$3 Million Phase Two of Athletic Park Renovation Set To Start After 2015 Season

Wausau, WIS- Phase II of the Athletic Park Renovation has begun. Phase II will include a new Full-Service concession stand, a new group outing area and restrooms, and a complete renovation of the bleacher seating along the third base side of Athletic Park. 

The project will add more reserved seats with seat backs and cup holders, a larger and modern concession stand, a Group Outing Area  and new, larger restrooms.

Mark Macdonald, owner of the Wisconsin Woodchucks, stated that “Phase II will be a continuation of the renovation work that was completed on the Grandstand in 2014.  The project will retain the historical feel of Athletic Park, but with comfortable seating options, a state of the art concession facility and a Group Outing Area that will be a great option for entertaining clients, employees and friends.”

Macdonald went on to say, “This next renovation will create a cultural asset that will be the pride of the City of Wausau and Central Wisconsin.  It will be one of the most interesting and beautiful outdoor event venues in the State of Wisconsin and the Northwoods League.”

Construction started this week (August 17th) and be completed by the start of the 2016 season.  The Samuels Group will be the General Contractor on the project and it is expected that most of the supplies and labor will be supplied by companies located in Central Wisconsin. The $3.0 million project will be financed by the Woodchucks.

Mr. Macdonald stressed the importance of using local contractors and suppliers during Phase II renovations, saying “Economic models have shown that construction projects can have an approximate two times multiplier; implying that this project will bring an additional $6 million of spending to Central Wisconsin. The people of Central Wisconsin have been great supporters of the Woodchucks and I don’t want to see this money leaving Central Wisconsin.”   

Phase I construction saw over 50 different local companies supplying labor or materials on the project.   Over 50% of the Contractors and Suppliers came from Central Wisconsin with over 90% of them coming from Wisconsin. 

Since Macdonald purchased the team in 2012 he has invested over $6.5 million into the facility to ensure the Woodchucks will make Athletic Park their home for 30 more years. 

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