Park and recreational land uses for the City of Belle Plaine include over twenty City owned parks, open space and recreational areas. These land uses account for approximately 80 acres or 2.4 percent of the City's total acreage. The City's residents and businessess identify parks, trails and recreational facilities as valuable community resources that contribute positively to the quality of life offered in Belle Plaine. Recreation is viewed as an integral part of life, providing a necessary and satisfying change from the things we usually do and the places where we spend most of our time.

Most of the parks in the City of Belle Plaine are identified with signage which carries a unified theme, which assists in identifying the areas as municipal parks. Following is a listing of the park and recreational facilities exisiting in the City of Belle Plaine:

• Blaha Memorial Song Bird Sanctuary - 200 West Court Street

 

• Century Park - 200 West Century Street

 

• Chatfield Park - 550 East State Street

• Community Ice Skating and Hockey Rinks - 214 West Park Street

 

• Court Square - 410 North Cedar Street

 

• Deer Park  - Northwest of Deer Creek Subdivision

 

• Fountain Park - 801 West Forest Street

 

• Heritage Square - 500 East Orchard Street

 

• Hickory Park - 801 East Orchard Street

 

• Meadow Park - 800 Meadow Circle

• Minnesota Valley Trail - Minnesota River Valley

• Municipal Swimming Pool - 203 West Prairie Street

 

• Prairie Park - 650 East Park Street

 

• Prairie Restoration - Along South Street West near Chatfield Elementary School

 

• Settlers Park - 450 East Church Street

 

• South Creek Trail - Located throughout the city limits of Belle Plaine

 

• Tennis Courts - 203 West Prairie Street

 

• Townsend Park - 110 North Meridian Street

 

• Union Square - 201 South Eagle Street

 

• Veterans Park - 101 East Commerce Drive

 

• School Facilities

  In addition to the City owned parks, there is also a number of school facilities and playgrounds that are utilized for recreational activities. The City and the School District have entered into a joint powers agreement that assures dual use of facilities whenever feasible. Although these are not "municipal parks", the amenities are available to serve the public at times in which school or extra curricular activities are not underway. The facilities, especially the athletic fields, serve a much larger population than the corporate limits. Following is a brief description of other school recreational facilities:

• Our Lady of the Prairie Catholic School - 212 North Chestnut Street

 

• Chatfield Elementary School - 330 South Market Street

 

• Oak Crest Elementary School - 1101 West Commerce Drive

 

• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran School - 500 West Church Street