THE PLANE, THE PLANE! Aviation-themed park in the works

Organizers working on a revamp of Alexander Park say they’re ready to start raising funds for a rebuild that will reflect the history of aviation in Wausau.

A committee of the Southeast Side Neighborhood Group has been working for a year to develop the park adjacent to the Wausau Downtown Airport. Plans include an airport-themed playground and relocating to the park an A-7 Corsair, currently located at the VFW building on River Drive. The Corsair is a combat plane commonly used by U.S. Navy pilots during the Vietnam War.

Organizer Joan Jackson says the group currently has $37,500 but will need much more than that to see the project come to fruition. Fundraising included collecting donations at the Balloon Rally and Rib Fest this past weekend, and in October the group will host a 5k Run the Runway run/walk. The goal is to have a grand opening celebration at next year’s Balloon Rally and Rib Fest.

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