By Shereen Siewert
The Wisconsin Woodchucks on Monday announced a planned $1.5 million renovation for Athletic Park, the second phase in a multi-phase, privately-funded plan.
The renovation on the park’s first base side includes premium stadium seating, a new collegiate-quality dugout and two new concession stands. The new social seating area will be covered.
This is the fourth phase of renovations at Athletic Park, a project that began in August 2013. Collectively, the renovations aim to blend the historic aspects of the ballpark with modern amenities, according to a Wisconsin Woodchucks news release.
As part of the project, the Woodchucks are working in partnership with the city of Wausau to secure a new public parking lot for Woodchucks fans to use during games. Additionally, the Macdonald family will donate $119,000 to the city to replace existing outfield lighting with new, energy efficient lights. The lighting upgrade will create collegiate quality, energy efficient lighting with limited spill.
The Samuels Group will serve as general contractor on the project.
The renovation of Athletic Park and development of the Neighborhood Park is projected to begin at the conclusion of the Wisconsin Woodchucks 2020 season with completion for the 2021 season.
“All the renovations at Athletic Park have been with the goal of creating a valuable community asset,” said Wisconsin Woodchucks owner Mark Macdonald. “The renovated Athletic Park is a facility that is attractive to families and groups looking for a place to meet and socialize. Even the fans that are not big baseball fans can enjoy the new Athletic Park.”
