Dating on a Dime (without looking cheap)

Money is tight for everyone these days, but that’s no reason to skimp on the fun and the romance. Contrary to popular belief, dating does not have to be expensive to be fun and memorable.

Only 20 minutes from UE on Evanville’s west side, Burdette Park allows a variety of activities — swimming, fishing, camping, miniature golf, tennis courts — so you can be tight with your cash without compromising your outing. Burdette, located off Red Bank Road on Nurrenbern Road, proves that sometimes love really doesn’t have to cost a thing.

Junior Carly Zenthoefer has worked at the park for six years as a lifeguard and feels the experience is friendly, fun and adventurous.

“It’s nice and full of different things to do,” she said.

You can cool off with a dip in the pool that offers diving boards and water slides, or work up a sweat on the tennis courts. For those of you that don’t like the water or running around, you can tan by the water while listening to the wonderful sounds of summer.

You can always finish the day off with a round of miniature golf and wind down in the comfortable and cozy lodge. Burdette Park also offers a BMX park for those of you who love to experience a little bit of the the extreme.

“Just going to a different side of town and being at a park that is [further] outside the city can be fun,” senior Sarah Ruthenburg said.

With prices that are good for your wallet, Burdette allows you to pick your perfect date. Take your date on any of these excursions, and you will surely impress even the most skeptical date.

Take advantage of the nature

It’s free of charge! With nature at the tips of your fingers, Burdette Park offers beautiful wooded walking trails and a fishing lake to take your date without even spending a dime. “Welcoming, grassy and goose-filled,” sophomore Emily Mella said.

Burdette is a good place for you and your date to get away from the rest of the world. Whether it’s the nice, quiet spots while walking the trails and woods, the serene fishing on the lake or the playful feeding of the ducks and geese, the park definitely has what you need to utilize nature at its best.

Pack a picnic perfect for two

You can have breakfast, lunch, dinner or even a late night snack. It’s free to get into the park, and they are open from 7 a.m. to midnight every day of the week. Just grab a blanket, your favorite food and a Frisbee, and you’re good to go.

Grab your suit

Slide into summer: “The pool is definitely a hot spot in the summer,” freshman Jordan Chapman said. “It’s a good rate and nice place to cool off.”

At only $7 a person, going on a date with two pools, two diving boards and four waterslides can be fun for anyone. Make sure you bring your sunscreen and a towel for a day full of wet and wild adventures; the pool opens at 10 a.m. daily.

Love on two wheels

Pedal away while pinching pennies: Burdette Park offers miles of bike trails free for anyone. Weather permitting, these trails are sure to keep your adrenaline flowing.

For those seeking even more of an adventure, try BMX Race Nights. These tracks are used for regional and national race meets and start promptly at 7 p.m. Whether it is a long, scenic bike ride through the park or a visit to the race tracks, you can be assured that Burdette Park is an affordable decision for any biking activity.

Putting around

A ‘hole’ lot of fun: Who doesn’t love a game of mini golf? This is a perfect way to really let your competitive side come out, and for only $4 a person, you can experience this course day or night.

Stargazing for sweethearts

See the stars in a whole new light: After a day of fun-filled activities, lay down with your loved one and gaze at the night sky. Offering public restrooms and showers, Burdette Park is the local camping hot spot. From campgrounds sites to full RV and trailer hook-ups, prices range from $14–$23 a night.

The park also has accommodations for those of you who prefer a less primitive experience — chalets are available to rent for $119 to $129 a night.

Don’t catch yourself daydreaming about the lavish ideas that are not wallet friendly. It may take a bit more effort to be creative and not break the bank, but in the end, it shows you care.

Realizing that you can date on a dime in your own back yard can save you both time and money while still having a great time.

Dates to Go: Pick Your Combo

Emily Mella’s Burdette Date: A picnic for two, followed by swimming and a walk around the lake.

Sarah Ruthenburg’s Burdette Date: A scenic walk around the park, ending in a picnic. Afterward, renting a chalet for the weekend.

Jordan Chapman’s Burdette Date: Just getting away and taking a woman fishing.

Carly Zenthoefer’s Burdette Date: A round of mini-golf, followed by fishing and a walk to feed the geese.