Parks & Recreation
Our Parks… Our Pride… Our Future…
Mission Statement: “To enhance a city wide park and recreation system which improves the quality of life and promotes safe and enjoyable outdoor activities for all citizens of Spencer.”
General Information
The Park System in Spencer offers many opportunities for all types of citizens. Ice skating, summer band concerts, picnics, family reunions, etc. are held at East Leach, and there is an enclosed Event Center Facility available to rent.
A beautiful nature area for fishing, hiking and bird watching is available at Stolley Park. Hundreds of kids and adults alike enjoy baseball and softball at Pedersen Park. There are fields that are used extensively from May-September by patrons of all ages. During those months, the population equivalent of Spencer goes through Pedersen on a weekly basis! Talk about a busy place!
Other Parks within the Spencer Park System include DeWolf, North School, Pete’s Pond, Sunset, Westview Memorial, Fairview, Waterway, C. Earl Page, and West Leach Park totaling 256 acres. Our community is fortunate to have such a variety of park options here in our beautiful city. The Parks Department operates year-round with Park & Recreation Director Bob Fullhart at the helm. Summer part-time employees are the major labor source in the care of our parks.
Spencer also has a very active volunteer Park Board that puts in countless hours toward improving our entire park system. It is fitting, therefore, that the mission statement established by the Spencer Park Board is:
“To enhance a city-wide park and recreation system which improves the quality of life and promotes safe and enjoyable outdoor activities for all citizens of Spencer.”
Recreational Parks
C. Earl Page Park
Location: Between 13th and 14th Ave. West and between West 13th and West 16th Streets, near the south end of the block. Map
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Acres: 1
Description: This small neighborhood park—often called a pocket park —features a picnic shelter with a table, a single basketball hoop, and a berm that’s popular with children for play.
Amenities: Basketball Court, Children’s Playground, Neighborhood Park, Picnic Tables.
Accessibility info: Access includes curbside/off-street parking and unpaved walking surfaces.
Deerfield Park
Address: 1501 W. 15th Street
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: Between West 15th & 16th Street, two blocks east of 18th Ave. West. Map
Description: Locally known as the “Green Park” for its green playground equipment, this neighborhood park is a favorite for active play. It features a ½-mile walking trail. The playground is a highlight, with a fun zipline and a large netted climbing structure that kids love. With a mix of open space and unique play features, it’s a great spot for both recreation and relaxing outdoors.
Amenities: Playground, trails, covered picnic area with tables, grills, half-court basketball, baseball backstop. A portable restroom is also available.
Accessibility: Includes a paved walking trail suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, an accessible picnic area with level surfaces and accessible seating, and a wheelchair-accessible swing.
Dennis Price Courts
Address: 1400 10th Ave. East
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: Directly east of Spencer Middle School on the far east edge of town, sharing the same parking lot as the school. Map
Description: These courts include four newly constructed tennis courts that were built in 2023 as part of a joint project with the Spencer Community School District. The courts are lined for both tennis and pickleball, allowing for multiple types of play on the same surfaces. They provide a modern, shared-use facility designed for school and community recreation.
Amenities: Tennis courts with pickleball lines, NO RESTROOMS.
Amenities Nearby: Spencer Middle School, Spencer Soccer Complex and Pederson Memorial Park (baseball/softball fields).
Accessibility: Includes cutouts from the paved parking lot for convenient entry, a paved pathway leading directly to the tennis courts, and smooth court surfaces suitable for wheelchair and stroller access.
DeWolf Dog Park
Address: 3605 24th Avenue
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: Travel east on Highway 18 past Del’s Garden Center. The park is located on the southwest corner of Highway 18 & County Road M50 (240th Ave). Turn right onto M50; the parking lot will be on the east side of the road. Map
Description: Established in 2019, this spacious dog park offers a safe and enjoyable environment for dogs of all sizes. The park features two separate fenced areas—one for small dogs (under 30 lbs) and one for large dogs (over 30 lbs)—allowing pets to play safely and comfortably. Visitors will find ample parking, portable restrooms, picnic benches, and convenient dog waste receptacles. Please note that water is not available on-site, so visitors should bring water for their dogs. Surrounded by mature trees and open green space, the park provides a beautiful setting for both pets and their owners. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Amenities: Two separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, picnic benches located inside fenced-in area, portable toilets available. Note: Citizens may want to bring water for their dogs, as there is no available water source at this park.
