CLARKE COUNTY RECREATION COMPLEX
This 52 acre park is located on the north side of the City. There are two access points, at the present time, to Rec-Plex. The south entrance, which will gain patrons access to the Osceola Family Aquatic Center, Soccer Fields, Becky Persels Skate Park and Hembry Pathway, is at the intersection of W. Shaw and N. Fillmore Streets. The north entrance, which will gain patrons access to the Adult/Youth Ball Field Complex as well as the Osceola Disc Golf Course, is located directly south of the County Yard off of Highway 69 North.
Fern Underwood Family Aquatic Center – 225 West Shaw – began the development of this area in 2000. This is a 180,000 gallon facility with zero-depth entry, 4 lane (25m) lap swim area, deep well with a 3m diving board, plunge area for the 142 linear foot water slide, and several amenities such as geysers, arc jet, mushroom, ten 20′ umbrellas, and 100 lounge chairs.
SEASONAL OPERATION INFORMATION: The facility will open the day after Memorial Day (Tuesday). Should Clarke Community Schools need to continue past Memorial Day, the facility will open the day after school lets out for summer. The facility will be closed on Independence Day. The facility will close for the season on Sunday, one week prior to the start of school.
Osceola Adult/Youth Ball Field Complex – 1620 N Main was the next to be developed in 2003. This area features four youth fields (200′ fence) clover leafed around a centralized concession/maintenance building, along with two adult fields (280′ fence). All areas between the youth and adult fields, including the path leading to the concession/maintenance building from the gravel parking lot, the path leading up to the adult fields, and the extension of Hembry Pathway to the gravel parking lot are hard surfaced.
Osceola Soccer Fields consist of two regulation sized fields were developed in the spring of 2005. This area created a home for the Department’s Youth Soccer Program. The fields themselves have been utilized by a variety of patrons for various activities such as adult soccer, and most recently the High School Soccer Club.
Hembry Pathway immediately followed this development in the summer of 2005. This pathway (.6 miles in length) connects the southern facilities (Aquatic Center, Skate Park, Soccer Fields) to the northern facilities (Ball Field Complex, Disc Golf Course). Not only is it a great place to walk and enjoy the out of doors, but it also allows safe passage for children to the ball fields.
Becky Persels Skate Park was another addition to the complex in the fall of 2005. In conjunction with area youth and American Ramp Company, a design was developed for this 7,000 sq. foot addition. The park includes Half Pipe, Quarter Pipe, Cow Catcher, various Grind Rails, etc., and was made possible with the assistance of the Clarke County Development Corporation and very generous donation from Mrs. Becky Persels.
Osceola Disc Golf Course is our latest addition to the Recreation Complex. The project was completed the fall of 2014. Almost all of the holes are sponsored allowing for a great, long, course. Innova Disc Catchers were installed along with paved Tee Pads. This course starts and ends at the ball fields as it weaves its way through the complex to the soccer fields and back. Other amenities will be added over time and discussion over such continues. As always, input is welcome as we progress towards completing what we hope to be the premiere location for recreation.
EAST CLAY STREET PARK – 601 East Clay St
This park, located at the corner of North Osceola and East Clay Streets, is the newest jewel in the Department’s Park System. Although not officially completed, this Park boasts the newest innovations in play structures atop a rubberized surface. Benches, with shade structures, align the perimeter of the play area.
GRADE LAKE PARK – 814 Lake Shore Drive
This park, located along Lake Shore Drive, has excellent fishing along with bird watching and hiking. Thomas Trail, a natural walking path on the west side of the lake, connects Lakeshore Drive to Grade Lake Drive. Total walking distance around the lake is approximately 1.5 miles. Bench seating, donated by the Osceola Lions Club, is placed along the trail for rest or just to take in nature’s beauty.
LAUREN’S BARK PARK – 801 East McLane
This Park is located along Highway 34 at 801 E. McLane Street in memory of Lauren Barker. She was a frequent volunteer at the Osceola Animal Shelter and this park was a dream of hers. The Park consists of two (2) fenced in areas. One (1) for large dogs and one (1) for small dogs, to play and socialize. For General Requirements, Park Rules, and Park Usage Permit, utilize the following links: Park Rules Park Permit/Release Of Liability or contact CITY HALL (641)342-2377.
LITTLE INDIAN PARK – 101 North Temple
This park is located at the corner of Temple and Jackson Streets. It is a small neighborhood park with playground equipment, Shelter, and 1/2 court basketball court.
MAPLE HILL CEMETERY – 1122 South Ridge Road
This 50 acre area is located in the southwest portion of the City along S. Ridge Road. The Cemetery Office and Work Shop are located on the eastern portion of the Cemetery and may be accessed off of S. Ridge Road or Gustin Street off of Highway 34. Cemetery Office hours are 7:30a.m. to 4:30p.m., Monday through Friday. Maple Hill Cemetery Rules and Regulations
OSCEOLA MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE – 400 East Fayette
The Osceola Municipal Golf Course, formerly known as the Osceola Golf & Country Club, was deeded and accepted by the City in March of 2019. This facility was built in 1961 on a great piece of property that includes elevation changes, mature trees, a creek, and ponds. This facility has many additional features such as a practice area for putting, netted driving area, and cart sheds that Season Pass Holders may rent for their personal cart. The Clubhouse is available to rent for special events. Wedding receptions, class reunions, graduation parties, funeral receptions, holiday parties, or your own golf event are just a few examples of Facility Rental possibilities.
Q-POND PARK & BOAT ACCESS – 1111 West Clay Street
This is a 125 acre park is located on the northwest side of town, off W. Clay Street. The upper portion currently features two shelters, a few pieces of play equipment, and the first half of the Q-Pond Trail Loop. The Pheasant’s Forever Shelter, on the south end, is a smaller shelter that can accommodate approximately 15 people. The Methodist Shelter, on the north end, is significantly larger with an approximate capacity of 50 people. Large open areas surround these shelters allowing individuals or groups to enjoy nature or games.
Improvements to the park continue. This Parks is home to the Department’s Maintenance Building. A hard surface trail looping around the entire Park is complete. There are several internal nature trails integrated in the overall trail for those who may wish to go off the paved pathway. The Q-Pond Trail now connects to Hembry Pathway at the Clarke County Recreation Complex via Clarke Community School’s property between the football and baseball fields.
The Boat Access is perfect for individuals or families to go fishing or just enjoy nature. Access to this area is at the corner of Delaware and W. Clay Streets. Park benches are placed in key spots for resting, relaxing, and taking in the beauty of this Park.
SEMINOLE PARK – 158 Country Club Drive
This small neighborhood park is located along Country Club Drive. A small basketball court is provided at the park along with a gazebo and playground structures with Surface America® “poured-in-place” rubberized surfacing for fall protection.
WARREN FAMILY PARK – 2520 Truman Road
This 2 acre park is located at the corner of Warren Avenue and Truman Road. It features playground equipment with PlayTurf Evolution® “ground rubber” surfacing for fall protection, and a full-length basketball court with two adjustable Goalrilla® Basketball Systems. Also included on this site is a shelter for family and group use.
WEST LAKE MARINA – 2220 West Clay Street
Enjoy the fishing at West Lake. Launch you boat from one of the two paved boat ramps to start the fun. Plenty of room for parking and nice restroom facilities are provided. The marina was closed for a period of time in 2015 as a major renovation to the drive and parking areas were done through the DNR’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant that the City was awarded. We hope you enjoy the finished product.