Irvine Park

A Brief History

Main Gate showing the Irvine Park Interurban Railway Station. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. c. 1907

In 1906, Mr. William Irvine presented the city of Chippewa Falls with a donation from the Chippewa Lumber and Boom Company. That donation was 85 acres of land for use as a public park.

Dedication of Irvine Park. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. 1907. Courtesy of Rutledge Home.

Though the land was provided by the lumber company, William Irvine donated money out of his own pocket to develop the land for recreational use. He funded the project on only one condition: that the park would remain free and open for everyone, no matter what.

People using Glen Loch Lake for leisure. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. c. 1907.

Irvine Park was conceived as part of what is now known as “the City Beautiful Movement.” Proponents believed that by setting aside some land for the purpose of admiration, leisure, and conservation, the community would be instilled with a sense of civic pride. This in turn would bring communities closer together.

Children posing for a picture near Duncan Creek. Irvine Park. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. c.1912. Courtesy of Chippewa County Historical Society.

The park developed quickly in the first twenty years of its existence. Charities such as the Chippewa Women’s Club planned the placement of flowers and trees within the park. Playground equipment was constructed for children, who would be supervised by volunteers.

Children having fun with the playground equipment at Irvine Park. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. c. 1910

The Chippewa Valley Electric Railway Company operated an interurban line between Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls that ran through Irvine Park. For a nickel, passengers could take the cars to Irvine Park, allowing thousands of people all over the Valley to visit.

Interurban Railway with six gentlemen posing for a photograph. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. c. 1900.

In 1924, he funded the construction of a new bandstand from which 104th Reserve Band frequently played. The bandstand was dedicated to the memory of fallen soldiers of the First World War. Until his death in 1927, William Irvine personally financed these performances. Again, he had only one condition: That the band play “Bells of St. Mary’s” for him.

Dedication of Band Stand. Irvine Park. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. May 10th, 1924.

The main attraction to Irvine Park was the zoo. The zoo began as a sanctuary for hoofed animals such as deer, elk, moose, and bison. In 1909, a cave originally used for storage by the Schmidtmeyer Brewery was converted into a bear’s den, which would become the zoo’s centerpiece. More exhibits were added as the years passed.

Bear Cages at Irvine Park. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. c. 1909.

The zoo would also become the source of controversy. By the 1970s, guests and park staff began to criticize the size and conditions of the animals’ enclosures, which they felt were not healthy for the animals. The problem was made worse by the natural decay of the habitats and the limited budget of the park. Of greatest concern was the bear den. Conditions were so poor, the park board held a vote whether to close the exhibit entirely in 1978.

Bear Cages at Irvine Park. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. c. 1924.

The need for renovation at the zoo prompted a renewed wave of philanthropy. Generous individuals and organizations came together to fund better exhibits for the animals. The effort saw results in 2004, with the construction of a new bear den. It was larger and did not have the ugly iron bars of the old den. In the following years, the cages housing the big cats would be replaced to improve their quality of life.

Two bears recline on a platform in their new den, 2013. Courtesy of Irvine Park.

The park is generally unused at the end of each summer. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, however, the park takes on a new feature. The Christmas Village was created in 1987 with funds from the retail committee of the Chippewa Falls Chamber of Commerce. Every December, the park becomes illuminated by over 60,000 Christmas lights. The Christmas Village persists as a cherished tradition, made possible by the generosity of the community.

The Bandstand during the Christmas season, approx. 2000.

The park is home to many historical artifacts and equipment. Since 1985, the Park Board has attempted to create a visitors’ center to house these artifacts, but the measure was voted down for various reasons.

Article about 1993 proposal for an interpretive center. Courtesy of the Chippewa Herald.

Finally, in 2013, proposals for a visitors’ center were approved. The center will be constructed alongside a new zoo exhibit for smaller animals. Like the Christmas Village and the zoo renovations, this project is funded by generous contributions from the people of Chippewa Falls.

Sketch Model of the Proposed Irvine Zoo Welcome Center. Courtesy of Irvine Park.

Irvine Park was opened during the Progressive Era, a time of optimism when people such as William Irvine strove to make the world around them a better place. Today that optimism and affection for community persists, and allows Irvine Park to hold its place as the pride of Chippewa Falls.

Scenic View of Irvine Park. Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. c. 1912.