MARSHFIELD — After a lengthy planning and construction process that began in January 2025, Marshfield’s new Griese Park playground is finally nearing completion.
The Forward Fun Zone at Griese Park will officially open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 18, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The grand opening will feature music by DJ Bob Haley, a variety of food trucks and family-friendly activities, giving residents an opportunity to celebrate the completion of the community’s newest playground.
Community members will also have the opportunity to support two local organizations through donation drives.
Copper Paws Rescue will be accepting donations of dog food, treats, pet supplies and cleaning supplies. Several rescue dogs and puppies will also be on site during the event.
The United Way Nutrition on Weekends program will be collecting peanut butter, jelly or jam, and cereal to help provide meals for local children.
Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the playground will officially be turned over to the Marshfield Parks and Recreation Department.
The ceremony will be conducted by the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
The project was spearheaded by Abby Meyer, Bill Thomas, Connie Michalski and Lindsey Safford.
Meyer and Safford said they were challenged to develop a Leadership Marshfield project and ultimately decided they wanted to create something that would benefit local children for years to come.
“The old Griese Park is 26 years old and was also a Leadership Marshfield project back in 2000 and 2001,” Safford said. “It’s made entirely of wood, so it’s falling apart. It requires a lot of maintenance, and it’s just deteriorating pretty badly.”
Once completed, the Forward Fun Zone will become the largest playground in the City of Marshfield.
The playground was designed with accessibility in mind, allowing children of all abilities to enjoy the equipment.
“There will be two 50-foot zip lines, and one will have an ADA seat so children can be transferred onto it and enjoy that experience as well,” Safford said.
According to Safford, the playground will also include a fenced play area for children ages two to five, multiple swing sets, a large play structure with slides and climbing features and several other interactive play elements.
A poured concrete picnic area with picnic tables will provide space for birthday parties, family gatherings and other community events.
The approximately $800,000 project was made possible through donations from numerous businesses, organizations and community partners.
Forward Bank, the playground’s naming sponsor, was among the project’s largest contributors.
Additional sponsors include Marshfield Utilities, Staab Construction, Bentz Chiropractic, Simplicity Credit Union, Rotary Club of Marshfield, A&B Process Systems, Lifescape Wealth, First State Bank, Kiwanis, WHO (Women Helping Others) and many other local businesses and organizations.
For more information about the Aug. 18 grand opening, construction updates or a complete list of sponsors, visit the Griese Park Playground Renovation – Forward Fun Zone Facebook page.
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