City Times Staff

Three local park groups are joining together to offer a free winter sports event at Standing Rocks Park.

Active Portage County, Friends of Standing Rocks and the Portage County Parks Department will offer day of snowshoeing, downhill and cross-country skiing at the park on Monday, Dec. 26.

The event, open and free to the public, will run from 11 AM to 4 PM. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

There will be no charge for tow tickets and for those without equipment, there will be a limited amount of free equipment rentals available for use, on a first come, first served basis. A warming house, complete with fireplace, will be available. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.

This day of free winter exercise is being sponsored by the Friends of Standing Rocks, Portage County Parks Department and Active Portage County.

“We are excited to host new and returning winter sports enthusiasts to Standing Rocks County Park, to feature the beautiful trails and snow-making equipment,” said Gary Speckmann, director of Portage Co. Parks.

Cross-country skiing is available on three trails within the park: the Green Trail is an easy 1.8-mile groomed trail that is mostly flat and great for beginners; the Red Trail is 4.9-mile groomed trail, with many hills, geared for an intermediate skier; and the Blue Trail is an expert 7.9-mile groomed trail with many steep hills.

There are two snowshoe trails available, including a one-mile and a two-mile option.

Standing Rocks County Park is a 524-acre park that features mountain biking trails, three disc golf courses, a field archery course in the summer and early fall, as well as a year-round dog-exercise area. The park is located just seven miles east of Plover. From Plover, head east on County Highway B, then turn right on Custer Road, then left on Standing Rocks Road for two miles.

For more information about Standing Rocks County Park, go to www.co.portage.wi.us/department/parks/standing-rocks-park.

Friends of Standing Rocks County Park was started to extend winter fun in central Wisconsin, by fundraising for mobile snow-making machines for downhill and cross-country skiing at the park. For more information about the Friends of Standing Rocks call 715-824-2145.

Call 715-346-1433 for snow conditions.