STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — Stevens Point Mayor Mike Wiza and others were on hand Wednesday to reveal the first of what they hope will become many new riverfront attractions in the city.
“We took a normal street light, one of our historic-looking streetlights, and [personified] it,” said Wiza. “And by personified it, I mean [we made] it look like a person.”
Wiza says if the idea takes off it could be another attraction that sets the city apart from others to pique the interest of tourists, or surprise life-long residents.
The light revealed on Wednesday was funded through proceeds that Wiza won through the River Cities Mayor’s Art Challenge. He also credits Andy Vollert (fabricator) and Don Rasmussen (powder coating) for donating their skills to help make the light possible.
He says anyone with ideas on how to raise funds for more lights in the area should reach out to City Hall.
He adds that there’s no shortage of ideas. Some residents have already suggested that future lights be shaped to look like a fly fisherman or a dragon.
Wiza says the light was temporarily lit on Wednesday but the power will remain shut off until next spring. The city is looking at programmable LED lights that could allow it to be lit in different colors to signify different events or times of the year.
A new bench will also be installed near the light next spring.
