1903….OVER THE YEARS….2024
Boulder Junction’s History and Legacy of Boulder Junction parks and recreational services:
In 1903, Milwaukee Railroad tracks were laid in the area that became known as Boulder Junction. While the railroad was built to serve the booming logging industry, the new railroad access also attracted outdoors enthusiasts who came to fish and hunt the area’s beautiful forests and crystal-clear lakes. Resorts were built to accommodate the growing number of tourists. Increasing residents and tourism helped to grow the interest in the town’s park areas and their potential use. Over the years the town designed ‘parks and recreation’ as services provided by the town. Electricity arrived in 1925. The town of Boulder Junction was incorporated in 1927. Phone service began in 1930. Also in the 1930s, wide-scale replanting began of the trees that had been harvested from the land during the logging boom of the previous decades.
History of the Boulder Junction Park Board:
The history of Boulder Junction Park Board is a testament to the town's commitment to providing its residents and visitors with exceptional outdoor recreational opportunities. Since its inception in 1951, the Board has evolved and expanded the community’s recreational offerings to become an integral part of the community's identity.
The Park Board is a long standing board (committee) of the Town Board.
A volunteer Park Board comprised of a Town Supervisor and town residents has been the designated body to oversee the parks and recreational services of the town. The budget of the town reflects the revenue and expenses of these services.
The planning and construction of a baseball diamond marked the Board’s humble beginning, setting the stage for future developments. This baseball diamond later became a memorial dedication to one of its ball players, Earl Sturm, on July 13, 2016 his family honored his memory as a longtime resident and in recognition of his great love of baseball and softball. At the time of the dedication, Earl’s family donated memorial funds to the Boulder Junction Community for improvements on the field.
Expanding the recreational offerings over the years, the board continued to grow, recognizing the importance of diversifying recreational amenities. The addition of tennis courts and a dedicated playground in 1992 donated by John Mc Cormack demonstrated the Town’s dedication to meeting the varying needs of its residents and the support of community members, from sports enthusiasts to families seeking leisure activities.
2006 - Winter Park and Nichols Lake Beach Parks:
A significant milestone in the history of Boulder Junction Park Board occurred in 2006. The Town, in collaboration with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, signed an agreement to establish and fund Winter Park. This partnership not only provided a dedicated space for winter sports and activities but also showcased the Town's commitment to maintaining and expanding its recreational offerings.
In the same year, the Town entered into an agreement to maintain Nichols Lake Beach Park, a beautiful waterfront destination, further solidifying their commitment to preserving beautiful natural spaces for the benefit & enjoyment of both residents and visitors.
2009 - Paved Bicycle Trail and the Heart of Vilas County Bicycle Trail System:
Boulder Junction embarked on a monumental endeavor by commencing the construction of the first phase of the Boulder Junction paved bicycle path. This project was a game-changer, laying the foundation for a comprehensive network of recreational trails. With dedication and hard work, the town managed to create an impressive network of paved trails in collaboration with other neighboring communities.
This trail also served as the cornerstone of the 52 mile Heart of Vilas County Bicycle Trail System’s solidifying Boulder Junction's reputation as a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This trail system not only offered residents and visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the scenic beauty of the region, but a collaboration of efforts to expand this trail was accomplished with 5 area towns: St. Germain, Sayner, Boulder Junction, Manitowish Waters and now Mercer. This trail gained national recognition as a National Recreational Trail on October 22, 2020 in the National Recreational Trail System established in 1968.
Our Playground ...Our most recent accomplishment!
The Park Board announced an aggressive campaign to replace and update the community’s playground with new inclusive and accessible equipment in 2020 which was finally installed in May of 2023 through $320,000 in town and community donations, town participation and volunteer efforts. It was a community build effort from financial donations to the actual physical installation of the equipment in the Boulder Junction Community Playground area.
A Legacy of Commitment and Excellence:
The history of Boulder Junction Park Board is one of vision, partnership, and unwavering dedication to providing outstanding recreational experiences. From its modest beginnings in 1951 to its current status as a hub for outdoor activities, the Park Board has continually evolved to meet the changing needs and aspirations of the community.
As Boulder Junction continues to grow and flourish, the legacy of its Park Board stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of a community committed to the well-being and happiness of its residents and the enjoyment of its visitors. The future is bright, with countless opportunities to build upon this rich history and continue to enhance the quality of life for all who call Boulder Junction home. Please enjoy your time in these parks!