New Park on Glen Loch Officially Opens

Tom Giffey |

The newest recreational area in Chippewa Falls, Erickson Park, will officially open June 27 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5pm. The 15-acre park offers 400 feet of frontage on the southeast side of Glen Loch, across from the popular Irvine Park. While the land was donated to the city in 1990, only recently was a fundraising effort undertaken to transform the little-used park into a spot with facilities that offer shoreline fishing access to all people, regardless of their physical ability. Through private fundraising and grants, the city and a private group, Fish! Chippewa! Access for All!, were able to pay for the necessary developments. Amenities include a handicapped-accessible boardwalk and pier, a handicapped-accessible boat launch, a bike trail, and a bridge that connects Erickson and Irvine parks. Erickson Park isn’t the only new place to relax in Chippewa Falls: The city also celebrated the official opening of the just-completed Chippewa Riverfront Park on June 20.