Amenities Nearby: Spencer Middle School, Spencer Soccer Complex and Pederson Memorial Park (baseball/softball fields).
Accessibility: Includes cutouts from the paved parking lot for convenient entry, a paved pathway leading directly to the tennis courts, and smooth court surfaces suitable for wheelchair and stroller access.
DEWOLF DOG PARK RULES
Park closed during inclement weather.
Tobacco, alcohol, narcotics, and glass containers are prohibited.
Only dogs are allowed; no other pets.
Wheeled “vehicles” (bikes, wagons, strollers) are not allowed, except those needed for disability access.
All persons and their dogs use the park at THEIR OWN RISK. Dog owners are legally responsible for their dog’s actions and are liable for any injuries caused by their dog to other dogs or humans.
Clean up after your dog. Place waste in designated dog waste receptacles. Dispose of trash in garbage containers.
Keep dogs leashed prior to entering and when exiting the fenced area. Keep leash(es) with you at all times.
Gates must remain closed at all times.
Do not leave dogs unattended in the fenced area.
No children under 16 are permitted unless accompanied by an adult. Bringing small children and infants into the dog park is not recommended.
Do not bring human food into the fenced area; only small training treats are allowed.
Shoes are required for all users.
Fill any holes your dog digs; excessive or unsafe digging must be corrected by the owner.
Dogs must be under control at all times.
Dogs must be kept within appropriate size-designated areas (large and small dog areas must be followed as posted).
It is recommended to limit use to no more than two dogs per person; all dogs must remain under the owner’s direct control at all times.
Dogs must be current on vaccinations and parasite prevention (flea/tick control).
Dogs must wear identification collars/tags at all times. No choke, pinch, or spike collars allowed.
Aggressive dogs are not permitted. Dogs must be removed at the first sign of aggression.
Dogs must be at least four months old to enter the park.
Owners assume all liability and risk for toys brought into the park is permitted, under discretion of the owner, as other dogs may share and they may not be returned in good condition.
Accessibility info: Access includes gravel parking, with a paved sidewalk connecting the parking area to the dog park entrance. Within the park there are no paved pathways; surfaces are unpaved and uneven.
East Leach Park
Features: Skate Park, Rocket Slide, Bandshell, Event Center Facility
Address: 225 4th Street SE
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: Located on the south side of the Little Sioux River, just east of Grand Avenue. Map
Description: Nestled along the Little Sioux River, East Leach Park is Spencer’s largest and most active park. It offers a wide variety of amenities, including direct access to the paved trail system, fishing opportunities, a large playground featuring the park’s well-known “Rocket Slide,” and a spacious covered picnic area with tables and grills. Visitors can also enjoy a skate park, sand volleyball courts, and a unique bandshell for performances. The park is home to the East Leach Park Event Center Facility, which offers two indoor spaces available for reservation, making it an ideal location for gatherings and events.
Bandshell:
Built in 1969 as a venue for outdoor concerts and festivals. Today, it remains a popular gathering spot for music and community events, hosting the Spencer Municipal Band, concerts, festivals, and other live entertainment throughout the spring and summer.
Amenities: Stage, benches
Accessibility: The bandshell area is accessible from nearby parking lot; however, seating benches are located in grassy areas, which may present uneven terrain for some visitors using mobility devices.
Event Center Facilities:
To Reserve: call City Hall 712-580-7200 or Park Office 712-580-7260
Location: The East Leach Event Center is situated on the far eastern edge of East Leach Park, beyond the playground, picnic shelter and primary parking area.
Description: The Leach Rental Facility, built in 1998 and fully renovated in 2024, provides a modern and welcoming space for gatherings year-round. Equipped with heat and air conditioning, the facility features two rental rooms:
East Room capacity: 50
West Room capacity: 100
Amenities: Men’s/Women’s restrooms with shower (only available to Event Center rental guests).
Accessibility info: Access includes a gravel parking lot with a paved sidewalk connecting to the park. The site provides easy access to the Spencer Trail System, which is paved. A covered picnic area & East Leach Park amenities are nearby and easily accessible.
Rocket Slide Description:
The original Spencer Rocket Slide was sold to the Spencer Lions Club in 1972. The original Rocket Slide was a staple in West Leach Park. After years of flooding from the Little Sioux River, however, the slide was eventually dismantled in 2013. The current slide was erected in 2023 at its current location within East Leach Park as a historical project spearheaded by a group of Spencer community members.
