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Wausau Finance Committee Approves Operators of Sawmill Mini Golf to Take Over Riverlife Park Concessions

Thursday, February 12th, 2026 -- 8:01 AM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) Operators of  Sawmill Mini Golf LLC have officially been given the go-ahead to take over the Riverlife Park Concessions stand in Wausau.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, discussion started in the Finance Committee, where Alders agreed that the deal isn’t perfect. But it does provide the service that they are looking for.

“The RFP’s didn’t necessarily tick all of the boxes that we wanted, but we want somebody down there,” said Sarah Watson. “We think that this project sort of fits that vision.”

The proposal includes $5,700 in annual lease payments to the city for 2026 and 2027, staggered based on the area’s busy season. Rates will range from $1,000 in June, July, and August to $100 for November through April.

A 3% annual increase would apply for 2028 and beyond. City and County Parks, Recreation, and Forestry director Jamie Polley noted that the average utility cost for the building is about $900 per month.

Committee Chair Michael Martens said in a perfect world, the city would make that back off the lease, but he knows that “Government is not in the business of making a profit.

“I agree with Alder Watson, this is an important part of our community, and there will be multiplier effects [from having] an active business in the area,” said Martens.

“The dollars and cents might not be ideal; it might not totally make ends meet. But it will draw customers [to the park], and it will be good for the community,” added Watson.

The Finance Committee unanimously approved the lease agreement during Tuesday’s meeting. The full council then approved the agreement 10-0, with one Alder absent. Local ice cream chain Briq’s had operated the stand but decided not to renew the lease in 2025.

City leaders then turned to Weston’s Pho Zone, which provided both hot and cold food and beverages from the stand for July and August.

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