CHIPPEWA FALLS IS KNOWN FOR ITS NATURAL BEAUTY. But do you know who cares for all that parkland and forested areas? Well, here they are, the City of Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department team, pictured above.

Fun fact: The City of Chippewa Falls is home to a total 526 acres of park and recreation land.

Follow-up fun fact: That acreage is taken care of by the six-person Parks, Recreation & Forestry Maintenance team. If you do some quick math, that’s about 87 acres charged to each  person. No biggie, right?

*Record scratch!*

The Maintenance team – Foreman Kevin Sweeney, Brian Anderson, Shane O'Connor, Zookeeper Cynthia Valentino, Assistant Zookeeper Micki Tompkins and Arborist Joe Wedemeyer  –  isn’t just focused on the greenery of the city, though. As Director John Jimenez pointed out, the crew plays a vital behind-the-scenes role in shaping nearly every outdoor space in Chippewa Falls, year-round.

“From the moment visitors step into a city park, stroll through a trail or visit the (Irvine Park) Zoo, the impact of this team’s work is immediately visible," Jimenez said. “Across the park system, maintenance crews handle everything from mowing and landscaping to repairing playground equipment, shelters and restrooms.”

Tack on urban forestry, care of the city’s athletic fields and seasonal projects, and it’s safe to say the Parks, Rec & Forestry Maintenance crew have more than enough going on to stay busy.

The three-person administrative team of the department – Director John Jimenez, Recreation Supervisor Mikinley Prafke, Administrative Assistant Ashley Leahy – serves as the organizational backbone, Jimenez said.

That responsibility includes departmental budget oversight, regulatory compliance management, licensing oversight with agencies including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, customer service, events and facilities coordination and more.

Beyond their overflowing plates of professional duties, these folks enjoy the same parks and places non-city staffers do, too. To that end, we asked each person to spill the beans on their personal favorite outdoors places or “hidden gem” picks.

Here’s the scoop from your friendly neighborhood Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department:

Kevin Sweeney

Role: Working foreman

Years with the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.: 20

What's the "hidden gem" of the parks, rec and forestry offerings?: "Community involvement helping to make parks, rec + forestry a better place to enjoy through volunteering for all." 

Your personal favorite outdoors place or activity in Chippewa County?: "Favorite activity is hunting and fishing." 

Ashley Leahy

Role: Administrative assistant

Years with the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.: 5

What's the "hidden gem" of the parks, rec and forestry offerings?: "As someone who grew up in Chippewa Falls, the city's history is a huge part of our community. Everywhere you look you will find a historical marker or something with historical meaning to the city. The Sunny Valley School House and Log Cabin is one of my favorite hidden gems, not only without our parks, but in Chippewa Falls. Being able to walk into a time capsule and immerse yourself in a whole other century makes history feel real and tangible." 

Your personal favorite outdoors place or activity in Chippewa County?: "Music at the Riverfront is my favorite outdoor activity in the summer. Music has always been a passion of mine, so enjoying good small-town music with other music lovers makes the experience special. And the food trucks there are always a hit." 

Mikinley Prafke

Role: Recreation supervisor

Years with the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.: 2

What's the "hidden gem" of the parks, rec and forestry offerings?: "Pop-up Park!" 

Your personal favorite outdoors place or activity in Chippewa County?: "Irvine Park Hiking Trail." 

Brian Anderson

Role: Maintenance

Years with the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.: 5

Your personal favorite outdoors place or activity in Chippewa County?: "Hunting & Fishing."

Joe Wedemeyer

Role: Arborist/maintenance

Years with the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.: 15

What's the "hidden gem" of the parks, rec and forestry offerings?: "Getting views high in trees on a regular basis that few people get to witness. It's a bird's view of the city! One of the benefits of being an arborist."

Your personal favorite outdoors place or activity in Chippewa County?: "Love doing land and habitat management on our 300-acre farm north of Cadott. It's therapeutic for me to help out our wildlife and plant trees in the outdoors."

Cynthia Valentino

Role: Zookeeper

Years with the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.: 12

What's the "hidden gem" of the parks, rec and forestry offerings?: "Our pasture animal zoo talks that also include lunch with the zookeeper."

Your personal favorite outdoors place or activity in Chippewa County?: "Hiking trails throughout the county & fishing multiple lakes." 

Micki Tompkins

Role: Assistant zookeeper

Years with the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.: 2.5

What's the "hidden gem" of the parks, rec and forestry offerings?: "Zoo Camp. I think after the program revamp last year the kids were more engaged and had more fun in the smaller group sizes."

Your personal favorite outdoors place or activity in Chippewa County?: "I like hiking the trail at the Wissota Reserve (Riverview)."

Shane O'Connor

Role: Maintenance

Years with the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.: 2

What's the "hidden gem" of the parks, rec and forestry offerings?: "Hiking trail along Glen Loch."

Your personal favorite outdoors place or activity in Chippewa County?: "Hiking & Fishing."

John Jimenez

Role: Department director

Years with the Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Dept.: 5

What's the "hidden gem" of the parks, rec and forestry offerings?: "This is a very difficult question, but if I had to pick one, the first that comes to mind is the Bluff Rapids Trail located at Irvine Park. This short trail provides a beautiful scenic path that has a natural rail with nice elevation changes. This trail truly encompasses the beauty of Irvine Park."

Your personal favorite outdoors place or activity in Chippewa County?: "Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls is my absolute favorite outdoor place. Irvine Park has played a central role in the city's identity for more than a century. Established in 1906 through land donations led by businessman William Irvine and local industry partners, the park marked a turning point in the city's commitment to public recreation and green space.

Historically, Irvine Park reflects the transition of Chippewa Falls from a logging-based economy to a more community-focused city. Built on land tied to the lumber industry, the park preserved natural landscapes while adding features like a zoo (begun in 1909), a bandshell, and historic buildings, making it both a recreational area and a living record of local heritage.

Socially and emotionally, the park continues to serve as a gathering place that strengthens community bonds. Events such as concerts, weddings, and the long-running Christmas Village – organized with the help of local volunteers and businesses – create shared traditions and foster civic pride. Residents often associate the park with childhood memories, family outings, and seasonal celebrations, giving it deep personal meaning.

Beyond events, Irvine Park provides everyday benefits: access to nature, space for recreation, and opportunities for relaxation. These features support mental well-being, encourage social interaction, and offer a sense of continuity between generations. Altogether, the park is not just a physical space but a lasting symbol of community identity, history, and quality of life in Chippewa Falls."

Learn more about the City of Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation & Forestry Department online. Check out what activities and programs are coming up for the 2026 summer season, here.