Park design to reflect city’s history

By Kris Leonhardt

Editor

MARSHFIELD — During the March 30 meeting of Marshfield’s Economic Development Board, members approved the final design for the Wenzel Family Plaza.

The plans for Marshfield’s 200 block of Chestnut Avenue across from the city’s post office will include outdoor dining and seating areas, a performance stage, green space, and a water amenity.

“The water feature is kind of the central focal point of the entire plaza,” explained Jason Angell, Marshfield director of development services. “It has different spray nozzles currently designed within in it as well as some lighting elements.

“We are still working on some of the details as far as how that water will be activated because we want to be conscious as far as the quantity of the water that is being dispersed on a regular basis in that location, but at the same time it still has to be functioning and attractive as well.”

Angell said that components of the plaza design will reflect the rich train history that exists in the city of Marshfield.

“You’ll see the design elements that incorporate railroad ties for seating elements, maybe some railroad tracks that go along the walking areas. The arbor design looks like a railroad track as well, and then also the performance stage incorporates the design or the look of the railroad theme as well,” said Angell.

Other features for the plaza include charging hubs for electronic devices and bicycle parking.

An open house for the Wenzel Family Plaza final design will be held in the Common Council Chambers April 3 from 3-5 p.m.

The design will next go to the Board of Public Works before final approval from the common council.

The cost of the project is estimated at $1.3 million, most of which is provided through private funding. Work on the plaza is scheduled to begin this spring with completion planned for October 2017.