MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) — Marshfield’s new aquatic center should open about a month from now.
That’s according to city Parks-and-Recreation Director Justin Casperson. Casperson told the Common Council Tuesday evening that they’re targeting a July 16th or 23rd opening for the new Vandehey Waters—but a nationwide plaster shortage is holding things up.
“It’s not that the plaster is delaying us, but we know there’s a shortage. And our supplier has told us it’d be here two weeks ago, and last week, and the week after. So we’re going to wait and keep shopping around, keep finding it. As soon as we have it on site then we’ll make plans from there. So that’s probably the only box that’s not checked at this point.”
And while construction is not exactly on time, Casperson said the project is within budget. But the city is still accepting donations for the project. “We’re still accepting fundraising and we still accept funds and we’re still getting them. We just had a large donation of $5,000 for the sound system a couple of weeks ago.
“That individual knew they couldn’t be recognized because the signs are already done. But they said they weren’t doing it for their name to be on a plaque. It was to give to the project. So we still can recognize people, it might just be a little more creative.”
Casperson also noted the tiling is happening inside the pool right now. He also said the perimeter fencing is being installed this week, and lots of amenities are starting to arrive on site. “The donors signs and pavers will be installed hopefully this week, hopefully Thursday. The sound system for the place will go in on Monday. And the concessions equipment is scheduled to be delivered and installed on Thursday.”
Casperson also said light poles went up last week, concrete walks, and the pool deck went in this week. Ground was broken last July for the new facility, on the same site as the former Hefko Pool, which disappeared from the city’s landscape last August, after 86 years of use.
