CLARKE COUNTY / OSCEOLA IOWA TRAIL NETWORK
For over a decade, The City of Osceola, The Clarke County Development Corporation, Clarke Community Schools, local businesses and community leaders have been working to create a network of trails throughout the city of Osceola and Clarke County that would provide citizens and visitors with the best outdoor activities available in south central Iowa. Spanning from the northwest corner of the city at Q Pond Park, winding its way through parks and residential areas and linking to trails, camping facilities and more at East Lake Park, outdoor lovers can ride, walk, run and take part in all kinds of family activities year round.
Click the map image to view / download a progress map (PDF) of the trail network. Updates will be made often.
EAST LAKE PARK
With the expansion of trails and the number of events being held in Osceola and Clarke County Iowa parks growing, the Clarke County Conservation Board has partnered with local leadership to put East Lake Park on the map of travel and tourism destinations in Southern Iowa.
The Clarke County Conservation Board and members have identified a need for a modern RV campground at East Lake Park, updated to meet the requirements of today’s recreational vehicles. Through careful planning , allowing for possible future development, the proposed RV campground would offer 25 Recreational Vehicle slip sites – 16 back-in and 9 pull-through – with individual water hookups and the choice of 20, 30 or 50 amp electricity. With a block tile shower house that allows for easy maintenance and a single environmentally-friendly dump station, East Lake Park could soon become a destination campground for Southern Iowa and a substantial revenue generator for the County and neighboring cities.
GRADE LAKE PARK
This park, located along Lake Shore Drive, has excellent fishing along with bird watching and hiking. Thomas Trail, a natural walking path on the west side of the lake, connects Lakeshore Drive to Grade Lake Drive. Total walking distance around the lake is approximately 1.5 miles. Bench seating, donated by the Osceola Lions Club, is placed along the trail for rest or just to take in nature’s beauty.
LITTLE INDIAN PARK
This park is located at the corner of Temple and Jackson Streets. It is a small neighborhood park with playground equipment, Shelter, and 1/2 court basketball court.
Q-POND PARK & BOAT ACCESS
This is a 125 acre park is located on the northwest side of town, off W. Clay Street. The upper portion currently features two shelters, a few pieces of play equipment, and the first half of the Q-Pond Trail Loop. The Pheasant’s Forever Shelter, on the south end, is a smaller shelter that can accommodate approximately 15 people. The Methodist Shelter, on the north end, is significantly larger with an approximate capacity of 50 people. Large open areas surround these shelters allowing individuals or groups to enjoy nature or games.
Improvements to the park are in progress. Reconstruction of the Pheasant’s Forever Shelter, new roof for the Methodist Shelter, modern restroom facilities, fresh gravel, and new posts to line the parking areas are planned. Work will continue on creating a hard surfaced trail loop around the entire park that upon completion would also connect to the current Hembry Pathway at he Clarke County Recreation Complex.
The Boat Access is perfect for individuals or families to go fishing or just enjoy nature. Access to this area is at the corner of Delaware and W. Clay Streets. Repair to the intake of Q-Pond is scheduled for this fall. Please note that during extended dry periods the lake level may drop. Boaters are advised that until repairs are completed it is not advisable to try and launch at the boat ramp.
SEMINOLE PARK
This small neighborhood park is located along Country Club Drive. A small basketball court is provided at the park along with a gazebo and playground structures with Surface America® “poured-in-place” rubberized surfacing for fall protection.
WARREN FAMILY PARK
This 2 acre park is located at the corner of Warren Avenue and Truman Road. It features playground equipment with PlayTurf Evolution® “ground rubber” surfacing for fall protection, and a full-length basketball court with two adjustable Goalrilla® Basketball Systems. Also included on this site is a shelter for family and group use.
WEST LAKE MARINA
Enjoy the fishing at West Lake. Launch you boat from one of the two paved boat ramps to start the fun. Plenty of room for parking and nice restroom facilities are provided. The marina was closed for a period of time in 2015 as a major renovation to the drive and parking areas were done through the DNR’s Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant that the City was awarded. We hope you enjoy the finished product.
