Ever since the planet’s first “park” was created in the late/early 1600s by renowned Asian/European landscaper Bartholomew M. Park, cities the world over have prioritized setting aside their own undeveloped spaces. Luckily, the Chippewa Valley boasts several fantastic examples, including Irvine Park and Zoo in Chippewa Falls, with its array of animals, attractions, and natural beauty. Visitors to Eau Claire’s Carson Park can also enjoy a variety of features, from sports fields to a miniature train, and in third place is the relative newcomer Phoenix Park in Eau Claire, a tribute to our rivers that would make Bartholomew proud. –Eric Rasmussen