MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) — A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a new park facility in Marshfield on Wednesday.
Marshfield’s new outdoor aquatic center will be known as Vandehey Waters. The name was unveiled on Wednesday afternoon, during groundbreaking ceremonies for the new facility.
Jon Vandehey and his wife Annette have donated more than one million dollars to the construction of the aquatic center, in memory and honor of Jon’s parents Frank and Patricia Vandehey. “Hefko Pool was a big part of our life and summers. So when we saw the opportunity in February.
“We saw a notice that there was a chance the pool was going to be delayed another year. And although the timing wasn’t probably the most oportune with what was going on in the world, but we just decided to step forward and make a donation.”
Stacey Schultz is handling the project donations at the Marshfield Area Community Foundation and said the Vandehey contribution is one of many that will make the aquatic center a reality.
“Since then we’ve had 200 additonal people walk through the door, or call, or send in a donation to show their support of our community. And it really is a testament to our community and how much we want to see the best for not only now but in the future generation.”
As he showed off his 40-year-old season pass for Hefko Pool, Alderman Tom Witzel drew comparisons between a pool facility built in the early 1930s and a state-of-the-art aquatic center that will serve multiple generations and children of all ages.
“Now as we’re breaking ground on this new aquatic center, Vandehey Waters. I’m struck that once again during a time when so many our struggling through a pandemic, that we are providing a light. This exciting development that will provide so much enjoyment for our community.”
City Parks-and-Recreation Director Justin Casperson said bids for the project will be awarded in the next 30 days, and work will start soon after that, with completion set for next summer, on the same site as Hefko Pool, which the city decided to close this summer to bump up the new aquatic center’s construction.
