Renovation Project On Hold 

Location of Park

Wilson Park was the first park to be developed on the City of Eau Claire’s near east side, and it's situated between South Farwell and Barstow Streets at Emery Street. The site originally held the Eau Claire County Court House from 1861 to 1877 and has long served as a gathering spot for folks in Eau Claire.

Fountain Information

Past Fountains 

The park has seen several fountains during its long history - the first was built sometime in the 1890’s!

1969: Current Fountain Installed

Today's fountain was installed in 1969, and it currently uses a self-circulating system with pumps & pipes buried beneath its structure.

Pipe Failure Occurs

A segment of the pipe failed in Fall 2018 making it impossible for the fountain to continue working. The exact location of the failure is unknown and locating & repairing it would involve removing some or the entire fountain.

Repair of Fountain is Not Practical

Sadly, due to the nature of the pipe failure and its age attempting to repair the fountain is not a practical or cost-effective solution. It is also uncertain if the fountain could even survive an attempted repair. 

Tradition to Continue with New Water Feature

A central feature of Wilson Park for nearly 120 years is the fountain. This fountain has served as a meeting spot for friends, a backdrop for wedding photos & family pictures, and has also been just a place for quiet contemplation. That tradition will continue as we start a new chapter in the story of Wilson Park, and the City welcomes your input in helping to decide how the next water feature will look.

Funding & Design Process

The City’s 2020-2024 Capital Improvement Plan includes funding for a new water feature in Wilson Park, and public workshops and online surveys will be used to select a final design.

The goals of this design process are to celebrate the park and the existing fountain and allow residents to have a voice in the future of a historic community asset.

Questions? 

Contact the City's Parks, Forestry & Cemetery Division at 715-839-5039 with any questions.