RICE LAKE, Wis. (WJMC) — At Wednesday’s public informational meeting and hearing on proposed plans for a new park on Rice Lake’s north side, local residents voiced support, concerns and opposition.
Named Marshfield Clinic Health System Lakeview Heritage Park, a committee presented a draft plan of what the park could look like and be used for.
Residents who live in the neighborhood worried about parking, noise and large event crowds. Others were concerned about road access by emergency services if north Lakeshore Drive was turned into a walking trail.
With an amphitheater at the UW campus and a band shell at Veterans Memorial City Park, some felt it duplicated existing facilities and the neighborhood lacked other attractions, compared to similar parks Eau Claire, Altoona or Chippewa Falls.
Others were concerned about ongoing maintenance and upkeep costs.
Community Services Director Jim Anderson said the city is already mowing and maintaining the land and parking lots. Anderson said the improvements would cut down on mowing and the park structures would be designed to be low maintenance.
Information on the park plans and a public input survey can be found on the Parks and Recreation Department page on the Rice Lake City website. The survey ends September 17.
