Parks and Recreation

Whether you are looking for a place to swim, play baseball or softball, have a picnic, or enjoy playground equipment, Clarion has many parks in the area to suit your needs.

The Clarion Park and Rec Department also has many events throughout the year for the public to enjoy. Check the community calendar for upcoming events, or contact City Rec Director Tom Simmons at 515-532-2482

Aquatic Center Park

Clarion is proud of its new center, which opened in the summer of 2006! The large pool has four water slides: two large slides in the 3' area and two drop slides in the 12' swimming area. There is a zero depth enty; children's toys in the shallow pool area; and a shower tower outside. The fully staffed aquatic center has many trained professionals as life guards and as adult supervisors. Also included at the center is a bath house with men's, ladies', and family dressing rooms and full menu concession area. The center is open daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day from 1 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., weather permitting.

Ticket prices for the 2007 season are SEASON PASSES: family - $125; adults - $60; seniors (55 and over) - $50; children (18 and under) - $50; children 3 and uder are free. DAILY FEES: adults - $4; seniors - $3.50; youth - $3; observers - $2. PUNCH PASSES (10 punches) - adults - $35; seniors - $30; youth - $25. Pool can be rented after hours for $100 per hour with a one-hour minimum.

Seasonal phone number is (515)-532-2315; before and after the swimming season, contact city hall for more information at (515)-532-2847.

Other park ammenities are the open-air shelter house, public restrooms, picnic tables, playground equipment, basketball courts, and sand volleyball courts, across the street south. The Clarion-Goldfield football field with covered stadium, and 400 meter all-weather track are connected to the swimming pool park to the west. The track is used by the public for walkers throughout the year.

Gazebo Park

The Gazebo Park is home of Clarion's annual Festival in the Park, held annually the second weekend in June. Music in the Park, sponsored by the Clarion Chamber of Commerce, is held weekly in gazebo park each Monday during the months of June, July, and August. Along with the restored gazebo, there is restored water fountain, playground equipment for the children, picnic tables, public restrooms, and a basketball court. In the southwest corner is the home to the rural 4-H Schoolhouse Museum, birthplace of the internationally known 4-H emblem. The museum is open Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings during June, July, and August. Other times by appointment. Contact 1-515-532-2256 or 1-515-532-2847 for more complete information.

Firemans' Park

Firemans' Park is the home of new Clarion Skate Park. There is playground equipment for the children and picnic tables for use by park goers.

Lion's Park

Hanson Park

Located in 200 block of 6th Avenue N.E.

Hanson Park is home to two large baseball/softball lighted diamonds. Little league and boys' high school baseball games are played during the summer months at Hanson Park.

Clarion Elementary-Middle School Play Area

Located at 300 block of 3rd Avenue N.E.

The Clarion-Goldfield Elementary and Middle Schools are the recipients of a community fund drive and more than $100,000 of play equipment, located east of the school buildings. Children are welcome to play on the equipment at their pleasure. In the northeast corner of the school property is a lighted ball diamond where the Clarion-Goldfield Cowgirls play their home softball games.

Lake Cornelia Park and Shelter

1768 O'Brien Avenue 5 miles Northeast of Clarion

Lake Cornelia has two covered picnic shelters, playground equipment and an enclosed shelter house, all located on the North side of the lake. The enclosed shelter is available for rent by calling the Wright County Conservation Board office at 515-532-3185.