Athletic Park. Image courtesy: Wausau Woodchucks
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) – The Wausau Woodchucks and the Wausau City Council continued discussions last night about the city’s long-term parking plan for fans attending games at Athletic Park.
The council had the option of going into closed session to further discuss the issue, but they chose to vote on the amendment in open session. The amendment was unanimously approved, and it is now up to the city to determine when work on the project will officially begin.
Mark MacDonald, owner of the Woodchucks, spoke at a City Council meeting back in December, expressing frustration with the city’s slow pace in providing at least 150 parking spaces within.125 miles of Athletic Park by December 31st of last year.
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This season, fans will still be able to use temporary parking areas. Parking lots at the former Great Lakes Cheese site on the north side of E Wausau Ave and Wausau Chemical on the south side of E Wausau Ave are among the temporary parking spots.
Community Development Director Elizabeth Brodek discussed where the city is currently at with the project and what Athletic Park means to the community, saying, “We’re incredibly grateful for the investment that has made it such a destination. It is one of the nicest stadiums in the country, and I think having it in a neighborhood is part of its charm but also part of the challenge of finding parking for the people. We’re moving forward with it the best way we can, and we really appreciate the community’s cooperation and Mark’s understanding about everything.”
Before the meeting, Brodek said she expected a vote to happen last night, and despite the city’s slow-moving process, she looks forward to working further with MacDonald and his team to find a solution that is mutually beneficial for both parties.
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