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Recreation
Quality
Parks
Powell’s
eleven parks encompass a little more than 80 acres, all of which have
been developed and improved with grass, trees and a well-rounded complement
of facilities to serve a variety of recre-ational interests. There are
12 softball and baseball fields throughout the community. fn addition,
there is a nine hole golf course complete with a pro shop, driving range
and putting green. Expansion of the course is scheduled for completion
in late 1994. A new neighborhood park, Crawford Park is scheduled for
development and construction in the spring of 1994, and will have the
basic grass and trees along with a picnic shelter and complete playground
area.
Powell is known for its outstanding softball complex and for the many
tournaments hosted here each year at Homesteader Park. This large park
located on the east edge of town along Highway 14A features a year-round
rest-stop, overnight camping, many picnicking areas with tables and small
shelters (including a 30'x 60' shelter for large groups), a volleyball
pit, a state sanctioned twelve court horseshoe area, a pond for a popular
annual fishing derby, three little league baseball fields, a new large
playground structure, and the City Parks and Recreation District offices
and shops.
For winter
time recreation, there is a sliding hill and a recently built regulation
size hockey rink (completely encompassed with side walls). Adjoining the
rink is a combination restroom and warming hut, with a skate shop and
a concession facility located nearby. Homesteader also boasts a modem
wading pool featuring a frog slide, and a soon to be walking and bike
path over a mile long with nature areas and physical fitness stations.
Westside Park boasts one of the most modern tennis court surfaces in the
Rocky Mountain States "Omni-Court."
Washington Park, the original city park, with many trees and great picnic
areas, recently received a very attractive and acoustically designed band
shell and large hexagon arched picnic shelter. Modem playground equipment
has been placed in several neighborhood parks, with Washington Park and
Homesteader Park containing the most elaborate of these structures.
The development of a long turfed and tree lined strip adjoining the highway
running through Powell has greatly enhanced Powell's attractive and inviting
image.
Tree planting projects have been carried on throughout all of Powell's
parks in the recent past with more still to come. A big emphasis has been
put on the care and planting of street trees along the right of ways in
residential areas of Powell. In conjunction with the downtown improvement
project, a major tree planting effort was undertaken. The 94 trees are
under a bubbler irrigation system and are protected with grates and guards.
The city has also made landscape improvements in its parking lots and
other public areas and added such things as attractive signage at the
city entrances.
Organized
Programs
A wide variety of organized recreation
programs and activities are available to community residents through the
offices of the Powell Recreation District. A full-time staff administers
year -round programs involving all age groups including pre-schoolers,
senior citizens and handicapped citizens.
The Recreation District makes full
use of the athletic facilities provided by the local school district,
Northwest College and the City of Powell. Gymnasiums, racquetball courts,
weight rooms, dance room, and multi-purpose athletic fields are readily
available to those individuals who want to stay physically active and
fit.
Community members are welcome to choose
from over 60 different programs and activities offered by the district.
Youngsters may elect to play such team sports as basketball, flag football,
soccer and softball. They may want to stay active with specialized classes
in gymnastics, dance or swim lessons. Summertime especially brings a vast
assortment of children's activities, including a daily playground program
with games, contests, arts and crafts, movies, and even field trips. Adults
can also pick from a wide array of activities, including such favorites
as aerobics, softball, basketball, co-ed volleyball, tennis, dance classes'.
and Karate. Senior citizens are offered specialized programs in aerobics,
swim fitness, and walking programs.
Swimming is an important part of the district's recreation program. The
department utilizes the high school's natatorium for a comprehensive community
swim program. Red Cross swim lessons for all age groups are offered on
a year-round basis with special emphasis in the summer. Open swim times
and special aquatic programs are offered at convenient times throughout
the year for interested swimmers. Special events and activities add a
different dimension to the department's programming. The recreation district
co-hosts tournaments throughout the year such sports as softball, basketball,
volleyball, and horseshoe pitching. Special event sponsorships include
bicycle races, triathlons, fishing derbies, and even parades.
Outdoor
Recreation
Rich in wildlife and recreational
opportunities, the Powell Valley is surrounded by mountains of unequaled
beauty, sparkling waters, and the starkly scenic badlands. The valley
offers a wide variety of cover and food types for fish and game of all
kinds.
In the big game category, antelope, black bear, elk, deer, moose, Big
Horn sheep and Rocky Mountain goats are hunted in the Powell area. Game
exists in its natural habitat here, thus providing an opportunity for
non-sportsmen to enjoy viewing and photographing wildlife.
Several lakes are large enough for boating and water-skiing. The Big Horn
Lake inside the beautiful Big Horn Canyon is probably one of the finest
skiing lakes in the state, and there are several dude ranches in the area.
The Buffalo Bill Reservoir is a world class wind surfing lake.
The nearby Beartooth Mountains offer unlimited possibilities to the avid
climber (conditions that are perfectly suited for the beginner to the
best ice scrambler).
During the winter months Powell residents can capitalize on the white
wonderland in the nearby mountains and Yellowstone Park. Snowmobiling
is very popular as well as cross-country skiing. The three ski resorts
all located within a 2 hour drive offer fine downhill skiing and snowboarding,
with ski enthusiasts able to avoid the long lines and expensive tow tickets
common at most resorts.
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