Second Street Community Center leak forces possible excavation; staff to seek council funding

Justin Caspersen, Marshfield Parks and Recreation director, told the Common Council on Aug. 26 that staff and multiple city contractors have been unable to locate the source of a persistent water leak in the basement of the Second Street Community Center.

"We probably exhausted all resources and now have to take next steps," Caspersen said. "We're probably gonna have to come to the council for some sort of budget resolution to identify a funding source."

Caspersen described the steps taken so far: rerouting and pressure‑testing interior water lines, shutting off the building water twice (including fire‑suppression mains), and contracting leak‑detection work with Marshfield Utilities. Tests and water samples did not show a city source or storm‑sewer infiltration, he said.

Because the building has solid block basement walls and was built in the 1950s with a 1960s remodel, Caspersen said staff may need to excavate basement walls and floors in a targeted, stepwise “treasure hunt” approach to find the leak. He estimated the work could cost "up to 10 to $20,000 depending on the magnitude," and said staff will begin with a small area (one bathroom) to limit disruption.

Caspersen invited council members to inspect the site and said staff will contact the council with a formal funding request if excavation is required.

Ending: The report was delivered as a staff update; council took the information under advisement and no formal appropriation was made at the meeting.