Wood County Board Chairman Lance Pimolin said during a radio interview Oct. 22 that most county campgrounds close Oct. 31 but that some locations remain available for seasonal uses.

Pimolin, speaking on WFHR's Rapids Report, said Dexter campground remains open through hunting season — until Dec. 1 — and that the lower parking lot for Powers Bluff off County N will remain open all winter to access cross-country ski trails. He said mountain bike trails will remain open "as long as you deem you can use those" and that the hill’s winter sports area is "always dependent on snow."

The park season schedule and exceptions matter to local recreation and to businesses that serve visitors. "They buy gas. They use restaurants. Some of them stay in hotels," Pimolin said, describing the economic impact of park users. He credited the parks staff with preparing a late-added riverfront site that opened this past season and drew strong attendance.

Pimolin said Sarah Park closed earlier in October for annual maintenance; he also referred to another riverfront site the interview named "Sierra Park" when praising recent additions and upgrades. Reservations for many campgrounds, he noted, are typically made a year in advance. He advised residents to check woodcountywi.gov or call the parks department for current open/close status and reservation details.

Hosts and county officials discussed signage and access improvements after patrons reported missing the new park entrance. Pimolin said parks upgrades and new river access are expected to increase future reservations and overall use, which helps parks move closer to revenue-neutral operation.

Parks-related discussion on the program was conversational and advisory; no formal county action or vote was referenced during the interview. The county's parks phone number and website were cited as the avenues for the most current information.