Regular meetings of the Chippewa Falls Park Board are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6pm. The Park Board typically meets in the conference room on the second floor of City Hall, 30 W. Central St., Chippewa Falls. The public is always welcome to express their ideas or opinions on any pertinent matter. Visit the link below for a complete list of meeting agendas and minutes.
http://www.chippewafalls-wi.gov/your-government/
Greetings from your Director,
Welcome to the 2024 Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation and Forestry Fall & Winter Activity Guide. We are excited about this year as we are providing a variety of new and exciting Programs and Special Events for all ages!
Chippewa Falls is well known for its unique and beautiful park facilities. This is largely due to the support of the community and the commitment of our Mayor, City Council, and Park Board members. Additionally, we would like to thank all of the individuals, organizations, and businesses of the Chippewa Falls community that continue to generously donate time and money to make our community a better place to live and recreate. For that, we are extremely grateful. It is our goal as a department to provide superior programming that focuses on educational opportunities that emphasizes Active/ Healthy Habits and Social/Emotional Development. We are bringing in an array of Programs and Activities unlike anything the City of Chippewa Falls has seen. From Archery to Music and Soccer to our Junior Zoo Keeper program! We encourage your input, advice and/or comments to better serve your leisure needs. Please reach out to us with ideas regarding improvements and future opportunities that you would like to see in our community.
John Jimenez
OUR VISION
The Vision of the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department is to provide meaningful experiences that honor our historic and ever-growing community.
OUR MISSION
Our Mission is to meet and exceed our community’s expectations by maintaining clean, safe, and beautiful parks and facilities for all to enjoy for generations to come. By providing leisure and recreational activities, we will promote healthy habits and educational, social and emotional development
Employee Opportunities
Irvine Park
Park Maintenance (16+)
Aquatics
Lifeguards (15+)
Swim Instructor (16+)
Casper Park
Park Maintenance (16+)
Internships
Parks Admin (18+)
Welcome Center (18+)
Special Events Coordinator (18+)
Recreation
Rec Assistant (18+)
• Seasonal Programs
• Special Events
• Tournaments
Soccer Officials (14+)
Basketball Official (18+)
Softball Umpires (17+)
Apply Now!
Visit our website for full job descriptions on the positions listed above! We can’t wait for you to join our team! Search Parks and Rec / Seasonal Employment Opportunities.
http://chippewafalls-wi.gov/pr
Submit your application and resume to
John Jimenez, Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Director jjimenez@chippewafalls-wi.gov
Disclaimer of the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District
The Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District from time to time permits the distribution of information about appropriate non-commercial activities sponsored by organizations. The fact that this information is distributed through the Chippewa Falls Area School Unified School District does not mean or imply sponsorship of, or support of, the activity by the school system. Any problems related to the operation of the activity will be strictly between the participant and the sponsoring organization. Request for further information about the activity should be directed to the sponsoring organization
Parks &
Facilities
2024 Reservations will be accepted throughout the year, all reservations can be made a year in advance:
• Reservations can be made online at MyRec
• Reservations for facilities are all day reservations, 9am-9pm.
• The cost of your facility reservation must be paid in full within two weeks of making the reservation. An additional $25 key deposit (cash or check) is required upon pick-up of the key to your reserved facility prior to your event.
SPECIAL EVENTS: If your event contains any one or more of the following, you will need to call the Parks and Rec Office and complete a Special Event Application:
• Food or beverage sales (food trucks)
• Entry fees
• Putting up tents, amusement rides, or inflatables
• Fundraiser
• Will have 100+ attendees NON-PROFIT GROUPS: Special weekday rates apply. Call for pricing.
Community Garden
The Chippewa Falls Parks and Recreation Dept. and the University of Wisconsin Extension Chippewa County are offering community gardening in Chippewa Falls for the 2024 growing season.
12 X 24 plots - Marshall Park (Bridgewater Ave.)
Available for lease by individuals, households, or organizations.
Leasing plot fee: $20/city resident or $30/non-resident.
Applications are available to pick up at the UW-Extension: Chippewa County Office 711 Bridge St., Room 13. For more information call: 715-726-7950
Forestry Project
The Chippewa Falls Park Board and Department Staff is taking action to improve forest health within the lesser developed areas of Irvine Park. Immediate actions will include cutting and chemical treatment of invasive species and identification of unhealthy, over mature, and hazardous trees to be cut and removed in the future.
