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COMMUNITY PARKS
CENTENNIAL PARK
Centennial Park was originally the city pasture (also known as Whiskey Ditch pasture) where the residents kept their dairy cows. It was named in 1958 to commemorate the state’s centennial. Facilities include a shelter house, restrooms, playground, volleyball and basketball courts, swim beach, beach house and splash pad. The park is adjacent to the boat landing.
CHAUTAUQUA PARK
The city’s first park was given this name as it was the place where the Chautauqua Programs were conducted from 1906 until 1931. This site was chosen on the shores of Lake Okabena and close to the business district. Facilities include a shelter house, restrooms, horseshoe courts and a bandshell with seating for Wednesday night summer concerts.
EHLERS PARK
Ehlers Park is named for long-time park superintendent A.J. Ehlers, whose handiwork can be seen throughout the park system. Ehlers Park has a shelter house, picnic tables, playground and dock.
FREEDOM SHORE PARK
Freedom Shore Park, located on the lake’s south shore, was developed in 1976, the year of our nation’s bicentennial celebration. In 2007, a Veterans’ Memorial was constructed honoring those who sacrificed so much to protect our freedom. This area was originally the Ludlow Apple Orchard.
LUDLOW PARK
Ludlow Park is named for the Ludlow family, from whose farm it came. They purchased the land from the first settler, G.J. Hoffman. The Okabena Apple was developed here. There is a shelter house, fishing pier, playground and amphitheater.
PUPPY PARK
A public place for your dog to exercise, play and enjoy the outdoors with you. Located on First Avenue SW at the Southeast end of Olson Park.
OLSON PARK
Olson Park, on the west end of Lake Okabena, was built on land donated to the city by industrialist-philanthropist E.O. Olson. Additional acreage came from the Haack sisters and Genevieve Peters. Overnight camping with 68 campsites, 62 of which have electricity, tent camping, shelter house, picnic facilities, dump station and nature trail under the canopy of large trees make this a most pleasant experience. To reserve a camping spot, call 507329-0760 or 507-372-8600.
SKATEBOARD PARK
Large concrete surface containing 3 ft. quarter pipe, 18 ft. wide; 2 ft. custom grind box, 19 ft. wide; grind rail, 12 ft. long; and 3 ft. quarter bank, 18 ft. wide. Located at Centennial Park.
SAILBOARD BEACH
This park is home to the Windsurfing Regatta & Music Festival in June. Located on the east side of Lake Okabena, it was the site of the former municipal power plant. There is a wonderful seating area, fishing pier and access to the hiking and biking trails.
SUNSET PARK
This one acre park was given to the city by E.O. Olson in 1945. A boat landing, small picnic shelter and fishing dock are on the premises.
SLATER PARK
Slater Park was part of the property owned by the Southwest Minnesota Tuberculosis Sanitarium, whose director was Dr. Sidney Slater, after whom the park was named. A shelter house, restrooms, swim beach, playground and boat landing are located at Slater Park.
VOGT PARK
Vogt Park is named for the Vogt family, three generations of which have lived on the farm located near the park. A swimming beach and picnic table are available here.
CITY PARKS
For more information on all city parks, please call 507-372-8650.
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