PLAY AT THE PARK. Or have a birthday party, family get-together, cook out, or other shindig. If you need the space, there's probably a park shelter or pavilion up for grabs. (Phoenix Park pictured above.)

The Chippewa Valley has no shortage of incredible outdoor recreation and beauty to enjoy, and that includes the rentable pavilions and shelters at its public parks. In Eau Claire, community and neighborhood parks are available to rent depending on your needs, and the “how to” is pretty simple (and budget-friendly).

Community parks are open for reservations from May 15-Sept. 30 annually and include the following: Carson Park (Birch, Braun’s Bay, Pine, and Oak pavilions); Jeffers Park; Mt. Simon (Dells and Hillside pavilions); Owen Park Bandshell; Phoenix Park (pavilion, amphitheater, and great lawn spaces); Riverview Park (Island, Lion’s, and North pavilions); and Rod & Gun Park. 

There is a two-hour minimum for reservations with the option to rent a space for a full day. The rental price for Phoenix Park and Haymarket Plaza is $21/hour Monday-Friday, and $32/hour Saturday-Sunday. The rest of the Eau Claire community parks are available for $18/hour Monday-Friday, and $23/hour Saturday-Sunday. All can be reserved online.

Neighborhood parks are those that fall within immediate residential areas and include: Boyd Park; Cameron Park; County Farm; Demmler Park; Forest Street Garden; Grover Heights Park; Lakeshore Park; Manz Park; McDonough Park; Mitscher Park; Newell Park; North River Fronts; Oakwood Hills; Pinehurst Park; Putnam Heights Park; Roosevelt Park; Sam Davey Park; and Sundet Park. 

All neighborhood parks are available for $18/hour, seven days a week, and also have a two-hour minimum with the option to rent a space for a full day. Some of the neighborhood parks are reservable year-round, while others are also only open May 15-Sept. 30. All can be reserved online.

During the winter months (and year-round), don’t forget about the park warming shelters! Capacity ranges from about 20-45 people with most fitted with several electrical outlets, bathrooms, and other amenities. 

Of course, a lot of these parks come with nearby playground equipment, basketball or pickleball courts, nature trails, scenic views, and more. Pretty cool, huh?

View exact addresses and photos of the available park spaces and shelters available to rent at eauclairewi.gov/recreation/parks-pavilions-shelters. You can also reach out to Community Services at (715) 839-5039.