The City of El Dorado Springs maintains three city parks for public use. The premier park is the downtown park. This park was established with the founding of the town. It contains the spring basin which still flows water. Also, in the park, is the municipal bandstand, 1930's era Community Building, fish pond, picnic shelters, barbeque grills and playground equipment. The east end of the park, where the bandstand is located, is a natural amphitheatre. There are numerous park benches surrounding the bandstand.
The second park is the newest park and is located on the northeast corner of Main and Carman. This park is equipped with a shelter house, playground equipment and a ball practice field with backstop.
The third park is at the west end of Fields Blvd. This park is called the Lucien Carter Ball Park. At this complex, you will find 3 lighted ball fields, one non-lighted T-ball field, concession stand, outdoor basketball courts, picnic shelter and modern playground equipment.
Baseball-Softball Programs
The summer ball program is offered by the City as a recreational league for children that attend the El Dorado Springs School District. Sign up is usually done in early March. Teams begin practice in late April or early May. Games begin in late May or early June. The program offers T-Ball for boys and girls, Coaches Pitch with seperate teams for boys and girls. Boys then advance to Minors, then Majors, and finally Seniors. Girls advance to Juniors, then Majors, and finally Seniors. Some teams from out of town also participate. The city maintains one T-Ball field, two Intermediate fields, and one Major field. There is a concession stand with restrooms.
Golf Course
The Gene Pray Memorial Golf Course is located at the west end of Fields Blvd., by the Lucien Carter Ball Park. The nine-hole public course is open March 1 - October 30. A season pass can be purchased at City Hall. For those that may not want a season pass, daily green fees can be paid at the pro shop. The City also maintains golf cart storage sheds for rent. Anyone wishing to store a cart at the golf course can arrange for a rental shed and trail fee at City Hall. The course is open seven days a week.
There are a limited number of tournaments each year. Golfers can also choose to participate in one of several different leagues.
Men's-Monday evening, Senior-Wednesday morning.
Because golf is a lifetime sport, the City wants to encourage youth golfers. To help younger golfers, the student pass is available at a reduced price. Also, golfers under 12 may golf for free when accompanied by a paying player 18 or older. There are also special events, clinics and tournaments for young golfers.
The Virginia Ryan Strain Swimming Pool is located at 110 S Jackson. The pool opens in late May or early June and closes in August. Swimming lessons are offered during the morning hours in July. The pool can also be rented for parties. Pool Manager-417-876-6814.
Civic Center and Community Building
El Dorado Springs has a 26,000 square foot Civic Center at 135 W Springs St. (Spring and Jackson Streets), just North of the downtown park and Virginia Ryan Strain swimming pool. The Civic Center is primarily funded by a one-half of one percent sales tax. The facility opened its doos on April 16, 2005.
The Civic Center has two main components. One side features City Hall administrative offices. The other component is the recreation activities. The recreation side features a full-size basketball court with seating for 250. There is a racquetball/handball court, a weight/exercise room and an elevated cushioned walking/jogging track. In addition, there is a game room, locker rooms with showers and 2 meeting rooms with a full size kitchen. The two meeting rooms can be opened up into one large meeting room with seating up to 175, if needed. There is also a small meeting room that accomodates up to 20.
The facility has been receiving considerable use since its opening. A wide range of activities have taken place. There has been basketball tournaments, dodge ball tournaments, volleyball leagues, tumbling classes, aerobic classes and gymnastic classes. The meeting rooms have been used for wedding receptions, class reunions, anniversaries, birthdays, and many other gatherings. The City Council meetings, municipal court, and various other City boards and commissions meet in the facility as well.
There is no fee for the
general use of the facility. The only fees are for the
racquetball court and the meeting rooms/kitchen. The
gymnasium is open for use most times; however it can be rented on
Thursday nights for $10.00 per hour, or it can be rented on other
nights for $25.00 per hour.
Southwest Soccer Club
Children's soccer fields are located on the South end of the City's Industrial Park on East Hwy 54. The club usually begins practice the first week in August and play is from the end of August through September. Ages 3 and up are eligible. For more information regarding the Soccer Club, contact Shelly at 417-876-5965. This club is not run by the City.
There are other sports activities throughout the year including Bitty Basketball, Co-Ed Volleyball, Karate, and Children's Wrestling. Watch in the local newspaper for these event notifications.