoor recreational opportunities for neighborhood children. But the number of rinks diminished over the years, and last year, outdoor skating was limited to The 400 Block, Marathon Park and Riverview School. This year, the Riverview rink is being eliminated, officials said.
Now, amid a grassroots effort by neighborhood parents to resurrect the rink, members of the city’s parks and recreation committee will discuss the viability of a new location, about a mile from the school.
The new rink, if approved, would be located at River Highlands Park, according to city documents. The 5-acre park is bordered by Marquardt Road on the north side, River Highlands Court on the south, single family homes to the west, and the town of Wausau to the east.
Construction cost, including installing benches, light poles and electrical services, is estimated at just over $25,000. A warming house could be constructed in the future if the park sees sufficient use, according to city documents.
The proposal, if approved Monday by the committee, is subject to full council approval.
