What's your recreation?

Sports, Camping, Nature, Swimming, Playgrounds, Picnics
Come experience it all and more at your Carthage Parks.

Come out and enjoy all that the Carthage Park facilities and programs have to offer.

The Carthage Park District offers many different areas and activities.  Boating and fishing in Carthage Lake, camping at our campground, disc golf, a playground, shelter houses and a swimming pool at Jaycee Park on the west edge of town.  Joe Grate Sports complex, located on the north east part of town, has facilities for baseball, basketball, softball and tennis.  We also operate youth sports programs including baseball, basketball, softball, tee-ball, tennis, volleyball and wrestling.  The park also has a wonderful 9 hole golf course operated by the Carthage Golf Club and for equestrian enthusiasts, the Hancock County Saddle Club has an expansive facility with a barn, riding areas and an arena.

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Family Fun

Whether it be a family reunion or just a few hours out with the kids, we offer several options for group gatherings in one of our 6 shelters or enjoy time with family and friends at our campground.  We have 4 areas for the kids to play at one of our play areas at the Jaycee Park, WOW Park, Courts and campground.

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Sports

We offer recreational youth sports programs throughout the year and offer public play at our ball fields, basketball, pickleball and tennis courts as well as our disc golf course.  Join us every Thanksgiving day for our Annual Turkey Traipse along the Lake.

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Outdoors

Our parks also provide the outdoor lover may opportunities to experience nature on land or water.  We offer kayak rentals and beautiful views on our trail system.  Birds and wildlife are abundant in our parks as well as great fishing.  The Daisy Dog park lets your furry family members enjoy off leash fun in the park as well.

Campground Map (2023)

Camping

One of our hidden gems is our campground.  Nestled among the hickory and oaks, it is righ next to the Carthage Golf Course and just a short walk to get to the waterfront, our trail system and our boat launch.

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Swimming

Our park features a outdoor swimming pool fit for all ages.  It features a zero entry for those little ones, a mushroom water feature as well as a diving board.  We offer swim lessons, water aerobics and parties.

Recreational Equipment Use Program

The Carthage Park District is pleased to announce a new Recreational Equipment Use Program.  This program gives the public access to sports equipment and yard games free of charge.  This equipment can be used at family gatherings, parties, campouts or just for backyard game night.

We have a variety of sports equipment and game available for use including Basketball, Soccer, Football, Tennis, Pickleball, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball, Cornhole, Connect 4, Spike Ball, and Ladder Golf.

Click here for more information.

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KAYAK RENTAL NOW AVAILABLE

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The Carthage Park District is pleased to announce the arrival of four new single seat kayaks that are available for rent.  Go to www.carthageparkdistrict.org/kayak-rental and reserve a kayak on our online reservation system.

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Carthage Park District

Formed on March 20, 1939 the Carthage Park District's goal is to provide recreational opportunities for residents of Carthage, Hancock County and visitors to our area.