Jeremy Ratliff
Reporter
Just eight months after the wheels for a new municipal Aquatic Center began to turn, city officials along with area business owners, gathered at the MARC on Wednesday afternoon for the official ground breaking of the Aquatic Center.
Throughout the process, the identity of the donor, who stepped forward last fall with the $4 million donation which helped make an idea a reality, was kept a well guarded secret.
During Wednesday’s ceremony, the donor was identified as the Bierman Family Foundation, represented by Rick Bliese, Jim Harrington and Sally Baade.
“Jane and Carl Bierman dedicated their adult lives to the city of Merrill,” Bliese stated. “This is a continuing reflection of their dedication to their community.”
Parks and Rec director Dan Wendorf stated the donation was the largest single donation in city history.
Others in attendance on Wednesday were Fire Chief Dave Savone along with members of the Merrill Fire Department, members of the Merrill Common Council and representatives from Miron Construction, the chosen contractor to complete the project.