Recreation
Whatever your preferences, when it's time to have fun, you're sure to find it in Carthage. From the World of Wonders
Playground (pictured here) for children, to the lighted tennis courts, young and old alike will find what they want here.
Many of the recreational facilities in Carthage are administered by the Carthage Park Board, which oversees all properties financed by the Carthage Park District, a taxing district consisting of the City of Carthage. However, there are some additional sources of recreation in Carthage, as well. Let's take a look at all of these fun activities:
Memorial Hospital FOCUS Fitness
Memorial Hospital FOCUS Fitness is located at 103 Randolph Street (western part of Carthage, 1/2 block off Hwy 136) and features free weights, treadmills, ellipticals, cardio machines, strength and weight machines as well as fitness classes and Tang Soo Do Martial Arts. FOCUS Fitness offers affordable memberships for individuals and families as well as 24/7 access for members! Call FOCUS Fitness at 217-357-2739 for membership applications and fitness class schedules.
The Carthage Swimming Pool
The Carthage Swimming Pool is located on the west edge of town (just across from the Jaycee Park) and is easily accessible from Highway 136. The pool features zero-depth entry for all ages, a diving board at the 9-foot deeper end and a "mushroom" water feature.
Pool hours are posted at Carthage Park District – Carthage, IL. The season usually runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Call the Carthage City Swimming Pool at (217) 357-3435.
The Jaycee Park
The Jaycee Park is Carthage's Premier general-purpose park. Located at the Carthage Lake, also on the North-West corner of the city, the Jaycee Park has provisions for camping near golf course with shower facilities at clubhouse, shelters for family picnics and reunions, numerous playground areas for the kids, toilet and water facilities, and a 9-hole disc golf course! With the swimming pool just across the street, and the Carthage Lake within walking distance, the park offers a great escape from the hectic pace of normal life.
The Joe & Helen Grate Sports Complex
The Joe Grate Sports Complex is also administered by the Carthage Park Board. Located on the North-East part of town, just behind the college campus, the complex features 4 lighted tennis courts, three lighted baseball diamonds, a concession stand, toilet facilities, and a small shelter house.
The tennis courts are available to the public, at no cost, on a first-come, first-served basis. The diamonds are also available for general public use, but during the summer they are very busy supporting local youth baseball and softball programs. For more information on youth sports' programs, go to Carthage Park District – Carthage, IL.
The Carthage Golf Club/Carthage Lake Campground
The 9-hole Carthage Golf Course is located just down the scenic lake road from the Jaycee Park. The course features a variety of holes, over its 3000 plus yards of Par 35 golf. The holes run the gamut from the 120 yd hole 2 over water, to the 535 yd hole 5 straight-away, to the doglegs of holes 4 and 8. It's a wonderful course, and a great way to pass a few hours and enjoy the beautiful clubhouse! Call (217) 357-3625 for more information during the regular season April 1-November 1.
Adjacent to the Carthage Golf Course is the Carthage Lake Campground. Full hook-ups and water. Camp – Carthage Park District
WOW Park
The World of Wonders Park is a super playground located just south of the Carthage Square. Centrally located, children all around Carthage converge on the playground at the park. There are tables around the park that are often used by parents of younger children as they read or otherwise pass the time. A shelter provides a covered eating area and restrooms are available.
The original WOW Park was built in 1994 by the community. Fund raising efforts paid for material and the architectural consulting. The architect visited Carthage and solicited advise from area school children to get the list of desired features. The huge park was built primarily in one weekend by hundreds of volunteers. This process was repeated in 2017 when the WOW Park was rebuilt with upgraded material and a more innovative design that appeals to children of all ages.
Carthage Lake
Carthage Lake is the centerpiece and scenic wonder for the Carthage community. Located adjacent to the Jaycee Park and the Carthage Golf Club, the lake is noted as a great fishing lake (boats are limited to 10 HP). Many enjoy kayaking and paddle boating on the lake as well. A peaceful get-away for residents and visitors alike.
These two views of the lake just begin to show its beauty. Both of these pictures were taken from just off of the road that loops around the lake. If you look at the background to this page, you will notice how the lake comes in to play with Hole 2 at the Golf Course.
Carthage Kiwanis Disc Golf Course
Located in Jaycee Park, this 9-hole disc golf course adds another amenity to the existing recreational opportunities offered by the Carthage Park District. Easily accessible and marked with cement tee pads, the course begins near the shelter house and playground area, descends and ascends the sloping hills, curves around the tree line and runs along the lake before winding back to the shelter/playground area. Basket placement can be switched to allow players a chance to play 18 different holes. Contact Amy if interested in scheduling a tournament 217-357-3800.
Hancock County Saddle Club
The Hancock County Saddle Club is yet another recreational opportunity in Carthage, located near the swimming pool (NW edge of town). The members of the Saddle Club sponsor a number of events throughout the year for the public to attend, including professional rodeos. For information: (217) 357-3278.
The Gun Club
The Hancock County Gun Club is located just north of Carthage on Highway 94. Indoor and Outdoor firing ranges are on the grounds, as well as buildings where classes are offered periodically.
Carthage Community Center
The Carthage Community Center offers many programs for the community and those in surrounding areas. Located just 2 blocks from the Historic Carthage Square, the center is within easy walking distance of much of Carthage. The facility is equipped with a kitchen, large meeting and/or dining area, and restrooms. This makes the center a popular place to rent for meetings, parties and receptions. Contact Carthage City Hall (217) 357-3119 to inquire.
