Parks & Recreation

Friday October 15th - Cost $10 per person - CLICK HERE
Jump on board the bus and ride along as we tour historic Prairie du Chien. See the places and hear the stories about those that lived and died and still haunt Wisconsin’s second oldest city. Must be 21.

NEWS FROM THE PARK AND REC DEPARTMENT

	A BIG THANK FOR THE CONCERTS IN THE PARK SERIES Thanks to a very generous donation from the PdC Jaycees the City of PdC Parks and Recreation Department was able to offer 8 weeks of free Concerts in the Park this past summer at Lawler Park’s Gazebo. There were large crowds in attendance weekly listening a variety of the area’s top talents under a really ”cool” setting .Thanks also to following great musicians that were able to provide a enjoyable experience for all those in attendance: Take 2,Dixie Guys, GMC, Lynxvillians, Ralph Kluesmen, Tim and the Floppy Cowboys, Another Days Sunset, and Guttenberg German Band(pictured). Special thanks goes out to Coordinator Ruth Check- Gates and PDC’s Pied Piper Dan Winkleski.
FISH CAMP A SUCCESS Thanks in part from a sponsorship from Starks Sport Shop, the City of Parks and Recreation Department was able to offer the first ever Fish Camp at the Washington Street Park. Participants mastered many fishing skills and had a chance to catch a variety of fish including two large catfish! Awards given out include: Alex Bearce-Largest Game Fish, Aaron Harsha-Largest Fish ,Avery Fuller-Best Caster, Justin Frazier-Best Filleter, Nathan Coleman- Sportsmanship, Jacob Mallet-Best Knot Tying, Isaac Nichols-Largest Panfish, Adam Rider-Best Fishing Story, Dan Rider and Sawyer Fuller-Fishermen of the Week. Bob Witt and Mike Ulrich had a great time as instructors and invite those interested to the departments Youth Fishing Derby on July 18th.
ABOVE - An Outing with the Grandchildren - Grandparents Sylvia and Ron Hollenberger of Prairie du Chien brought their visiting grandchildren, Brook, 8, and Brett, 7, Hollenberger of Marriottsville, Maryland to the Prairie du Chien Rod and Gun Club, Prairie du Chien Park and Recreation Youth Fishing Derby Sunday, July 18. BELOW - Fishing at the Slough.Grace Watson, 4, adjusts her fishing tackle. Grace is the daughter of Cody Watson and Jessie Kreis. (Photos by Cummings Photography.)	YOUTH FISHING DERBY Prairie du Chien, WI---There were 29 registrants for the Prairie du Chien Park and Recreation Dept., Prairie du Chien Rod and Gun Club third annual Youth Fishing Derby held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 18, along St. Feriole Slough under sunny skies and moderate temperatures. According to Park and Recreation Director Mike Ulrich, counting parents and siblings, there were probably about 50 to 60 persons involved in this catch and release fishing derby which also saw a lot of fish caught, which always adds to the excitement. Sponsors in addition to the Prairie du Chien Park and Recreation Dept. and the Prairie du Chien Rod and Gun Club included Stark's Sports Shop, who provided the free bait and prizes, and FLW Outdoors, which also provided prizes. The official weight-in scale was on loan from Valley Fish and Cheese shop. All participants received at least one prize which added to the fun. Winners in each age category were determined by fish weight. Winners, first through fourth place, in the eight-year-old and under category were: Maddox Cejka, Mackenzie Ruff, Lucas Holtz and Brett Kersher. Winners in the 9 to 10 year-old category were: Sawyer Fuller, Caleb Remke, Alex Bearce and Dillon Hubbard. First through third place winners in the 11 to 12-year-old category were: Brady Fernette, Dalton Boylen, Chris Larson and Tyler Tayek. There were no entrants in the 13 to 17-year-old. There was a "good turnout" said Park and Recreation Director Mike Ulrich.
The City of PdC Park and Recreation Department Youth Track program ended their regular season with a Local Hershey meet where those in attendance saw great competition and excellent sportsmanship as each youth received ribbons and supportive loud cheers from the fans and fellow teammates. This year’s program ,which had 36 participants, was co-sponsored by the PdC Half Marathon & 5 K Race Organizers and PdC School Fund 80. Some of the participants will be attending the Regional Qualifier at UW-LaCrosse where the top two entry’s per age division could qualify for the State Meet in Wauwatosa and National meet in Hershey, PA. Special thanks to this year’s coaches: Missy Mays, Kyle McCoy, Spencer Kilbey and Coordinator Amanda Johll. Great job kids and coaches!
	The City of Prairie du Chien's Park and Recreation Department ended their Youth Soccer program with over 70 participants. This year’s program was sponsored by the PdC Fire Department and Fund 80. The programs exceptional coaching staff were Monica Olmstad , Molly Cunningham, John Rickleff, Spencer Kilbey, and Molly Cunningham. Special thanks to all the parents for the great sportsmanship shown and the terrific visit from the Firemen!
The Hook and Ladder Family Fishing night sponsored by the PdC Fire Department, Starks Sport Shop, and PdC Park and Rec. Department Kids participating learned about casting and fish identification. Many “whoppers “ were caught along fish stories and a terrific shorelunch meal! Great job firemen and kids!
	City Administrator Aaron Kramer presents a Prairie du Chien Park and Rec Youth Track Program T-Shirt, which was purchased with a $300 donation from Prairie du Chien Half-Marathon and 5-K, to Linda Hansen, event organizer. A record number of runners took part in the Fourth Annual event, which was held on May 2nd, on the scenic 13.1 mile and 5K routes, running past the beautiful Mississippi River, historic sites, residential areas, and the majestic river bluffs. The City of Prairie du Chien and the Park and Recreation Department extends a big thank you for the donation. (Photo courtesy of the Courier-Press)

The City of Prairie du Chien Park and Recreation Department's mission statement serves as a means to work towards the community’s needs that the city should be striving to provide quality facilities and offer affordable wholesome recreation and leisure opportunities that enhance the quality of their lives while living in this community.

With over 600 acres of parks and open spaces, a recreation center, indoor and outdoor pool, and an abundance of riverfront activities and events, they all bring people together and add to a sense of civic pride and belonging. As a fully developed community, maintaining and updating park and recreational facilities will preserve the value and popularity of the city’s park system.

The City’s waterfront, farm park, arts, culture, and historical features adds to the meaning of community life and certainly sets this community apart and should continue to be highlighted. Residents want places to gather, socialize, and meet. Residents also encourage activities that build a sense of community such as city-wide festivals and events that recognize the city’s history, diversity, and desire to have fun!

1. 1. Continue to maintain and enhance city parks, recreation facilities, open space, and leisure services to meet the community needs.
2. Continue to develop high quality and a wide variety of recreation and leisure programs to youth, adults, and special needs participants to meet the needs of the community.
3. Continue to provide programming with various partnerships.
4. Continue to upgrade parks, trail systems, and playground equipment.
5. Enhance the city’s waterfront, farm park, arts, cultural, and historic assets.
6. Build support and promote a sense of community through recreation programming.
7. Preserve, maintain, and educate the community on the natural resources for ourselves and future generations.

Director of Parks and Recreation - Mike Ulrich
Seasonal part-time employees (Summer 60-70)
Seasonal part-time employees (Winter 15-20)