The Delavan Lakes Area is one of the most popular resort locations in Wisconsin, with exciting water sports, golf, horseback riding, winter activities, unique shops, and world class greyhound racing at Geneva Lakes Greyhound Track and Simulcast Center. The greyhound racing facility is renowned as one of the finest in the nation. It offers great food, friendly atmosphere and the ultimate racing experience year round.

Delavan’s park system contains more than 100 acres of beautifully maintained natural preserves. There are a variety of scenic parks, including Mill Pond at Veteran’s Park, Phoenix Park, and Springs Park.

Here you will find spacious picnic areas and safe playgrounds for the kids. Tower Park, Veteran’s Park, and the Town of Delavan Community Park are popular recreation sites as well. The city’s park system also maintains a swimming pond, ice skating and hockey rinks, sledding hills and an impressive Memorial Arboretum.

Over two miles of waterways wind throughout the city. Lake Comus is a favorite water spot for children. Young anglers can catch Pan fish, Northern Pike and Black Bass. Along the north shore of Lake Comus, beyond the arboretum, is the Dibble Nature Trail where innumerable varieties of trees, shrubs, marsh grass, birds and small wildlife reside in their natural habitat. Nature lovers are allowed to follow the trail and observe their favorite species. Another favorite escape is along the charming Swan Creek Trail. The Ned Hollister Wetlands Conservancy, located across from Lake Comus in natural surroundings, is preserved with the utmost care to secure its continued survival.

A full time staff runs the city’s recreation department. Little-league baseball and t-ball teams are in action during the summer months. Adult and youth tennis lessons are provided at area courts. The recreation department also organizes leagues for the following: adult coed sand and indoor volleyball, youth volleyball, basketball, baseball, football, and golf. The city’s Mill Pond is ideal for swimming lessons and ice-skating. Swimming lessons are also provided at Delavan-Darien High School (D-DHS). Open gym programs such as swimming, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball and wrestling are also available at D-DHS.

The city owns and operates the 18-hole Delbrook Golf Course, rated as one of the finest public courses in the area. It includes a man-made lake, a modern irrigation system, and modern clubhouse. A golf pro is available to help with all your golfing needs. A complete list of all recreation programs are available through the City of Delavan Recreation Department. Contact the Recreation Director at 728-5585 ext. 132.

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The public school system in Delavan is among the best in the state. Three public elementary schools, one middle school and a high school with a total enrollment of nearly 2,400 students under supervision of the Delavan-Darien School District (728-2642) ensure the success of future generations.

Parochial schools also play an important role in educating Delavan’s students. St. Andrew’s Catholic School, Our Redeemer Lutheran School and Delavan Christian School have over 450 elementary students enrolled. The Wisconsin School for the Deaf, established in 1852, serves the educational needs of over 150 deaf and hearing impaired children from throughout the state. There is also a state licensed nursery school, two church-sponsored nursery schools and a licensed day-care center for preschoolers.

Gateway Technical College, located 10 miles from Delavan at the Elkhorn Campus, is a superior school for technical training. Lakeland School of Walworth County, in nearby Elkhorn, is an excellent facility for exceptional and learning disabled children.

Several institutions for higher education are within easy driving distance of Delavan, including the following:

* The University of Wisconsin - Rock Co.

* The University of Wisconsin - Madison

* The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee

* The University of Wisconsin - Parkside (Kenosha)

* The University of Wisconsin - Whitewater

* Alverno College - Milwaukee

* Beloit College - Beloit

* Blackhawk Technical Institute - Janesville

* Cardinal Stritch College - Milwaukee

* Carroll College, Waukesha

* Gateway Technical College - Kenosha, Racine, Elkhorn

* Marquette University - Milwaukee

* Rockford College - Rockford, IL

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Exploring cultural diversity and the arts is a treat in Delavan, thanks to the resources provided by the Aram Public Library. The library is fully staffed and contains the latest reference and information volumes. An artworks rental service gives borrowers an introduction to art. The library’s expansion project increased its area to 7,488 sq. ft. to hold over 50,000 volumes. A community meeting room seats up to 180 people, and a Delavan history display room was also added.

An affiliation with the Walworth County Library System greatly expands its capability to obtain almost any type of publication. Great emphasis is placed on the children’s sections, with numerous reading programs and summer activities.

The Aram Public Library phone number is 728-3111.

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One of the major manufacturing and industrial centers of Walworth County, Delavan is home to over 230 businesses including such companies as Borg Indak, Sta-Rite Industries, Andes Candies, Waukesha Cherry-Burrell, Ajay Leisure Products, and Outboard Marine Corp. Also located in Delavan are 77 retail establishments, 46 professional services, entertainment establishments, and three newspapers.

The community has six full-service banks and one credit union that offer first-rate service to the community.

The agricultural industry has always been an integral part of Delavan’s community. The area is renowned for its variety of products and is home to farms boasting award-winning dairy and beef cattle. A plentitude of sheep, goats, swine, and poultry dot farmsteads that produce much of the country’s food.

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