The target invasive plants include buckthorn, honeysuckle, and garlic mustard. These unwanted plants have become abundant and prevent regeneration of more desirable hardwood and pine trees. Without treatment, the desired park aesthetics and quality of wildlife habitat will be compromised. Work will commence in early July. Signs will be posted in areas subject to treatment
Trees will be identified for removal with orange paint. These trees will be safely cut, removed, and utilized by a professional logging company. All tree identification and the harvesting operation will be done in compliance with WDNR guidelines and principles of sustainable forest management. Many factors may influence the timing of this forest health operation, such as: weather, log market conditions, and the availability of logging contractors. All reasonable efforts will be made to minimize impact to park users. Safety is the highest priority.
The proposed actions are based on intensive plant surveys, the advice of forestry professionals, and careful consideration by the Park Board and Staff. Any funds generated from the sale of wood will be reinvested to Irvine Park for improvements. The maintenance and health of the forest as well as the safety and enjoyment of Staff and Park users is of the highest priority.
Hiking Trails Ski Trails Playground Splash Pad
Sand Volleyball
349 Acres Picnic Areas Pavilions/Shelters
Chippewa Falls businessman William Irvine, his firm, Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company, and L.C. Stanley established Irvine Park in 1906 through a generous donation of 165 acres of land. Since then, the size of Irvine Park has grown to 318 acres and is a recreational resource for the citizens of Chippewa Falls at every turn. Take time to explore and appreciate this beautiful park and all that it has to offer!
Take a short walk through Irvine Park, and you will find many areas with rich history:
• The Band Shell, designed in the 19th Century Romantic tradition and erected in 1924, stands as a memorial to “Our Soldiers and Sailors.” This popular site is used for summertime concerts and weddings.
• The historic Irvine Park Main Pavilion, built in 1908, is a great alternative for your reunions or large group gatherings. This pavilion can accommodate approximately 130-150 people for your events and comes with the use of the kitchenette behind the pavilion.
• The Sunny Valley Schoolhouse, built in 1903, and the Log Cabin, over 100 years old, are fine examples of our proud heritage. These sites are open in the summer to the public, but hours may vary.
• The Rumbly Bridge was erected in 1907 over Duncan Creek near the Park’s back entrance. The Rumbly Bridge is possibly the only remaining metal truss in Wisconsin specifically designed as an ornamental park bridge.
As you walk through the park, there is history at every turn.
Wildlife is abundant here at Irvine Park Zoo! We house a variety of birds and mammals from around the globe. Our picturesque duck pond has been treasured for generations. We are especially proud of our exhibits that house the Big Cats and American Black Bears. Watch them take a splash in their ponds and run through their waterfalls.
WELCOME CENTER
The Irvine Park Welcome Center provides a look at the parks rich history that was put together by UWEC History students in 2022. The Welcome Center is also proud to offer Olson’s Ice Cream and other treats! Admission is free but donations are appreciated
HOURS
ZOO: Dawn - Dusk
WELCOME CENTER: 11:00AM - 5:00PM
Chippewa Riverfront
Chippewa Riverfront is located along the river, below the dam, on the corner of S. Bridge Street and W. River Street. With Allen Park located across the street this area boasts a large amount of waterfront property and great views. The Riverfront officially opened June 2019 and many large events, including Chippewa Falls’ 150th Bash and the Sunday Night Concert Series were held here during its first year! This park allows for users of all types to enjoy it’s views, amenities, and many events to come in 2024!
This park was built to withstand floods that will happen from time to time being located so close to the river, however, we recommend using caution along the shore and in the park during high water times and all seasons.
Park Amenities:
• Multi-use trails for biking, walking, rollerblading, etc.
• Large amphitheater and 3 pavilions,
• Access for fishing along river bank
• Swinging Park benches
• Picnic Area
• Water fountain for viewing
• Restrooms
Park Rules:
• Hours: 4am - 11pm (except shore fishing or passing through on trails)
• Rollerblading, skateboarding, and biking are allowed on paved trails only no raised objects or steps
• Pets must remain on a 6 ft. leash at all times and be cleaned up after
• Alcohol consumption is allowed sunrise to sunset
• Keep the park clean
Welcome to Erickson Park!
Erickson Park, is a brand new park to the Chippewa Area that opened June 2019. Nestled on the south end of Glen Lock Lake, visitors can access the park from Ashley Lane off WI-124 or through Irvine Park via a footbridge connects Erickson both parks.
Erickson Park has many amenities for year-round nature enthusiasts and families including multi-use paved trails, picnic areas, small craft boat launch, and accessible fishing pier and kayak launch. Memories are waiting to be made at one of Chippewa Falls’ most beautiful parks! The accessibility of the park allows all users to utilize its amenities and trails and experience all that Erickson Park has to offer!
