Having a Ball

RECREATION IS THE NAME OF THE GAME IN BELOIT

This is Beloit Parks and RecreationOne of the reasons Jessie Everson appreciates Beloit is for its surplus of recreational activities.

From playing in winter volleyball leagues to biking to participating in summer pickle ball with her husband Tom, the mother of two takes full advantage of Beloit’s many offerings.

“We’re very active,” she says. “We try to get involved in something every weekend. If there’s a community event, we make sure to stop by. We take our three dogs to the dog park. Our son is involved in sports. There’s always something going on. It’s a great way to get involved with the community.”

When it comes to recreation, Beloit has just about everything residents need. “The Krueger Municipal Pool, Krueger-Haskell Golf Course and Edwards Ice Arena are big features within the city,” says Spencer Waite, recreation supervisor for the City of Beloit. “We’ve had golf for more than 100 years, as well a senior center. There’s never a shortage of activities.”

The Edwards Ice Arena is an indoor/outdoor refrigerated rink open October through March. It is home to the Beloit Youth Hockey Association, Beloit Memorial High School hockey teams and the Rock County Fury.

The Krueger Municipal Pool is open from June through August, and offers a variety of swim programs for the community. “The pool is another historical landmark that was built in 1967 and updated in 1984,” says Waite.

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Big Hill Park Beloit WisconsinA CITY OF PARKS

If parks are your thing, Beloit has plenty to choose from. Big Hill Park is one of Beloit’s most scenic sites. Located on the bluffs of the Rock River, this 190-acre park boasts nature and hiking trails, an environmental education center, a picnic shelter, restrooms, play equipment, cross-country ski trails and a scenic overlook with spectacular vistas.

The crown jewel of Beloit is Riverside Park, located on the banks of the Rock River. The park buzzes with activity all through the year, but it really comes alive during summer with  Music at Harry’s Place, Dancin’ at Harry’s Place and the Fourth of July Festival, Pops on the Rock. In addition, this 23-acre park is home to famous Turtle Island Playground; Beloit River Walk, a 3.5 mile paved walk-bike path around the Rock River; the Harry C. Moore Pavilion and the Rotary River Center. Paddle boats and tandem bicycles are available for rent. The park also features fishing, ice skating on the lagoon, two picnic shelters, play equipment, lighted tennis courts, concessions and restrooms. Free Admission.

Turtle Island Playground is designed around the adventures of Beloit native Roy Chapman Andrews. Dig for fossils, climb on dinosaur bones or splash in the fresh water “creek.” Turtle Creek Recreation Area winds its way through this recreation area, offering opportunities for fishing, hiking and cross country skiing. A trail meanders throughout the area offering frequent sightings of wildlife, wild flowers and water fowl. During winter take advantage of the groomed cross country ski trails offering five different loops varying in length from 4/10 to 1.5 miles. Learn more our parks at The City of Beloit Parks and Recreation website.

Bicycling Beloit WisconsinBICYCLING

Rick Barder is a bicycle enthusiast. The Beloit resident rides at least 2,500 miles a year. “I encourage all levels of ridership, whether you’re a beginner or hardcore rider,” he says. “Bicycling is a great way to stay fit and help the environment. It’s a great activity that everyone can participate in.”

Barder is a member of the Stateline Spinners, a local cycling group that meets on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, from the Beloit Bicycle Company in downtown Beloit. The group rides anywhere from five to 30 miles on any given trip.

“Beloit is a good place to ride,” Barder says. “There are paths dedicated to riding, and there are some routes along the  Rock River that are very nice. Once you get out of the city you can ride along beautiful farmland, some of which is hilly. There’s something for everyone.” For more information and to see 33 downloadable bike route maps in the Greater Beloit area, please visit www.statelinespinners.com

GOLFING

beloit-club-golf-customHit the links at two different golf experiences. Krueger-Haskell Golf Course, 1611 Hackett St., is located on the west side of Beloit. The course was named after Butch Krueger, a touring golf professional and a PGA professional at Beloit Municipal Golf Course for 30 years. Everett Haskell was a Beloit native, local businessman, city council member, and an avid golfer. The 18-hole course features a unique layout, mature trees and rolling terrain that makes it challenging and enjoyable for any golfer.

If you’re looking for a world-class round of golf, topped with an exceptional meal prepared by one of the best chefs in Wisconsin, you will find it at the Beloit Club. The spectacular 18-hole private golf course at the Beloit Club offers some of the most scenic views in the area and a classic layout. The stunning new facility includes a full service clubhouse that offers both elegant and casual dining in the Standard Tavern. It also offers full locker rooms, a golf shop, private meeting areas and separate banquet space in a comfortable and stylish atmosphere.

“Beloit is a very active golf town,” says PGA professional Milt Kodl. “We have a city tournament each year that is open to all members of the community that is held the first weekend in August between our club and Krueger-Haskell. Between public and private golf, Beloit offers something for every type of golfer.”

Tiffany Bridge Kayaking Beloit Wisconsin Paddle Turtle CreekPADDLING

The Rock River and Turtle Creek in the greater Beloit area offer some wonderful paddling opportunities, and Beloit is located right in the center of the Rock River Trail, a nationally recognized trail initiative. You’ll enjoy spotting eagles, swans, white pelicans, herons, beaver, various species of ducks and other waterfowl on your paddle trip.  In addition, you’ll see the occasional deer, fox and coyote along the banks. Turtle Creek winds its way for over 13 miles from the Tiffany Bridge in Shopiere, Wisconsin, through Beloit and joins the Rock River is South Beloit, Illinois.  Three websites offer information on paddling in the area: www.natureattheconfluence.com www.friendsofturtlecreek.com and www.rockrivertrail.com

SPORTS & FITNESS

Whether it’s volleyball, golf, basketball, bowling, softball, bags or Kubb – we’ve got your game in Beloit!  The City of Beloit Parks and Recreation Department and local bars, such as The Rock Bar and Grill, offers various team sports.

Volleyball at The Rock Bar and Grill Beloit WisconsinThe Stateline Family YMCA offers a variety of programs for area residents. There are traditional programs such as Zumba, Body Pump, and strength and cardio classes, as well as untraditional classes for cancer survivors and those living with Parkinson disease. There are a wide range of senior classes, as well as programs such as Fit Families, an 11-week education and recreation program for families with obese children. A new program called TRX Suspension Training, which incorporates a method of leveraged bodyweight exercises. “We watch the trends, and we listen to what our members want.”  says Ann Hankins, healthy living director for the Stateline Family YMCA.

Whether it’s a class at the YMCA or a nice leisurely walk along the river, Beloit offers something for everyone looking to make improvements in their life. “We’re making strides when it comes to healthy living,” says Hankins. “The community continues to work together to create more avenues for those people who might not have access to bike paths or recreation centers. It’s exciting, but there’s still work to be done.”