By David Murchland - Marshfield Now! MARSHFIELD, WI — A new destination for children and families is officially opening its doors in Marshfield as the community celebrates the completion of the Forward Fun Zone at Griese Park. A grand opening and ribbon-cutting celebration for the new approximately 25,000-square-foot inclusive playground is being held Tuesday, August 18, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Griese Park. The Forward Fun Zone was developed from a Leadership Marshfield community project with the goal of replacing the park’s aging playground and creating a larger, more inclusive play space where children of different ages and abilities can play together. The new playground includes separate play areas designed for younger and older children, along with climbing structures, slides, obstacle-course features, swings, two 50-foot ziplines and a GaGa ball pit. The project also includes sidewalks, seating and shade structures to make the area more accessible and comfortable for families. Forward Bank holds the naming rights to the playground, leading to the Forward Fun Zone name, which was formally accepted by the City of Marshfield’s Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee in 2025. The project has been a major community effort. Leadership Marshfield volunteers helped lead the initiative, while businesses, organizations and individuals throughout the area contributed funding and support. By the project's groundbreaking in June 2025, organizers reported raising approximately $610,000. Tuesday’s grand opening provides an opportunity to recognize the donors, volunteers, businesses and contractors who helped turn the project from an idea into a completed community playground. The celebration is scheduled to include the official ribbon cutting along with music, food and beverage trucks and other activities. With the completion of the Forward Fun Zone, Griese Park gains a new recreational centerpiece designed to serve Marshfield-area families for years to come. Marshfield Broadcasting will be on location for the grand opening and will bring viewers coverage of the celebration on Marshfield Now!