EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – For anyone strolling through Mount Simon Park, an interesting set of wooden structures awaits them.

“If there was maybe something that could draw their attention in that direction, they would explore that part of the park,” Ryan Butler said.

The inspiration for the full-time head chef at a local restaurant was the many cabin-like structures found in the park.

After creating one himself, he even began working on a circular structure he called the “moon gate.”

In honor of the city he loves, Butler named this pocket of Mount Simon “Oak Lair.”

This eye-catching project originates in the summer of 2023.

“I came to Mt. Simon with my dogs who needed a place to run,” Butler said. “And I decided to try it for myself, if I could take it to another level so that maybe the community could interact and enjoy. Maybe this could revitalize the park, which at the time had a lot of dead sticks on the ground.

His dedication, stronger than the material he worked with.

“Often I have days where I find 35 pieces and only four works. The rest takes a break. It’s an exercise in patience,” Butler said.

The worker as flexible with his time as the branches he could use.

“Every once in a while I have five days in a row where I can come here, and that’s what I do. I come here and I commit to building these things,” Butler said.

Once the structures were completed, his family became involved in the project.

All of the fence construction leading to the cabin was done with the help of his wife Brandie. The installation of the “moon gate” was possible thanks to the help of his son Bo.

Putting down roots was the goal for the longtime Eau Claire man who moved to town before 2010. Giving the community the “Oak Lair” is something he’s happy to offer to communities across the city ​​he never wants to leave.

“To encourage a gathering place where people can take pictures or do whatever they want to do.” I don’t think we had any intention of what will end up happening,” Butler said. “That’s one of the best things about it. I get to see families come here and even if it’s only four minutes, these kids are happy and these families are excited to be here and see it.

The project is something Butler said he will continue to work on until he finally grows out of it, or really when time decides to tell him to take up other hobbies.

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