It is rare, if not unique, to find a community so well situated with such a variety of outdoor leisure and active recreation. Within a 15 mile drive there are over 11,200 acres of public space (17 ½ square miles!). This includes a National River Trail (Rock River), three state parks, one state forest, a bison herd at Nachusa Grasslands, a State Natural Area, two ‘open’ church retreat centers, and a 1,800 acre forest preserve. Activities include hiking, biking, horsing, x-c skiing, snowshoeing, paddling, fishing, hunting, history, scenery.
And then there are the community parks of Oregon itself. The Oregon Park District includes a full service indoor fitness center the envy of many much larger cities. The District has 140 acres of multi-use leisure and activity based public space. Their wide ranging programs allow opportunities for engaging social interactions and self-improvement. Check them out; and come to re-create yourself.
Oregon Park District – OUR MISSION:
“To provide quality services through programs, parks and facilities to fulfill the needs of the community in a fun, safe and friendly environment.”
The Oregon Park District was established in 1967 “to efficiently, effectively and equitably provide the highest quality recreation programs, facilities and park resources in cooperation with all community resources to enhance the quality of life for the District residents and visitors”. Since then the District has acquired over 140 acres of park land at ten different park locations in the Oregon area. Outdoor facilities include several baseball/softball diamonds, playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, walking trails, sand volleyball courts, a concert area, two (2) horseshoe courts and river fishing areas. In addition, several picnic shelters are available for group rentals. Indoor facilities include full fitness center, running track, racquetball courts, Olympic sized pool, multiple basketball courts and activity/exercise class areas.
For a full listing of Oregon city parks, click here.