Owen Park (Eau Claire, Wisconsin)
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Promotional|date=July 2024}}
{{Infobox park
| name = Owen Park
| caption =
| image = ECMB Audience.jpg
| photo_width = 300px
| location= 1st Avenue, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
| map = USA Wisconsin
| map_width = 300px
| coords = {{coord|44.805084|N|91.499526|W|region:US-WI_scale:20000|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| area = {{convert|11|acre|ha|1|adj=on}}
| publictransit = {{Bus icon}} ECT: {{RouteBox|7|Eau Claire Transit|orange|black|bold=}}
}}
Owen Park is an {{convert|11|acre|ha|1|adj=on}} 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.{{cite web |last1=Young |first1=Helen |title=Eau Claire's Historic Donald Boyd Bandshell |url=https://www.eauclairewi.gov/home/showdocument?id=6000 |publisher=Eau Claire Landmarks Commission}} 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, 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.{{Cite web|url=http://www.chippewavalleyblues.com/tnb/|title=Tuesday Night Blues Main}}
References
{{reflist}}
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.
Category:Eau Claire, Wisconsin