COLUMN: Summer fun at Central Park

   Summer is on its way – ready or not!

   A busy time full of graduations, reunions, weddings, and vacations; summer is a season of outdoor fun. It’s also a time to slow down, relax, unwind, and enjoy the little things that are often the most important things with family and friends.

   For anyone in East Central Iowa, Central Park offers a wide variety of summer fun. Central Park itself offers miles of mowed hiking trails, a sand volleyball area, a horseshoe pit, and a beautiful swimming area and sand beach (swim at your own risk).

   The 25-acre lake is a popular fishing spot for those fishing from shore, the new cement lake-walk, or a boat. Your catch could include crappie, largemouth bass, bluegill, red-ear sunfish, northern pike, and channel catfish. If your family likes to go on picnics, you can enjoy the lake view from several open-air shelters or select a smaller picnic site with picnic table and grill. If camping is your passion, Central Park offers primitive to fully modern campsites and two small rental cabins. Reservations for the large enclosed pavilion and camping cabins can be made at https://www.mycountyparks.com/County/Jones/Park/Central-Park/Facilities.aspx.

   While at Central Park, don’t miss stopping by the Nature Center. The Central Park Nature Center is open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, and during the week when staff are present. The Nature Center houses a variety of local amphibians and reptiles, as well as exhibits on local flora and fauna. Monthly themed exhibits, crafts, and activities at the Nature Center begin in May. A full schedule can be found at https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/.

   Children completing the “Central Park Nature Center Challenge” will receive a small prize and are eligible to win free camping and watercraft rental certificates.

   If your family enjoys fishing or just wants to give fishing a try, mark your calendar for the quickly-approaching Central Park Family Fishing Day set for Saturday, June 3 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Central Park Nature Center. Learn how to fish at 8 a.m. during the “Beginning Fishing” program at the Nature Center. Enjoy come-and-go crafts and educational displays and activities. Families new to fishing can check out loaner fishing equipment and bait to give fishing a try. This event is being held during the Iowa DNR Free Fishing Weekend (June 2-4) and is part of the IDNR Hook N Paddle Passport!

   Whether you’re 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.

   For directions to Central Park or more information about our Central Park Family Fishing Day and June Digital Family Fishing Challenge visit https://www.jonescountyiowa.gov/conservation/.