WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – Wausau has taken the first step toward designating the 400 block as a park.

The city's park and recreation committee approved changing the space from public right-of-way to a park Monday night. City staff will come up with a package of ordinance changes and other rules that would apply specifically to the park. The City Council could finalize the changes before the summer event season on the block starts in June.

The changes would help city leaders decide exactly who would pay for maintenance costs and other expenses on the block. Wausau Area Events, which uses the block for summer concerts and other activities, would remain the major scheduler.

Residents could still bring and drink beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages during the popular Wednesday night concerts on the square.

“The reality is it should become much simpler...and make it better long term,” said committee chair Ed Gale.