Pavilions (1 large, 2 small) will be available for the public to reserve during the 2024 season. To reserve any facility, please stop by the Parks & Rec Office or visit MyRec to request a reservation online.
Paved Hiking Trails
Picnic Area
Accessible Fishing Pier
Small Craft Boat Launch
Accessible Kayak Launch
Happy Tails Dog Park
Open Daily From Dawn to Dusk
The Little Squirt
The Fun Zone
TheLittleSquirt is a small fenced-in area for those smaller pups to play with friends of their own size. The shaded picnic area is great for humans too!
The Big Daddy
Perfect for medium to large breed dogs, The FunZoneis a fencedin area for dogs to play fetch or to stay a bit closer to their owner.
Permits
Daily Use Permit:
$3.00 (pay @ park)
Annual Permit:
$25/year – First dog
$5 per additional dog
Annual permits may be purchased at the Police Dept. or Parks & Rec Office in City Hall. You are required to complete the permit form that is available at either location or on the Happy Tails website listed below.
The Big Daddy is a large fenced-in area featuring a 1 mile track around the 60+ acres of land where dogs can roam offleash and owners exercise! Benches are available
Park Rules
Please visit Happy Tails website for a complete list of all Park Rules: https://www.happytailsdogpark.org/
Youth Activities
Babysitter Training
For anyone 11 years or older, you can become a Red Cross Certified Babysitter. Learn CPR, First Aid and other safety skills in this class. Min 5 participants
Date: January 18 (2025)
Location: Fire Station 1 Conference room, 1301 Chippewa Crossing Blvd
Registration: December 2 January 12
AGES: 11(+)
Fee: $60.00 $70.00
Lifeguard Recertification
For those who are already Lifeguard certified, this class will renew your certification while also giving you an opportunity to practice your skills. Min 5 participants
Date: January 25th (2025)
Location: Middle School Pool
Registration: December 2 January 12
AGES: 15(+)
Fee: $80.00 $90.00
Dodgeball
Ready, Aim, Dodgeball! Signed up today for our Youth Dodgeball/Topple the Towers at St. Charles. 45 minutes of fun for the kids afterschool!
Date: April 3-24
Location: St. Charles Borromeo
Registration: Feb 17 - Mar 23
Fee: $15.00 $20.00
4-
-11 5:45-6:30PM 6:45-7:30PM
Lifeguard Training
Learn how to become a lifeguard for anyone ages 15 years or older. This Red Cross certification will teach you how to be safe in and around the water. Participants will learn CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard skills! Min 5 students
Date: November 9, 16, 23
Location: Middle School Pool
Registration: September 30–October 27
Ages: 15(+)
Fee: $100.00 $120.00
First Aid, CPR, AED Training
This Red Cross class will give you confidence when conducting first aid and CPR. It will also give you a better understanding of how to use an AED. Two Classes will be offered. Min 4
Date: October 15 & October 22
Location: Fire Station 1 Conference room,1301 Chippewa Crossing Blvd
Registration: September 2-September 29
AGES: 13(+)
$55.00 $60.00
Rugby Camp
The Chippewa Valley Vipers Rugby Team are leading this amazing camp opportunity! Participants will learn the fundamentals of Flag Rugby through safe and hands on instruction.
Date:
Location: Casper Park
Registration: Ages: 10-14
Fee: FREE
TBD
Youth Activities
Fall Soccer
Youth soccer provides an opportunity for players to have fun playing the game with friends and build on their physical literacy skills: running, jumping, kicking, and teamwork. No experience required!
Teaching the basic fundamental skills of basketball; build basic basketball skills including: passing, shooting, dribbling, and movement on the court.
Date: January 4 - February 22 (2025)
Location: Stillson Elementary
Registration: Nov 11-Dec 15
Grades: 1st & 2nd
Sat mornings Games at 9:00AM & 10:45AM
Adult Activities
Pickleball Clinic
This intro to pickleball clinic will show beginners how to play the game. For young and old, Pickleball is for everyone. Learn the essentials of the game while having fun doing it.
