Spring Break
Over the river and through the woods
Eau Claire boasts abundant number of parks, trails, recreation activities
Breann Schossow
Issue date: 11/3/08 Section: Showcase
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Off-campus parks
There are two factors that make the parks and trails in Eau Claire what they are.
"I've come to understand that the history of this community has been that it has had a healthy park and recreation department," Park Maintenance Supervisor Dave Bohlinger said. "I think there's been a community value that has kept it that way since I came here 30 years ago."
Bohlinger said that he and one other supervisor maintain all the parks and recreation in Eau Claire as well as run all management. They manage all park and recreation facilities in the city and direct staff and maintenance.
The park and recreation department also plays a role in the Eau Claire community.
"We are the community," Bohlinger said. "When we think about our positions, we think of ourselves as not so much city employees, but community employees."
He added he thinks hehas the most rewarding job in the city of Eau Claire.
The popularity of each park depends on the needs of the people, he said. The best part of the system is the parks here are diverse. Using surveys and public input, the department tries to be sensitive to the needs of community, which change constantly.
Bohlinger said he sees more people getting in touch with nature than ever before and more use of the environment passively. The typical image of parks is changing as well.
"I think for us, for many years, it was mowed blue grass with varying amenities whether it's a bench, a picnic table, a grill, playground
equipment," he said. "But it's a lot more than that for many people."
Bohlinger said they take this into consideration. He said his favorite part of the parks is the bike trails. One thing he values the most about them is that they have no economic boundaries.
"It doesn't matter how much you make, you can have a wheelchair, you can have a stroller, you can have rollerblades; you can use it as a shortcut to your destination," he said. Trails can be used as recreation and for exercise as well, he added.
Students also use the trails, especially in Owen Park, Bohlinger said. The highest use of the trail is by students and over the past three months, the average attendance has been 18,000 people.
"We're astounded at what we're seeing for numbers there," he said.
Junior Gina Dahl said some of the best recreational opportunities in the city are the paths around the Eau Claire area.
"It's amazing how many different ways they (the paths) all lead out," she said.
The trails and park can be used year-round, Bohlinger said.
For users of the park and recreation system, there are winter opportunities as well. There are groomed cross-country trails available and eight ice skating sites.
On-campus recreation
The university offers a variety of recreational opportunities for students. One example of this is intramurals.
Dahl said she thinks Eau Claire has one of the best programs in the state for recreation. It also has the best amount of people participating in activities outside.
She participates in several intramurals, including indoor and beach volleyball, soccer and basketball.
Dahl said she decided to play intramurals because she thought it would be good activity to do with friends and is a fun way to meet different people.
"I think that everyone should try to take advantage of them … I think a lot of people aren't aware of all the great opportunities Eau Claire has for recreation," Dahl said.
"If you walk outside the dorms, there is always people playing Frisbee or different other sports … I think that's really awesome," she said.
Dahl added she thinks more people should take advantage of recreation activities because they are a great way to stay in shape and relieve stress, as well as positive social aspects.
"I very strongly believe that different athletics and just recreation in general ... is a great way to improve your health and enjoyment," she said.
Vicki Reed, Interim Director of University Recreation and Sports Facilities, said intramurals and activities such as disc golf are all part of the recreational program.
There is also a full resource center that offers students the opportunity to rent an array of equipment and other necessities, she said.
The equipment includes backpacking and hiking equipment, as well as canoes, snowshoes, fishing equipment and maps.
"Almost anything a student would want to experiment with or try for the outdoors, we've got the resources right here or the connections to be able to get to these sources for students," Reed said.
Other opportunities
Reed said in addition to activities on-campus, trips to off-campus locations are offered as well. The Environmental Adventure Center, which is a part of the URSF, organizes and runs these trips.
Several trips at the beginning of this semester included a sea kayaking trip at the Apostle Islands and a backpacking trip in Michigan, among others. URSF is also involved in CUBE fest at the beginning of each semester.
Reed said that she would like to see more students take advantage of the recreational activities on campus. There are a variety of options for students on and off-campus, including the outdoor trips, the ropes course, climbing wall and aerobics classes.
The walking trails along the river and through Putnam Park are not managed by URSF, Reed said, but are a great resource for students to find beautiful, quiet time.
In the future, Reed said, they are planning several trips to the Mall of America, sports games and a downhill skiing trip to Denver over winter break.
"We welcome all students and faculty/staff to participate in our programs," Reed said. She added that if people have suggestions for other activities, URSF is more than willing to consider it.
Dahl said she thinks Eau Claire has a good system for recreation.
"Eau Claire is based in a very beautiful community," she said. "There are so many different things to get involved with."
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