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Parks & Recreation

Whether you are interested in active or passive leisure, Washington has plenty to offer with its charming parks, natural areas and athletic organizations providing sports enthusiasts a variety of options for play.

Perhaps one of the city’s most impressive recreational areas is Sunset Park, which is situated along Highway 92 West. The 60-acre park is equipped with pavilions, utilized for a number of gatherings, modern playground equipment and an extensive swimming facility. The beautifully landscaped park, distinguished by a pergola and gazebo encompassed by blooming flower gardens and an overall picturesque setting, is ideal for weddings and special photography sessions.

Patrons of all ages can partake in the many enjoyable features of Sunset Park. Take a walk through the park’s substantial stretch of open green space, nature watch along the Kewash Nature Trail or cool off in the $2 million Aquatic Center. Built in 2000, the center boasts of an 11,000 square foot, zero depth entry pool with entertaining components such as five geysers, a 23-foot in height body flume slide, a lap pool and concessions. Visitors can take advantage of some relaxation and rays with the number of lounge chairs encircling the pool.

Children are invited to play on assorted ramps, bridges, tunnels and towers at the park’s impressive wooden playground, New Dawn at Sunset. While the children are romping on the equipment, parents can take a seat or set up lunch at one of the picnic tables or shelters that sprinkle New Dawn’s perimeter.

Skateboarders, rollerbladers and bikers take pleasure in Sunset Park’s state-of-the-art skate park, which is comprised of a three-foot quarter pipe, a six-foot quarter pipe, a mini ramp, a fun box and a grind box. Skill levels of all kinds are welcome, as the skate park is designed to accommodate the beginners and challenge the experienced.

Sunset Park’s Frisbee Golf Course is quickly becoming a popular site for active recreation. The nine-hole course, which contains cement tee pads, tree and marsh hazards and hills, stretches over 3,339 feet, making it the longest disc golf course in Iowa. A slew of players participate in Frisbee golf games during the summer months.

The newest addition to Sunset Park is its one-acre dog park, located at the west end of the park. Organized in the fall of 2006 by a group of dedicated dog owners, the park stands as a clean, safe place for well-mannered dogs to enjoy some off-the-leash exercise and socialization with other friendly dogs. The dog park features a separate fenced-in area for both large and small dogs, disposal facilities, shelter, benches, water and trees for shade. A yearly permit can be obtained for $25, while daily visits cost $3.

Additional parks within Washington include Central Park, Hayes Timber Park, Sesqui Park, North Park and Pewee Park.

One spot year-round outdoor enthusiasts in the area must see is nearby Lake Darling State Park. The 299-acre lake is encompassed by 1,417 acres of land composed of extensive camping sites, cabins, picnic areas and shelters, a new 200-seat lodge, playgrounds and more. The park’s trail system spans 13 miles and welcomes those interested in hiking, cross-country skiing, running, biking or snowmobiling. Swimming, boating and fishing are favorite diversions on the lake.

Marr Park is another outdoor haven not to be missed while in the county. Children remain amused through the park’s two playgrounds, while both parents and youth can access meandering trails, fishing on the 1.2-acre Marr Park Pond or the five-acre mini-lake, picnicking under six shelters and camping under the stars.

Recognized as one of the largest facilities for a community with a population under 7,500, the Washington Community Y is perfect for active residents, young and old. A combination of the area’s YMCA and YWCA, this prominent amenity offers an indoor pool, gymnasium, fitness center and weight room, racquetball courts, a teen center, child daycare and senior services. An array of year-round activities for every interest can be accessed through the Y.

Golf lovers in Washington utilize the community’s beautiful Washington Golf and Country Club, a challenging nine-hole course that extends over 2,861 yards from the longest tees. The Country Club is open throughout the year, hosting an array of events. Further golfing can be had through one of the county’s other three courses. ;