Van Riper Park

The City acquired this park with the assistance of a matching grant through the Lawcon Program in 1989. Development of the northern half of this 40-acre site began in 1991 and continues into 1999, with a series of ADLP grants. The park currently features two (2) lighted ball fields (Jimmy Olson's East and West), which currently host many adult and youth events. The northern half also includes a walking trail, playground equipment, natural areas with prairie grasses and wildflower plantings and off street parking. The Onalaska Omni Center is located within the park and provides for year-round recreation opportunities and entertainment. The south half of the park includes a recreation hill, open air shelter, picnic area, walking trails, off street parking and a service road.

More recent additions to the park have been:

- 2005 the Onalaska Aquatic Center opened
- 2008 we opened the City's first dog exercise area   
- 2009 the City opened a new shelter located next to the two lighted ball fields.