Facilities

Purchased in 1998, this 80-acre tract was formerly the site of a feed lot. The decision made by the City Commission to purchase this land indeed seemed prudent, since Emporia's growth is towards the northwest and the City also needed a suitable site for the location of a new aquatics center. Located on 18th Avenue, immediately across the road from the TRYSA soccer fields, provides a convenient means to pursue recreational opportunities.

The first development to be done in this park was the construction of the Jones Aquatic Center, funded in part by the WS and EC Jones Trust. This state-of-the-art facility, which replaced the obsolete Peter Pan Pool, was designed to meet the needs of all, and occupies more or less 12 acres of the tract and was officially opened in 2002.

The potential for the future development of this land is excellent, and could include such improvements as a baseball diamond complex, walking and cycling trails, picnic shelters and restrooms, ice-skating pond, and a multi-purpose recreational building. This location would provide much in the way of a consolidated location for a multitude of recreational activities for the community. It would also allow the City and USD Number 253 an opportunity to partner on facilities which would be of use to both agencies.