Riverlife Park in Wausau. Image courtesy: WAOW TV
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — Two groups are vying for the rights to run the concessions stand in Wausau’s Riverlife Park starting this summer.
Wausau and Marathon County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director Jamie Polley says both groups are proposing ice cream treats and other foods, along with their own twists. “[One calls for] entertainment, maybe some live music, and other events. The other proposal [includes] a phase that would bring kayak rentals or other items people can use along the riverfront.”
One of the proposals also includes a charitable aspect that would allow local non-profits to receive a small percentage of each ice cream sold, which Polley called a “community aspect.”
Both groups, led by Juan Antonio Casarrabias and Dylan Alwin, provided the Parks and Rec Committee with an overview of their visions during Monday’s meeting. No decision was made, but the committee was presented with copies of each proposal and will take the next two weeks to digest them before a possible decision in February. Evaluation criteria include the ability to successfully operate the stand, the scope and appropriateness of services provided, proposed operating months, and the proposed lease price and duration.
The lease for the stand was originally held by local ice cream chain Briq’s, though they chose not to renew their lease for 2025. A local group was selected to provide ice cream and pizza out of the stand, but they backed out at the last minute due to a family emergency.
The city later selected Weston’s Pho Zone to provide both hot and cold food and beverages from the stand last July and August.
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Polley says information about the proposals was not included in Monday’s agenda packet because aspects of the RFP remain negotiable, including the length of the lease. The recommended proposal will be released before the full council takes up the suggestion, which could happen as soon as late February.
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