A Boulder Junction man was recently honored with the Rising Star Award for his work to expand outdoor recreation zones within the town.
In recognition of his achievements, Dennis Duke was celebrated by Gov. Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Office of Outdoor Recreation as part of the 2026 Wisconsin Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards late last month. He joined six other individuals and organizations that were recipients of awards marking their outstanding contributions to Wisconsin’s booming outdoor recreation industry.
Since joining the Boulder Junction Parks Board in 2021, Dennis Duke has helped lead transformative outdoor recreation projects including an inclusive playground, Wisconsin’s first outdoor skating ribbon, an expanded basketball court and a new 18-hole disc golf course.
Duke began coming to the area in 1960, and moved to Boulder Junction full-time in 2014. He said he came here to “be part of the community, help it grow and evolve, and maintain its premiere status in the Northwoods.”
Through thousands of volunteer hours and tireless community leadership, he has helped shape the future of outdoor recreation in his community.
“In Wisconsin, we know our outdoor spaces are some of our state’s greatest treasures,” Evers said. “Whether it’s hiking or biking a trail, embarking on a fishing or hunting trip, riding a UTV or enjoying time outside with family and friends, outdoor recreation is a big part of our way of life and an important part of our economy.
“The folks we’re recognizing with these awards are helping make sure Wisconsin remains a top-notch destination for the outdoors. Their work is making a real difference in communities across our state, helping connect more people with the outdoors while supporting an industry that continues to grow.”
Launched in 2025 and hosted by the Office of Outdoor Recreation, the Governor’s Outdoor Industry Awards recognize outstanding achievements across Wisconsin’s outdoor recreation industry, celebrating the people, projects and partnerships that are shaping its continued growth and success.
“These awards celebrate the people who see opportunities where others see challenges. They bring big ideas to life through hard work, collaboration and a passion for the outdoors,” said Office of Outdoor Recreation Director Cassie Mordini. “Whether they are building trails, creating welcoming experiences, strengthening communities, running businesses or inspiring the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, this year’s recipients remind us that Wisconsin’s outdoor industry is powered by extraordinary people.”
Through these outdoor awards, Boulder Junction also won the First Ascent Award for Innovation in 2025 for the creation of the Glide Skating Ribbon at Boulder Junction Winter Park.
The First Ascent Award for Innovation recognized 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 — an 0.8 mile ice skating loop that opened for the 2024-25 winter season.
For more information on outdoor recreation opportunities in the town, visit boulderatplay.com.
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