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Commission reviews Ace leadership ribbon-cutting, activity guide, swim club and zoo playground updates
Summary
Staff reported the Ace leadership project is complete and a ribbon-cutting is being scheduled; the winter/spring activity guide is published, swim club counts (48 swimmers) and a Kraken meet on Jan. 24 were announced, and staff described recent playground installation at the zoo with DNR and Madison Zoo support.
Staff reported multiple program and facilities updates at the local commission meeting in Wisconsin Rapids.
Dawn DeSorcey, a staff member, said the winter/spring activity guide is complete and described switching production from Publisher to Canva. She announced registration for T-ball and coach-pitch will start in March and said the swim club currently has 48 swimmers — about 42 full-season and six partial-season participants — with a Kraken home meet scheduled for Jan. 24. DeSorcey also said the warming house has been open intermittently since Dec. 19 and that a Santa visit occurred on Dec. 17.
On capital and facilities projects, a staff member reported the zoo playground installation was completed when ground conditions allowed and that staff have funds to install a resilient surfacing (described as a 'squishy surface') beneath swings and slides. The speaker said the river otter program has benefited from partnerships with the Madison Zoo and the Department of Natural Resources, including occasional support for fish stocking.
Commissioners discussed signage and QR-code options to promote donations and information at facilities and noted Helen's House was rented six times in December, indicating increased demand for that rental space. Commissioners also discussed reaching out to local contractors (Nakusa) for additional benches and to volunteer groups for construction help.
A commission member said the Ace leadership project is complete and indicated a ribbon-cutting with the Chamber of Commerce is being planned "this coming Friday, the sixteenth," though a time was not yet confirmed. Staff printed photos and will publicize the event once details are finalized.
No new budget appropriations or ordinances were adopted during these reports. Staff will follow up with dates for events and provide cost estimates or vendor quotes where relevant.
