Jaycette Park

This little beauty is nestled right next to Clairmount and State Street. Such a peaceful place for a park--really after a while the noise drifts away. I figured we would not be at this place very long. There is not any "real" playground equipment. The park has a few picnic tables, the city boasts about it's lighting (guess I'll have to go back at night), and there are concrete sculptures that the kids could climb on. Trees to hug a plenty. Really I figured we would run about for a bit, eat our snack and then head out of dodge. Much to my surprise the kids wanted to stay there. And as we were leaving I asked what they thought and the two that can really talk said "it was their favorite park so far" the one who does not yet have a grasp on the English language said "No" when asked if she liked it--which in her case, no sometimes actually means yes and by the way she was running through the park yelling "weeeeeeee" I think this time no was really yes.

The mom point of view was this was nice--it was shaded, perfect for the hot hot hot day we had today. The draw back was the climbing sculptures are mounted on cement--but not to worry if one of your little tike does happen to fall and crack their head open, there is a fire station adjacent to the park. If asked to return to the "sculpture park" again I would say, yes please.

Carson Park Enterance: Birch Picnic Area

We have long called this area "little Carson Park" It is a small playground area just outside of the big park. There is picnic area, access to Half Moon Lake and some trails and places to explore. Port-a-potty for your use are available.

The day we were there, the geese from Canada were a plenty. I have a fear of birds so the park lost points from me. Mart said he didn't find the playground all that exciting, saying it was best suited for ages 3-7 (and for the fearless toddler) The toddler gave the slides big smiles. The 5 1/2 year old was indifferent. Over all a nice little place to play.

Lakeshore Neighborhood Park

This is a lush little spot that has bathrooms (flushies) and drinking water. This is a picnic park right on the bike trail and Half-Moon Lake. A lazy little place. I think it would be a great place to read a book, if one is not easily distracted. There is a lot of traffic on the bike trail.

To be honest, we have only used the drinking water and bathrooms (it's not too far from Lakeshore school at all) Someday I hope to find out more about this little gem.

We saw someone trying to catch some rays the day we were there--so I guess it must be a good place for that too. It might just be the best new pick up spot in EC for singles wanting to pick up an athletic passer-byer--sport a bikini and catch some rays who knows the love of your life may just stride/roll on by.

The kids were not overly excited about this park on the day we were there--except for the facilities. Good drinking water.

Lakeshore School

The birth place of Park Detectives. It was after picking Martin up from summer school that I brought up the idea of the quest. It is a nice school playground, designed for children ages 5-12. The toddler that comes with us finds it very fun--she has no fear. Bathrooms are in the school, but don't count on being able to use them. Nice open feild to play ball on. Pets are not allowed. Nice quiet area. along the lake (wonder how it got it's name).

The BIG ONE: CARSON PARK

Let's go to the Park! Which park do you want to go to? Carson Park! But I don't want to go play at Carson Park (that's me whining, not the kids)

Carson Park is THEE park in Eau Claire. It's lovely. It has something for everyone--a train ride on Sundays (and holidays Memorial Day to Labor Day), ball fields to watch your favorite sports team, 2 museums, hiking trails, a lake, picnic spots, enough trees to make any hugger of them happy,some wildlife (and animals, too)a massive play area and much more (I <3 & Much More). Everyone goes to Carson Park. Most days, my children can make new best friends within minutes of arrival. But I don't want to go.

So what's my beef with Car-Par? It's always super busy and unless you dress your children in safety orange, you have a hard time keeping track of them (my own children are old enough to run about and play without me hovering so the stand out color of shirt color is a wonderful thing--old day care center habit die hard)

The problem is that the playground is not for everyone. I enjoy watching those first time dotting parents following their new little toddler around. I remember those days. I wish someone would have told me: Car-Par is not a toddler park. I've said it. I hope I do not hurt any ones feelings, but it is the truth. Too many high-up, hard to get, to small spaces that just make me uneasy. Maybe you are okay with that feeling--give the place a whirl.

my vote, this park is big kids. Let them run wild and free, have any of you ever tried to convince a fearless toddler that they can not go down the big slide?

I do appreciate the beauty of the wonderful park and feel lucky that we have a place like this in our community, but if you ask me what park we should go to, 9 out of 10 times it will not be Carson.

Park Detectives: The Quest

It has been a long time quest of mine to visit all of the Parks in Eau Claire. Doesn't that sound fun? I had no idea that it would mean visiting at least 65 different locations. This year, I'm getting my children and my one day care child on board and we are making my dream come true.

With help from the Eau Claire Parks and Rec website (they have the maps that we are using to help plot out this journey)we will be visiting neighborhood parks, community parks, school, and other special intrest areas. I would list all the places we are going, but that would be a very long post. My plan is to blog about where we went so others can use our experiences as a tool to help plan fun times. Pictures will be posted as well. Let the quest begin.