Dates: August 12, 19, 26
Location: Buchanan Park
Registration: July 1—Aug 11th
Fee: $15.00 $25.00
First Aid/CPR/AED Training
This Red Cross class will give you confidence when conducting first aid and CPR. It will also give you a better understanding of how to use an AED. Two Classes will be offered. Min 4
Dates: October 15 & October 22
Location: Fire Station 1 Conference room 1301 Chippewa Crossing Blvd
Registration: September 2-September 29
AGES: 13(+)
Fee: $55.00 $65.00
Lifeguard Certification
Learn how to become a lifeguard for anyone ages 15 years or older. This Red Cross certification will teach you how to be safe in and around the water. Participants will learn CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard skills! Min 5
Date: November 9, 16, 23
Location: Middle School Pool
Registration: September 30-October 27
Ages: 15(+)
Fee: $100.00 $120.00
Pickleball Tournaments
Round robin to seed then, bracket style. First to 11- win by 1. Winner reports score of match. Tiebreakers will go as follows, head-to-head, lowest points allowed. Players will switch sides at point 6. Backup date for rain will be the following day on Sunday. The basketball court will be used to warm up for your match with portable nets and extra courts if necessary.
Pure Water Days- Men’s/Women’s
Divisions:
Women’s Intermediate (3.0-4.0),
Men’s Intermediate (3.0-4.0),
Men’s Advanced (4.0+)
Date: August 10
Location: Buchanan Park
Registration: July 1 - August 6
Fall Classic- Men’s/Mixed Doubles
Divisions:
Women’s Intermediate (3.0-4.0),
Men’s Intermediate (3.0-4.0),
Men’s Advanced (4.0+)
Date: October 5
Location: Buchanan Park
Registration: Aug 26 - October 1
Adult Activities
Women's Volleyball
Self-officiated volleyball league for women ages 18(+) ending with a playoffs tournament at the end of the season. All games will be played at the Chippewa Falls Middle School. 13 team cap.
Date: November 5 - March 25
Location: CFMS
Registration Deadline: Aug 8 - October 20
Ages: 18(+)
Team Fee: $200.00
Tuesday Nights
6:30PM, 7:30PM, 8:30PM
Dodgeball League
5 v 5 Dodgeball league for any participant 18+. Round robin league that would culminate in a playoffs tournament at the end of the season. 9 team cap.
Dates: January 9th - March 27th
Registration: Nov 25th—Dec 22nd
Ages: 18(+)
Team Fee: $75.00
Thursday Nights
6:30PM, 7:30PM, 8:30PM
Men’s Basketball
Officiated basketball league for men ages 18(+). Join a competitive or recreational league team and end the season with a tournament! 13 team cap.
Join us for the 12th Annual Run for the Lights 5K and 1 Mile Walk! Participants take a stroll or run through Irvine Park, finishing as the Christmas Village lights up for the season! Proceeds go to support the Christmas Village and allow for expansion yearly!
More information will be posted on our website and Facebook page.
Register online or complete a form to submit in the Parks & Rec office or via mail.
http://www.chippewafalls
2024 Open: Thanksgiving Night - New Year’s Day
Visit Irvine Park during the holiday season to experience the largest holiday light display in the Chippewa area! The Christmas Village operates on donations so please consider supporting the Christmas Village.
We would love to open our historic Sunny Valley School House more often, but this means we need your help! People who volunteer for this will oversee the opening and closing of the facility as park guests are able to step back in time and learn about the history of the Sunny Valley School House. We plan to be open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. If you are interested please contact us at (715) 723-0051
Welcome Center
Our new Welcome Center Exhibit takes our guests through the rich history of Irvine Park! We are looking for individuals that have a passion for the communities historic Irvine Park! Those interested will be answering general questions about the park and providing our guest with a memorable experience. If you are interested please contact us at (715) 723-0051
Disc Golf
Our brand new Leinenkugel’s Disc Golf course will be entering it’s second year and we are excited to continue to provide the community with a new and fun healthy habit! Our volunteers will play a major part in supporting the maintenance of the pathways by clearing brush, mowing, trimming, and beautifying the course! If you are interested please contact us at (715) 723-0051
Irvine Park is the home to some beautiful trails that lead you through the forest and by the creek. Our volunteers play an important part in helping us maintain them by picking up brush, grooming, and removing invasive species. If interested please contact us at (715) 723-0051
Run for the Lights
Run for the Lights is our annual 5k, 1mile run/ walk event to support the Christmas Village! We need volunteers to help with check in, provide directions for the participants, hand out water and more. Run for the Lights will take place on November 23. If you are interested please contact us at (715) 726-2773
Christmas Village
The Christmas Village will be entering it’s 37 year anniversary and each year we have hundreds of volunteers help us set up and break down this amazing event. This year we are looking to start setting up October 16. If you have never volunteered now is your chance! Take advantage of this opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate this special event. If you are interested please contact us at (715) 723-0051
Registration & Policies
Registration
In order to reserve/request a facility or register for an activity/camp you must create a MyRec account. All facility and program registrations are completed on MyRec.
chippewafallswi.myrec.com
Parent & Guardian
Watching our children participate , grow and learn new skills during our activities can be a very rewarding experience. We ask that all parents and guardians please act accordingly and maintain a positive and respectful attitude when watching your child/ren participate in any activity. Remember it is about them, not you.
