Carthage Family Fitness
Carthage Family Fitness (formerly the Carthage branch of the YMCA in Keokuk, but now operating on its own) is located at 103 Randolph Street (in the western
part of town, 1/2 block off Highway 136). Featuring a large weight
room, large padded-floor exercise and class room, showers, and lockers,
it offers very affordable memberships, for both
individuals and families.
Youth Sports is a major focus of any fitness center, and the Carthage facility
is no different. The Fall of 2000 was their first season of organized
sports. Both Tag Football and Youth Soccer were offered. The Soccer
League is so popular, a web site has been used to help keep track of
everything.
You can call Carthage Family Fitness at (217) 357-2739, or visit their
site at www.carthagefamilyfitness.com.
The Carthage Swimming Pool
The
Carthage Park Board has just completed construction of a new city
pool at the site of the old pool on the North West edge of town
(just across from the Jaycee Park). The pool features zero-depth
entry for all ages, and a diving board at the 9-foot depth end.
A mushroom was added last summer, and provisions have been made
in the pool's design to add a waterslide as soon as funds allow.
Pool hours have been extended this year, and many programs have
been added. 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 the golf course),
shelters for family picnics and reunions, numerous playground areas
for the kids, toilet and water facilities, and more. 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 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 facities,
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.
The Carthage Golf Club
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.
Carts are available for rent, as are pull carts and clubs. Hours
vary with the season, so for more info: (217) 357-3625.
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 childred as they
read or otherwise pass the time.
The 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. Since
that day, fencing, a water fountain, landscaping, restrooms, and
other improvements have been made.
Carthage Lake
The
main Carthage Lake is the primary source of drinking water for the
City of Carthage. It also happens to be a centerpiece scenic wonder,
located adjacent to the Jaycee Park and the Golf Course. Fishing
is great at the lake, and boating is allowed (check for restrictions).
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.
Crystal Ball Roller Rink offers public skating
many times during the week. Call for details.
Hwy 94 S.
217-357-2915
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 Senior Citizens' Center
The
Carthage Senior Citizens' Center offers many programs for our older
citizens, 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. Call (217) 357-3716 for information
on programs and upcoming events, or visit them at 301 East Main
Street.
