Parks and natural resources within any community affect both the health of the local economy and the satisfaction that residents gain from their City. Ottumwa enjoys an abundance of park areas. The National Recreation and Park Association recommends one acre of parkland for every 100 residents. Ottumwa's ratio of 2.7 acres per 100 residents is nearly 3 times the national standard and points to a strong relationship between citizens and an outdoor, recreational lifestyle.
The 2025 Annual Ottumwa Family Trout Fishing Day was held Saturday, March 22 with 250 anglers showing up for the event.
Dumping trash from homes and businesses into park dumpsters is illegal.
The campground at Greater Ottumwa Park is set to open March 24, 2025.
The City of Ottumwa Parks Department recently constructed new pickleball courts at Memorial and Bell Parks which are completed and open to the public.
Ottumwa is fortunate to have a large extensive park system that meets the recreational interests of almost anyone. The City’s various public properties and 22 parks total approximately 600 acres. Ottumwa Park, Wildwood Park and Memorial Park are the largest within our park system.
Ottumwa Park Director