Owen Park

Owen Park is a riverside park spanning 11 acres along the Chippewa River, featuring walking paths, tennis courts, and green spaces between Lake Street and Water Street. The park offers lit tennis courts, playground equipment, picnic tables, and restrooms alongside connections to bike trails near downtown.

The park originated in 1913 when lumber industrialist John S. Owen donated the land, with development beginning in the 1920s to create public recreation spaces. This gift and subsequent improvements established the park as a foundational recreational resource for the community.

The Sarge Boyd Bandshell hosts performances by the Eau Claire Municipal Band and serves as a center for outdoor summer concerts that draw locals and visitors together.

The park is easily accessible on foot or by bicycle and connects with local trail networks near downtown. Visitors should note that lit tennis courts operate during specific times and the riverfront area changes with the seasons.

The bandshell can accommodate hundreds of visitors for outdoor performances and sits strategically positioned between the university campus and downtown district. This location makes it a natural gathering spot for various community events and celebrations.