Lost and Found Items
If a reservation is cancelled, a full refund will be issued upon a 6 month notice from the date of the reservation. Half of the reservation fee is refundable upon a 60 days notice from the date of the reservation. NO refund will be processed for a cancellation within 2 months of the scheduled reservation. Any processing fees are ineligible for refunds.
Program Refunds
A full refund can be issued during the registration period. Half of the program fee will be refunded after registration ends. NO refund will be processed after the program begins.
Refunds WILL be issued if programs are cancelled or there are changes to the original schedule and you can no longer participate.
Refunds WILL NOT be issued if the child is not placed with their desired coach/team/ teammates. Any processing fees are ineligible for refunds.
Refunds WILL NOT be issued for Adult League team or individual fees or tournament registra-
Facility Refunds Activity Cancellations
A minimum number of students are required before a class can be offered. The Parks and Rec Department reserves the right to cancel a class or make schedule changes when enrollment numbers do not reach the minimum.
Our Parks Maintenance staff does their best to collect any lost items that they are made aware of or discover during their shifts. We can not guarantee that your item/s will be found or turned in. If you lose something please contact our main office at (715) 723-0051.
Youth Scholarships
We believe all children should have an equal opportunity to participate in our programs and activities. This is why we offer scholarships for families that are facing financial hardships. For more information please contact our main office at (715) 723-0051
Refuse
No person or group shall bring in, dump or deposit any bottles, broken glass, paper, boxes, cans, dirt, rubbish, waste, garbage, or refuse or other trash in any Park or ball field or leave any such materials therein except in receptacles provided for this purpose.
No refuse or trash shall be placed in any waters or on the ice thereof in or contiguous to any Park, but shall be placed in proper receptacles. Charcoal residue is to be left in the fireplace or grill or placed in a charcoal disposal container when provided.
Non City Resident
A non-resident is considered anyone who lives outside of the City limits (i.e., township/county). All non-resident participants will have an adjusted enrollment fee for our programs, activities and tournaments.
Where receptacles for rubbish are not provided, all waste shall be carried away from the Park by the person responsible for its presence.
Memorials & Donations
The Parks, Recreation and Forestry Department has a variety of opportunities for donations. We are always accepting donations as we seek to continue to improve and upkeep our Parks and Recreation facilities and programs. Thank you for your consideration and generosity in giving towards our parks department. We couldn't do it without your support! If you have questions on how donations are used please contact us at (715) 723-0051
Memorial bricks are available for purchase and are placed in Irvine Park near the zoo.
4” x 8” brick for $150 (3 lines text)
8” x 8” brick for $225 (4 lines text) Each line includes up to 12 characters, including spaces and punctuation.
Order forms are available online or in the Parks & Rec Office.
Orders are fulfilled by the Friends of Irvine Park Zoo.
If you are interested in donating to one of our endowment funds listed below please follow the link to the Community Foundation of Chippewa County.
William Irvine Endowment Fund
Irvine Park Endowment Fund
Parks, Recreation and Forestry Endowment Fund
For Good. Forever. | Community Foundation of Chippewa County (yourlegacyforever.org)
Any questions regarding the above listed endowments please contact the Community Foundation of Chippewa County COMMUNITY
Big thank you to our Sponsors and Partners!!
Jeff Flagg Office
REGISTERING PARENT/GUARDIAN (Please print neatly and fill out completely)
LAST NAME: FIRST NAME:
ADDRESS: UNIT/APT. #
CITY, STATE, ZIP:
CELL PHONE: OTHER PHONE:
EMAIL ADDRESS (primary communication for Parks & Rec):
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THE CONCUSSION AGREEMENT FORM.
⃝ YES ⃝ NO (NOT ABLE TO PARTICIPATE) CONCUSSION INFORMATION: http://www.chippewafalls-wi.gov/home/showdocument?id=1223
I UNDERSTAND THAT PARTICIPATION IN PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS INVOLVES AN ELEMENT OF RISK OR DANGER FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS AND MAY CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY, DEATH, OR PROPERTY LOSS. I AGREE TO ASSUME THESE RISKS FOR MY FAMILY AND RELEASE THE CITY OF CHIPPEWA FALLS, ITS EMPLOYEES, AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS FROM ANY LIABILITY FOR INJURIES AND DAMAGES SUSTAINED WHLE PARTICIPATING IN THESE PROGRAMS.
