Community Recreation

Grinnell's recreation opportunities abound with something for everyone's interests. For information on the City of Grinnell's Athletic Programs and area parks, please visit their website at Grinnell Parks and Recreation Department or call (641) 236-2620.

Local attractions and facilities

Anytime Fitness, features top-of-the-line equipment available 24 hours/day, 365 days a year. 

Fly High Fitness Studios, new to the community in 2005, classes in Spinning, Yoga and Pilates offered for all experience levels; onsite childcare provided, located on Commercial Street.

Grinnell Area Recreation Trail, bicycle trail from Grinnell to Rock Creek State Park, with a trailhead at  Lions Park on 8th Avenue between Sunset and Bliss Streets, offers a wonderful opportunity to take in the magestic agricultural land around Grinnell.

Grinnell College's Physical Education Complex, offers the pool for public use during the academic year. Contact the Grinnell Parks and Recreation Department for a pass.

Grinnell Country Club, a private nine-hole golf course, pool, and restaurant.

Grinnell Municipal Pool/Lions Park, playground, restrooms/locker rooms, and outdoor swimming; open usually June - August, (641-236-2621).

Oakland Acres, a public 18-hole golf course three miles west of Grinnell.

Paul W. Ahrens Fitness and Rehabilitation Center, offers a modern fitness center complete with cardiovascular equipment (treadmills, stationary bicycles, and recumbent stepper), weight and strengthening stations, and whirlpool spa. (641) 236-2999.

Local parks

Grinnell Parks are plentiful and varied, ranging from mostly wooded and natural to fully equipped for outdoor sports and playground activities. Please visit the Grinnell Parks and Recreation Department website for more information and parking reservation.

Ahrens-Paschall Memorial Park, 100 plus acres with a  one and a half mile walking path, modern playground equipment, sand volleyball court, sledding hill, golf driving range, lighted softball and baseball diamonds, soccer fields, tennis and basketball courts, picnic shelters, and restrooms. (641) 236-7779 or (641) 236-2620.  Click here for an aerial map of Ahrens Park.

Arbor Lake, wooded area with lake and picnic shelter, barbecue pit, hiking paths, fishing, and restrooms.

Bailey Park, large, newly remodeled playground, tennis courts, and restrooms.

Central Park, downtown's city park that hosts holiday activities, farmers' market, and concerts; new modernized playground equipment.

Grinnell Athletic and Recreation Center, constructed by the Ahrens Park Foundation, the facility features three indoor basketball courts with a surrounding walking/jogging track plus locker rooms.  (641) 236-7779.

Jaycees Park, neighborhood park with playground equipment and shelter.

Merrill Park, baseball diamond, two shelters, barbecue pits, new playground equipment.

Miller Park/Lake Nyanza, a scenic park, shelter, barbecue pit, playground equipment, restrooms, lake, and fishing.

VanHorne Park, a quiet neighborhood park with new playground equipment.