Wausau Considers Purchase of Land for Future Neighborhood Park

Wausau officials are considering whether to acquire roughly three acres of Marathon County-owned land on the city’s west side for a future neighborhood park.

The Wausau Parks and Recreation Committee will discuss the proposal Monday evening. The property is located near 28th Avenue in the Kraimer’s Addition neighborhood and was originally designated as a private park when the neighborhood was developed. Marathon County acquired the property and several surrounding parcels in 2006 in anticipation of a future roadway project. That project is no longer planned, and the county has approached the city about acquiring the land. If Wausau moves forward, city officials could eventually consider amenities such as a neighborhood playground and other recreational features.

The site does have some challenges. City staff say the property contains significant rock and bedrock formations that could make development more difficult and potentially require additional fill for structures.

The city’s Park Dedication Fund currently contains about $536,600. Those funds can be used to acquire park land or develop new park facilities.