Skate Park:
Address: 1149 4th St SE, Spencer, IA 51301
Location: West side of East Leach Park. Map
Hours: 7am to dusk
Description: Nestled within Spencer’s largest and most active park complex, the Skate Park offers a dedicated outdoor space for riders and skaters of all skill levels to practice tricks and enjoy active recreation.
Amenities: Because it is located inside East Leach Park, residents visiting the skate and bike area also enjoy easy access to the paved Spencer Trail System, the famous “Rocket Slide” playground, sand volleyball courts, covered picnic areas, and the nearby Spencer Aquatic Center and SMU Family Splash Pad.
Spencer Skate Park Rules & Regulations:
No bikes permitted.
Skateboards and in-line skates only.
All general park rules & regulations apply.
Children under age 7 should be accompanied by an adult.
City of Spencer assumes no liability for injury. Skating involves risk of personal injury; use of this facility is an acceptance of that risk.
Know and skate within your ability.
Appropriate protective gear recommended should include: helmets, elbow & knee pads & wrist guards.
No roughhousing or rough language allowed.
No offensive or excessively loud music.
No food or beverages allowed in skate park.
No skating against traffic on pipes or ramps.
No foreign substances allowed on grinding areas.
Report any injury or unsafe condition to the Spencer Park Department at 580-7260.
Fairview Park
Address: 1406 5th Avenue E.
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: Adjacent to Fairview Elementary School on the east side. Map
Acres: 6
Description: A neighborhood park that features a covered picnic area with tables and grills, a large open green space, and a walking trail.
Amenities: Covered picnic area, large green space, hiking trail. Connected to Fairview School with basketball court, soccer goals, children’s playground.
Accessibility: This park features off-street parking with wide paved areas for easy wheelchair and stroller access. Visitors can comfortably connect to the paved trail system and main park amenities using smooth, accessible pathways.
North Lookout Park
Location: Two blocks west of Grand Avenue on West Park Street, just west of Gary’s on the River. Map
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Description: This area features a scenic overlook on the north side of the Little Sioux River, offering some of the best river views in town. The site includes benches for seating and relaxation, a carry-down river access for kayaks and canoes, and serves as a connection point between the Spencer Trail System and the off-street trail network.
Amenities: Benches/seating area; kayak & canoe carry-down river access.
Accessibility: Features off-street parking with wide paved areas for easy wheelchair and stroller access. Visitors can comfortably connect to the paved trail system and main park amenities using smooth, accessible pathways.
North School Park
Address: 1103 1st Ave West
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: Two blocks west of Grand Avenue on West Park Street, just west of Gary’s on the River. Map
Description: North School Park, established in 1980 on the former site of North School (demolished in 1975), features a playground added in 2005, a large covered picnic area with tables and grills, a full basketball court, and plenty of green space. The park also connects to the North School Trail, which extends north and provides a path for walking and biking.
Amenities: Playground, covered picnic area, picnic tables, grills, full-court basketball, portable restroom.
Accessibility: On-street parking on the north and east sides. From these access points, visitors can connect to a paved trail that loops around and runs through the park, offering smooth and accessible travel for walking, strollers, and mobility devices.
Oxbow Wildlife Area
Address: 2901 W 4th St.
Location: Situated on the western edge of Spencer, positioned near the Little Sioux River and the Spencer Recreational Trail system. Map
It is a natural preservation space designed to protect local river oxbows—meanders that have been cut off from the main river channel—creating excellent wetland habitats for local wildlife, bird watching, and passive outdoor recreation.
Pedersen Memorial Park
Address: 1203 E. 9th Street
Acres: 35
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Location: On the far east edge of Spencer along 10th Avenue East, just south of Spencer Middle School. Map
Description: This complex serves as the primary baseball and softball facility for Spencer youth programs.
Amenities: Includes 10 total fields: five softball fields, four youth baseball fields, and one small T-ball field. The park also features a playground and a concession stand, covered picnic area with tables & grills and public restrooms open during softball/baseball season.
Accessibility: Access is partially supported by a paved roadway and select paved sidewalks in certain areas, which provide smoother travel between key points. Many routes between parking areas and individual fields include uneven terrain, which may make navigation more challenging for some visitors, especially those using wheelchairs or strollers.
River View Park Complex:
Featuring the SMU Splash Pad, Family Aquatic Center, Disc Golf & Moose Pond
Address: 612 4th Street SE
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Acres: Nearly 60 acres
Location: A recreational destination in southeast Spencer. From Highway 18, turn north onto 4th Avenue SE; the complex is located just to the east. From Grand Ave., turn east onto 8th St. SW and continue for approximately six blocks. Map: River View Complex
Description: The River View Complex includes the SMU Splash Pad, Family Aquatic Center, Disc Golf & Moose Pond, as well as eight tennis courts, with one court lined for pickleball.
