Mission:
To enrich the quality of life in our community through a comprehensive system of open space and outdoor recreational facilities with an emphasis on natural resources, recreation and environmental education.
History:
The Brown County Board created the Park Commission November 21, 1928. The first park in the system was Pamperin Park, developed in the mid- 1930's.
Since the 1930's the nation has undergone many changes and recreation and quality of life are common threads that bond citizen's of Brown County. The Parks Department currently manages 18 areas encompassing 3,106 acres for uses aligning with nature study, environmental protection, water access, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, motorized recreation trails, passive recreation trails, camping and more.
Services:
The Department welcomes over one-million visitors annually with the following services:
- 19 buildings available for rent
- 57 miles of hiking trails
- 60 miles of bike trails
- 17 miles of equine trails
- 34 miles of groomed Nordic trails
- nearly 200 miles of snowmobile trails
- 10 miles of marked snowshoe trails
- 208 campsites
- 10 boat launch lanes
- 39 different environmental education programs
- Over 3,000 acres of public land
- Wildlife preserves and unique habitat zones
- outdoor gun range
- disc golf course
- picnic and playgrounds
- community partnerships
- numerous special events
Our Team:
Director of Parks, Matt Kriese
Administrative Staff:
Administrative Office Secretary, Kim Koenig
Business Manager, Nikki Hilker
Field Manager, Josh Schmitt
Program & Natural Resource Manager, Jason Petrella
Field Staff:
| Park Rangers: vacant
Larry Dettlaff |
| ..............................Ben Gordon |
| .............................. Valerie Ives |
| .............................. John Klein |
| ...............................Ben Schuurmans |
| ...............................John VanBoxel |
| Assistant Park Rangers: Jeff Ott |
| ...................................................Bryce Oysti |
| Assistant Naturalist: Logan Lasee |
| Park Educator: Korey Dobbert |
Assisting with duties include: LTE - Office Support, LTE - Park Rangers, LTE - Trail Rangers, LTE Parks Maintenance, LTE - Park Maintenance 2, Concession
