A MESSAGE FROM THE WISCONSIN RAPIDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT

Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools completed an assessment of their existing athletics facilities. The study showed that improvements would not only help with school district programming but also community user groups’ programming. The project’s focus includes collaborating with the community user groups and other schools by creating a local economic impact and a plan for sustainability. Community user group involvement in planning for this project has been in the works for several years.

Due to an extremely generous grant from the Legacy Foundation, in kind contributions, and monetary donations, this project is moving forward with an anticipated ground breaking date of 4/1/2021. The project includes two baseball diamonds, two softball diamonds and a concession stand/restrooms (quadplex).

Estimated construction costs of the Baseball/Softball quadplex and associated facilities is around $6.8 million with a significant portion of that amount already covered by the Legacy Foundation grant as well as in-kind contributions. This project is to be funded almost entirely through the Legacy Foundation grant, in-kind contributions, and additional monetary donations including naming rights opportunities. The District, with the assistance of the Legacy Foundation, invested around $20,000.00 for the site preparation and plan development. **Project limits are outlined below in red on the “Athletic Campus Master Plan”.

There is also a significant need for the District to replace its existing track due to its age and condition; the track itself is over 20 years old and is rapidly nearing the end of its usable life. The Board of Education will be evaluating and considering bids in the near future to have the track reconstructed.

In discussing the LHS grounds, quadplex development, and track through community conversations, a very generous donor has approached the District with a matching grant opportunity to turf the football field while the track is being reconstructed. This donation will almost certainly ensure that South Wood County stadium includes a newly reconstructed track as well as a turf football/soccer field in the near future.

Estimated costs of adding turf to SWC 2000 stadium is $1 million with approximately one half of that covered through the matching donation referenced.  District contributions for this project will be limited to the track reconstruction as the track has to be redone as it is near the end of its usable life. The District has had plans to reconstruct the track prior to being approached about adding turf to the football field. **Project limits are outlined below in yellow on the “Athletic Campus Master Plan”.

Wisconsin Rapids Public Schools will continue to be a pillar of stability in our community as it owns, maintains and manages the facility for all to enjoy.

A fundraising capital campaign is in progress to cover costs to meet project goals. All members of the community are welcome to participate through a variety of opportunities to donate. Donation recognition will be acknowledged through naming right opportunities and various donor levels. **Below is a current overview of funding for the Baseball/Softball Quadplex and SWC 2000 Stadium.

For more information on how you can support the Lincoln High School Athletic Facilities development, please click the blinking “pledge form” buttons below or reach out to one of District/fundraising group contacts!

Craig G. Broeren | Superintendent