Wood County Parks Update

Wood County, Wis. (WFHR, WIRI) – Wood County Parks had a brief winter season this year. Chad Schooley from the Wood County Parks and Forestry Department updates us in a conversation with James J. Malouf.

Schooley said that while the snow season was short, this year’s ice depth was much better than last year. Ice anglers really enjoyed the fishing season. Snowmobile trails are currently closed. Two clubs didn’t even open up this year. Others were only open for about two weeks or less. Schooley said they put a lot of effort and work into getting the trails ready for snowmobilers and it’s too bad the season was so short this year.

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The winter area was actually open twice the number of days this year. Schooley said they were open for four days and had excellent crowds. The area is now closed, including the fat tire bike trail. The trails are vulnerable this time of year because the base is clay. Please follow the signs and postings to keep the trails in the best possible condition while temperatures are fluctuating. You can find trail updates here.

CERA Park

Because of the lack of snow this winter, Wood County Parks and Forestry Department members are already working at CERA Park. You have the opportunity to give feedback on all County Parks and help name the newly acquired CERA park on the Department survey. You can take the public survey here.

In 2024 the property owners, Consolidated Water Power Company, contacted the County about CERA Park. This park has a lot of history in the area. It was originally developed for employees of the mill and their families. Several years ago, the park opened up to the general public. CWPCO is working with Wood County to maintain public access to the area and the river. The park is now part of the Wood County Parks and Forestry Department. They are still working on updates and hope to open up the park by Memorial Weekend.

Links

You can hear the full interview with Chad Schooley and James J. Malouf on Mid-Day Magazine here. The public survey to give feedback on Wood County Parks is here. You have about a month to fill out the survey. You can find updates and contact information on the Wood County website.