Owen Park is an parcel of land that stretches along the west bank of the
Chippewa River from Lake Street to Water Street. Adjacent to the
University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire on one end, it is only a block away from downtown
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on the other.
History
The land was donated in 1913 by lumber baron John S. Owen in an effort to make Eau Claire a "city of parks." However, it was not developed and made available to the public until sometime in the 1920s.
In addition to the outdoor music events which began in 1932, the park is becoming known in the 21st century for its car shows as well as its pie and ice cream socials hosted by various nonprofit organizations.
Amenities
The park offers a bike trail, playground equipment, lit tennis courts, a gazebo, picnic tables, and rest rooms. The centerpiece of Owen Park is the
Sarge Boyd Bandshell
The Sarge Boyd Bandshell of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States, as home to the city's oldest community musical organization, has played a significant role in the cultural development of the entire Chippewa Valley.
The structure was designed by c ...
, a structure listed on the
National Register of Historic Places that was built to showcase the musical pride of the city, the Eau Claire Municipal Band. Seating for approximately 1450 people is provided. These amenities, along with a no-alcohol policy, make Owen Park a favorite gathering spot for people of all ages, especially during the summer months when the Municipal Band and other local groups present their annual concert series.
References
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File:2010Jul8-JugglersAB.jpg, Father-daughter duo Jim and Claire Jeffries juggling to the music of the Eau Claire Municipal Band
File:2010Jun17-OzseekerABbyVernBarber.jpg, Ozseeker the Clown doing the "Chicken Dance" with some of the younger audience members.
File:ECMB-ArthurMurray1aByVernBarber.jpg, An Arthur Murray dance class at a Municipal Band concert
File:The Trombone Section of the Eau Claire Municipal Band.jpg, The Municipal Band's trombone section being featured at a Fourth of July celebration
File:Girl Scouts raising the American flag.jpg, Girl Scouts raising the flag
File:ECMB-2011CorvetteShow5ByVernBarber.jpg, A Corvette show is held each June.
Urban public parks
Parks in Wisconsin
Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Music venues in Wisconsin
Wisconsin culture
Protected areas of Eau Claire County, Wisconsin