Boulder Junction's 'Glide' Nabs Inaugural Innovation Award
The Town of Boulder Junction Parks and Recreation Department has been honored with the 2025 Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards – First Ascent Award for Innovation for the creation of the Glide Skating Ribbon at Boulder Junction Winter Park.
The First Ascent Award for Innovation recognizes a community-led approach to outdoor recreation that demonstrates exceptional creativity through new strategies, techniques, projects, programs, or products implemented within the past year. Boulder Junction’s Glide Skating Ribbon is the first recreation facility of its kind in the state of Wisconsin — a 0.8 mile ice skating loop that opened for the 2024-25 winter season.
Led by Park Board members Henry Royer, Steve Weber and Dennis Duke, this unique winter attraction transformed a historic railroad grade into a dynamic outdoor skating ribbon, drawing thousands of visitors to the town throughout winter.
"The Park Board has done a fantastic job of creating a bold, visionary plan to expand and enhance our park facilities," said Town Chairman Dennis Reuss. "The Glide brought many people to Boulder Junction this past winter and made a very strong positive impact on our local businesses. This award confirms what we've seen firsthand, true innovation paired with community spirit delivers real results."
Laura Bertch, chairperson of the Boulder Junction Park Board, emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the project. "This honor reflects not only the leadership of our Park Board members but also the dedication of the many volunteers who gave their time and energy to make this vision a reality. We could not be more proud."
The Glide Skating Ribbon project exemplifies Boulder Junction's commitment to innovative recreation and sustainable community development. Plans are already underway to build upon this success with expanded Winter Park amenities in the coming seasons.
The Parks Board has been a busy group within the town, adding a number of new recreational amenities to those who work and play in the town. Mary Jones, executive director for the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce, took a turn to applaud the Parks Board as the mastermind behind the Glide and the winner of the award.
"We are so grateful to them for the work they've done to enhance the outdoor recreation opportunities in Boulder Junction over the past few years. They are an all-volunteer group and in the past few years have put in a new playground, created the Glide, renovated and expanded the basketball court, and are about to open a disc golf course," Jones said.
For more information about the Glide Skating Ribbon and future park projects in Boulder Junction, visit boulderatplay.com.
About the Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards
The Governor's Outdoor Industry Awards recognize excellence and innovation in Wisconsin's thriving outdoor recreation sector. The First Ascent Award for Innovation highlights groundbreaking approaches that enrich the outdoor experience and promote economic vitality through recreation.
The newly created awards honor the outstanding accomplishments that drive economic impact and elevate the profile of Wisconsin’s thriving outdoor industry and of the state as a top outdoor recreation destination. Across seven categories, 75 nominations were received for individuals, destinations and organizations. Winners were announced and nominees were recognized at a special celebration on June 26.
In addition to Boulder Junction's win, the Wisconsin State Park System was honored with Destination of the Year.
Celebrating 125 years in 2025, the Wisconsin State Park System provides access to some of Wisconsin's most unique and scenic landscapes, exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities and amazing experiences for visitors. For this anniversary year, the Wisconsin State Park System is bolstering activities and opportunities for those new to outdoor recreation.
"Our state parks, forests, trails and recreation areas are really something to be proud of here in Wisconsin," said DNR Secretary Karen Hyun. "Receiving this award is an honor and highlights how vital these natural spaces are in making Wisconsin a great place to live, work and play. Our staff are dedicated to conservation and creating wonderful recreation opportunities, and this is a testament to that."
