10 Ways to be active in Forest City this Summer

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Ways to be active in Forest City this Summer

Summer vacation season is in full swing and many of us are itching to get moving in the great outdoors. Forest City offers many unique ways to enjoy physical activity around town.

1. Winnebago River-
Float down the Winnebago River.  Grab a canoe or kayak and take a leisurely paddle down from Ambroson Recreation Area to Pammel Park in Forest City. This should take you a couple hours.  River maps area available  by clicking on “Winnebago River Trail brochure” on the left side of this website http://www.winnebagoccb.com/winnebago_county_parks.shtml
2. Lake Catherine at Thorpe Park–
A scenic 15 acre lake at Thorpe Park. Boating and Fishin are allowed. Check out this website for more info:  http://www.winnebagoccb.com/winnebago_county_parks.shtml
3. Forest City Aquatic Center–
Enjoy the giant water slide, geysers and water playground. Located at 525 John K Hanson Drive. Open Mon-Sat 1-8pm, Sunday 1-6:30pm open swim, and Sunday Family Hour 6:30pm-8pm.  Daily admission is $4.00.  More info is available: http://forestcityparksandrec.com/aquatic-center/
4. Skate Park-
Like to scoot around on a long board or skate board?  Try the skate park at Bowman/Community Park next to the Aquatic Center. You will be able to ride on 3 quarter pipes, 1 half pipe, 1 half pyramid with grind ledge, 1 wide jump box, 1 wide wedge, 1 kinked rail, and 1 long grind rail.
5. Disc Golf-
Forest City boasts and outstanding 21 hole disc golf course.  Located inside Pammel Park and East Park, the course offers some of the most varied settings and challenging play in Iowa.   A map can be found here:  http://forestcityparksandrec.com/wp-content/uploads/FCDGCmap2012.jpg
6. Bear Creek Golf Course-
Bear Creek is an 18 hole golf course open to the public. Located East of downtown on Golf Course Road, they offer lessons and lunch  http://www.bearcreekfc.com/
7. Sand Volleyball-
The sand volleyball courts are located in Bowman/Community Park next to the Skate Park.  Dip your toes in one of three courts open to the public.  Contact Forest City Parks and Recreation(641-585-4860) if you are interested in league play.
8. Trails-
Forest City offers over 15 miles of trails for you to walk, run or bike.  For the energetic and adventurous, take the Hanson Trail to the Pilot Knob loop.  For a short 2.1 mile trail, try the Hynes Spur Trail that starts inside Pammel Park.  Hynes Spur winds through Pammel Park, Bear Creek Golf Course, and next to the Winnebago Rally Grounds.  Find the map here: https://forestcityia.com/visitors/recreation/forestcitytrails/
9. Picnic in the Parks –
Pack a picnic and head out to one of Forest City’s 9 parks.  Most of the parks offer seating, picnic tables and even play structures, shelter houses and gazebos. Each park is unique and offers interesting features such as a butterfly garden in Pammel Park.  Find them on the Forest City map

10.  Programming and events-
There are several programs, races and runs in Forest City throughout the year:  Contact Parks and Recreation for over 30 adult and youth opportunities www.forestcityparksandrec.com/programs   throughout the year.  Download the Parks and Rec summer brochure.   From adult swim, sand volleyball, men’s slow pitch baseball, to Pickelball and basketball, you’ll find something that will work for you.  Check out  the many outdoor active events in Forest City: Winnebago Outdoor Adventure Race(early June), Color Run (May), Winnebago Relay for Life 5k(June), and the Puckerbrush 5k (July) and Puckermud Mud Volleyball (July). Find them and more at forestcityia.com/calendar