Most Lawrence students are not varsity athletes. It’s fun to watch the LU football team grind it out on the field, or watch the volleyball team spike on MWC opponents. But sometimes even non-athletes want a chance to be more than spectators. Here’s a guide to some athletic opportunities for all LU students both on and off campus.
First we start off campus. There are a lot of great parks and trails in Appleton, several within walking distance from Lawrence. On the opposite side of the Fox River you can find a walking and biking trail that stretches behind the paper mills. It’s a nice distance for a relaxing jog, or for a bike ride looking at all the fall colors.
Near the far side of the College Avenue bridge is Telulah Park. It’s one of three Appleton city parks that are within a short walk from campus. Telulah Park is popular with LU students because of its disc golf course. It’s free to play, and it’s one of two in the city. The other is at Pierce Park.
The other two parks near Lawrence are Peabody Park and City Park. Peabody has a picnic pavilion, a playground, and an area for football and soccer. To get there, follow College Avenue toward the river, then turn left on North Street.
City Park is right behind the conservatory. This small park is nice if you want to find a relaxing place to sit and study, or if you just want to walk around and see the fall leaves.
For the golf enthusiasts at LU, there are several courses nearby. Reid Municipal is the closest one, located down Lawe Street, across the river, and then down Fremont Street. Reid will remain open until November if the weather permits, and they have a fall golf special starting in October.
On campus, your options are vast as well. Both Alexander Gym and the Rec Center have exercise equipment, racquetball courts and gym space. The rec center will offer many classes during the year, including aerobics, pilates, and weight training. Many of these will be free. Check the flyer going around campus or the sign-up sheets at the rec center front desk for more information.
Of course, the most popular of LU recreation activities are the intramural leagues. This fall teams can participate in flag football, floor hockey, inner tube water polo, and badminton. Flag football will be on Sunday afternoons in October, floor hockey will be Monday nights, water polo will be Tuesday nights, and the badminton tournament will be Oct. 23, with both singles and doubles brackets. Sign-up sheets can be found at all the resident hall front desks, or at the rec center front desk. The sheets are due at the rec center desk by 4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24. Sign up and have some fun this fall.