Sheila and Bill Volker have thoroughly enjoyed living and working in Chippewa Falls. Like many area residents, they cherish the countless hours they've spent taking in all that Irvine Park has to offer. Recognizing the importance of preserving the 381 acres of natural beauty for future generations, they established the Sheila and Bill Volker Irvine Park Endowment Fund in 2013. Gifts from this designated fund support ongoing improvements to the park by the City of Chippewa Falls Parks, Recreation, and Forestry Department.

"Irvine Park is such an asset to this community," said Sheila, who has been walking through the park since her retirement from the Chippewa Falls Area Unified School District in 2002.

"I started in a walking group, but over time, and for various reasons, I was the only one still walking. So, I recruited Bill to walk with me!" said Sheila.

During their walks, Bill and Sheila often find themselves catching up with people they know and appreciate the opportunity to meet new people along the way. They're happy to see so many families with children exploring the park's trails and using the playgrounds, especially as new equipment and features are added.

"This place is near and dear to my heart," said Sheila. "We like seeing all that's going on in the park, especially the wonderful improvements being made such as the new staircase between the upper and lower park. It was so much fun walking it for the first time!"

The Volkers appreciate the way others in the community treasure Irvine Park, too. They recall chatting with a family, visiting from Iowa, that would not have discovered the park were it not for the staff at Leinie's Lodge. Upon seeing their children, Lodge staff members encouraged their parents to check out the "awesome" park just around the corner.

"The father told us they played on the playground and walked all around, saw the zoo animals. He couldn't believe no one charged them admission," said Bill. "That's what makes this place so special."