Whether it entails a simple scenic stroll along a natural trail or an endurance-filled stop at a skatepark, Delavan has a wealth of recreational amenities available for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy as spring sets in.
The city’s parks and recreation department oversees 17 dedicated parks, as well as swaths of additional public green space, throughout Delavan.
The newest addition to the local parks system is the Never Say Never Playland within the Gordon Yadon Park, 101 Autumn Drive. This sprawling, colorful wonderland was inspired by a request from a group of the same name and has the distinction of being the first all-abilities playground within Walworth County.
“The intent of the playground is that it’s a fully inclusive place that any kid of any ability could come in and utilize and have a great time,” said Tom Klug, the city’s parks and recreation director.
The Never Say Never Playland was unveiled last year. Approximately 1,200 volunteers donated their time and talent over the course of a week in a true showing of Delavan’s community pride.
“We built it from the ground up,” Klug said. “We had all of these community members come out and physically take screw guns and drills and build this by hand with, basically, composite lumber and screws. It’s, by far, the largest playground that we have in our system.”
While the Never Say Never Playland is new to Delavan, other recreational amenities throughout the city are time-honored treasures.
Andy’s Park, a skatepark within Veterans Memorial Park, 69 W. Walworth Ave., has brought enjoyment to skateboarders throughout the region over the past two decades. The 1,100-square- foot venue features different ramps geared specifically for skateboarders and bikers.
“It’s been very popular,” Klug said. “It’s a great option for kids, and people come from all over to enjoy it.”
The skatepark is named in honor of Andy Himebauch, a Delavan-Darien High School student who died in a car accident. Himebauch was an avid skateboarder, and his family and friends wanted to keep his memory alive through the new amenity.
Speaking of Veterans Memorial Park, another fan favorite within Delavan — the spring-fed mill pond — will reopen for the season in early June with a few new features as the summertime swimming hole provides recreation activities throughout the week.
“It’s a really cool area for families with kids that want something that is safe and is in an area where they can swim and just play in a sandy beach,” Klug said. “It’s been a fixture in the community for many, many years.”
While each of Delavan’s parks and green spaces offer pristine beauty and a sense of serenity, several have carved out notable niches, such as the scenic Tower Park, 117 Park Place. It has long been a community focal point because of its proximity in the heart of downtown and its unique, eye-catching features — including circus-themed statues — as well as a host site for special events throughout the season.
Phoenix Park, 111 E. Wisconsin St., and its popular bandshell has been host to a wealth of free concerts during the warm-weathered months. On average, 2,000 to 5,000 people gather to enjoy
local musicians perform. On the eastern gateway into Delavan, Congdon Park, 1528 Hobbs Drive, is an ideal spot to take in all of the natural beauty the community has to offer by way of a pond and botanical garden area.
“It’s a nice place to go and walk around a little bit,” Klug said. “If you’re looking for trails, that’s a great place for it.”
