COLUMN: Central Park offers numerous fun, learning activities for summer

   Another year has raced by, and the summer season is HERE! Summer is a busy time full of vacations, weddings, sporting events, and outdoor fun.

   I know for our family and many others, finding fun learning opportunities for all ages is always a high priority. This year finding activities close to home is easier than ever!

   From miles of mowed hiking trails traversing prairie and woodland habitats to a sand volleyball area with an outstanding view, Central Park offers a wide range of outdoor fun! Bring your kayak and put in at one of three designated zero entry small watercraft lake accesses, or grab your beach gear to enjoy the summer sun at Central Park’s swim-at-your-own-risk sand beach. Don’t have your own kayaks? Visit the Camp Hosts to inquire about rental kayaks and paddle boats – available Thursdays-Sundays, Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.

   If your family likes to go on picnics, enjoy several open-air shelters, picnic tables, grills, and playground areas to entertain the kids. Looking for campsites? Central Park offers primitive to fully modern campsites and two small rental cabins for those without a tent or camper.

   Don’t miss the Jones County Wild for Reading StoryWalk Trail located in the woods south of the campground at Central Park. This summer’s highlighted story is “The ABC’s of Jones County.” Complete all 5 quests of the 2024 StoryWalk Summer Challenge to win a prize and get entered into the drawing for a family prize pack to the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.

   While at Central Park, take your family fishing on the lake or West Pond to enter the Jones County June Family Fishing Challenge. The newly restored 25-acre lake with modern boat ramp, ADA-accessible fishing pier, and concrete lake walk is a popular fishing hot spot for those fishing from shore or a boat. Your catch could include black crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, and channel catfish. Each family member participating will be entered into a drawing for fun outdoor prizes. Families can take advantage of the Iowa DNR free fishing weekend on June 7, 8 and 9 to fish without having to purchase an Iowa fishing license. (All other state fishing rules apply). Loaner fishing equipment can be checked out at the Central Park Nature Center throughout the summer.

   When at Central Park, make sure to stop in at the Central Park Nature Center. The Nature Center houses a variety of local amphibians and reptiles, as well as exhibits on local plants and animals. Children completing the “Nature Center Challenge” win a small prize and are eligible to win a free camping certificate at the end of the season.

   Lower-level displays and activities change monthly with the June theme of Fishing Fun! The Central Park Nature Center is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. During the week, the center is open when staff are present.

   Visit https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/ for more information on Central Park and all the above-mentioned events and activities. Whether you are camping, hiking, picnicking, swimming, or just out for a Sunday drive, Central Park is a wonderful local destination. Located near Amber and Center Junction, right in the center of Jones County, Central Park is a trip worth taking.

   I hope you have a chance to visit this hidden gem right in your own backyard!