Moose Pond:
Two one-acre ponds and more than 20 acres of wildlife area with access to the Spencer Trail System. Map
Disc Golf:
Location: Runs the perimeter of the River View Park Complex.
Description: An 18-hole disc golf course winds through the park. Map: Disc Golf Launch Pad Map
Aquatic Park:
This park features the Spencer Family Aquatic Center, with a 10,000-square-foot, zero-depth entry pool, a body slide, and a tube slide. The historic Freeman Township Schoolhouse is also located on-site. Click to View Aquatic Center Page.
SMU Splash Pad:
Looking ahead, the Spencer Splash Pad is planned for completion in 2027. Located next to the aquatic center, it will feature a 1,800-square-foot interactive play area and a separate 1,000-square-foot toddler zone for ages 2–5, along with shaded seating.
Amenities: The site will feature shaded seating areas for visitors to relax and supervise play. The nearby Spencer Family Aquatic Center provides access to indoor showers, restrooms, concessions and green space within the fenced area.
Accessibility: The splash pad will be located next to a paved parking lot, providing convenient and accessible entry. The design includes a zero-entry, level surface with no standing water, allowing easy access for wheelchairs, strollers, and visitors of all mobility levels. The open, even layout supports safe and inclusive use of the splash area. For more information, click to visit our Splash Pad Page.
Stolley Park & Pond
Address: 2906 W. 18th Street
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Acres: 109.5 in total, with a 40-acre stocked fishing pond
Location: On the far northwest side of town along West 18th Street. It sits west of the fairgrounds and near the airport, adjacent to the industrial park and just south of the community’s transfer station. Map
Description: This unique park, formerly a large gravel pit donated to the city, has been transformed into a scenic outdoor destination. It features a one-mile trail loop and connects to the Spencer Trail System, making it a great spot for walking and exploring. The park offers excellent access to the water, including a fishing pier, a kayak launch, and carry-down access to the Little Sioux River. The water is stocked with trout, making it a popular location for fishing.
Amenities: Fishing pier, kayak launch, covered picnic areas with tables and grills.
Accessibility info: This park features a paved walking trail loop that connects directly to the paved Spencer Trail System, providing accessible opportunities for walking and recreation. Interior park roads within Stolley’s are gravel and may present uneven surfaces for some visitors using mobility devices.
Storybook Park (Pete’s Pond)
Address: 1203 E. 9th Street
Location: Along the north side of the Little Sioux River. Map
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Acres: 12
Description: Scenic setting for walking and relaxation. The park features two looped walking trails—one circling Pete’s Pond and the other looping around a small limestone amphitheater. It connects to the paved Spencer trail system and is located near Oneota Park and the pedestrian bridge that crosses the river to East Leach Park.
Amenities: Walking path, Pete’s pond, limestone amphitheater.
Accessibility: This park features a paved walking trail loop that connects directly to the paved Spencer Trail System, providing accessible opportunities for walking and recreation.
Sunset Park
Address: 1014 W. 7th Street
Location: W. 7th St. & 11th Ave. W. Map
Hours: Dawn to dusk
Acres: 2
Description: Sunset Park is a small neighborhood park with a playground, covered picnic area with tables and grills, a half-court basketball area, and a baseball backstop. A portable restroom is available.
Amenities: Playground, covered picnic area with tables and grills, half-court basketball, baseball backstop, portable restroom.
Accessibility: Off-street parking with a paved sidewalk connecting to the park. The play surface itself is uneven.
Waterway Park
Address: 1601 Grand Plaza Drive
Acres: 10
Location: This park is located two blocks south of the intersection of Highways 71 and 18, known locally as the “South T.” Heading south on South Grand Avenue (which becomes Grand Plaza Drive), the park is on the west side of the road. It also borders the east side of the Spencer Municipal Golf Course. Map
Description: Waterway Park is a scenic neighborhood park that offers a peaceful, open-space setting. A defining feature of the park is that it borders the east side of the Spencer Municipal Golf Course, which provides a beautiful, natural backdrop for visitors.
Amenities: It is well-equipped for family outings and active recreation, featuring:
A children’s playground
A covered picnic area complete with tables and grills
A basketball court
A portable restroom for convenience