Lake Winnebago Region 2019

Candice Hayward Local Radio Personality, Sunny 97.7FM Fond du Lac

“Rock hunting for ‘Fondy Rocks,’ something we love to do, gets us outside exploring to places like the police station, fire station, library; it helps our kids become familiar with our community.”

INSIDER

Marsh Haven Nature Center. Photo courtesy of Todd Dacquisto.

Fortunate to live Downtown, where there is so much to explore within walking distance, Candice and her family often pedal the Fond du Lac Loop , stopping for a rewarding A&W Root Beer treat along the way. “We really enjoy our local parks. This is a fun place to raise a family, where you can feel safe and good about it.” A bit farther out of town, several nurseries provide endless hours of exploration for Candice’s youngest green thumbs. Their favorites are Haentze’s Floral , Stuart’s Landscape , and Hounsell’s Greenhouse . Two additional destinations are Meuer Farm and The Little Farmer . “Both offer a multitude of activities that can keep your kids moving for hours. Especially in our digital society, it’s important to get kids outside and exploring their community.”

Year-round, Fond du Lac is hopping with festivals that Candice’s whole family finds fun to participate in— Walleye Weekend , Sturgeon Spectacular , Art All Around , and Fondue Fest to name a few. The Children’s Museum is a year-round recreation destination for children and families. “It’s a great place for kids to run, and is a godsend in the wintertime.” The programming is extensive, including some of the Hayward family’s favorites: Music, Museum & Me, science drop-in with ever-changing science experiments, and the new fire truck exhibit. Partnering with Annie’s Fountain City Cafe , the Museum even offers a culinary kids class. Beyond biking and other outdoor adventures, Fond du Lac is home to a beautiful YMCA with a swimming pool and lessons that Candice’s family enjoys year-round.

*Please refer to both the Fond du Lac Area Park Chart and Fond du Lac Area Bike/ Recreation Trail Chart and fdl.com for a complete list of recreation opportunities. GET ACTIVE BLUE LINE FAMILY ICE CENTER 550 Fond du Lac Avenue 920-923-0717 fdlblueline.com One of the finest ice rink facilities in Wisconsin and home to the Fondy Bears, Fondy Blades, Fond du Lac Thunder, Marian University, St. Mary’s Springs, Fond du Lac High School, Warbirds, Fond du Lac Figure Skating Club, and The Hockey Factory. You can always find action on one of the three sheets of ice! Public skating and skate rental available. Check our website for complete schedule. We are a year-round skating facility that offers hockey, figure skating, intro to skating, birthday parties, and weddings. FAIRGROUNDS AQUATIC CENTER/ WATERPARK 439 Martin Avenue 920-322-3950 fdlrecdept.com Zero-depth entry, two tube slides, two drop slides, and interactive water play features.

Other amenities include a concession stand, a sand play area, and bermed grassy areas around the pool for picnics and enjoying the sunshine.

FOND DU LAC COMMUNITY AQUATIC CENTER 100 W. 9th Street 920-929-3536 fdlrecdept.com

The Aquatic Center is open to the public six days a week for a variety of activities that include swim lessons, open swim, water wellness classes, and swim team practices and meets.

FOND DU LAC FAMILY YMCA 90 W. Second Street 920-921-3330 fdlymca.org

RECREATION

The Fond du Lac Family YMCA works to provide easily accessible fitness options as well as youth programs and services to all members of our community. Two swimming pools, waterslide, whirlpool, steam room, and current channel for water walking are available. A Wellness Center offering Life Fitness cardio and strength-training machines, free weights, and stretching area is all on one floor. Two full-size gymnasiums

Fat Tire Race. Photo courtesy of Patrick Flood.

Marsh Haven Nature Center. Photos courtesy of Todd Dacquisto.

60 | fdl.com

61 | fdl.com