Parks

Hillcrest or Reservoir Park is located on North Court Street, between Maple and Albany. 

Ottumwa Park Campground is located beside the intersection of U.S. Highways 34 and 63.

The Ottumwa Park Campground features electric and tent camping sites, showerhouse and has a dump station. 

Call 641-682-1307 for more information.  

Law Enforcement Center

Room 108

How To Reach the Parks Department:

Park Director/Beach Manager
Gene Rathje
641-682-8208
rathjeg@ci.ottumwa.ia.us

Clerk
Wendy Hayes
641-682-7873
hayesw@ci.ottumwa.ia.us

Park Maintenance Supervisor
Chris Cobler
641-683-0688
coblerc@ci.ottumwa.ia.us

Trees on Right-of-Way

According to Section 34 of the City Ordinance, property owners are responsible for trimming trees growing along the streets right-of-way to a height of 14 feet above the street level and 10 feet above the sidewalk level. The exception to this rule would be if the limbs and branches are dead. The City is responsible for trees that are "dead, diseased, or dying". Property owners who feel they have a tree on the parking with limbs or branches that are dead, diseased, or dying may call the Parks Department at 683-0654 to have the tree inspected. Property owners with live trees that are split or have damaged limbs and branches that are posing a hazard to their property also need to call the Parks Department office to have the tree inspected. The Park Department does not remove live trees unless, upon inspection, they are determined to be a direct hazard to property or public safety. Property owners who have live trees on the parking that they wish to have removed, may do so at their own expense.

If a Property owner wishes to plant a tree on a right-of-way, they must first receive permission from the Parks Director.

The Ottumwa Parks Advisory Board consists of five citizen/volunteers charged with making recommendations to the City Council and the Parks Director concerning the management and operation of the City parks.   They speak as the voice of the public in considering issues relating to parks.

The current Parks Advisory Board includes:
   Bob Beisch
   Robert LaPoint
   Kim Hellige
   Don Schwartz
   Sarah Sels

Fee Schedule

Meetings, reunions, picnics for a period of 6 hours or less: $50.00
Meetings, reunions, picnics for a period of time more than 6 hours: $100.00

A$50.00 damage deposit is required. The deposit will be returned 'if' area is cleaned and no damages occur.

Organizations / individuals holding an event such as Carnivals, Holiday Celebrations, Festivals, or any events where fees will be charged shall be charged a daily fee of $100.00. A $200.00 damage deposit fee will also be charged. The deposit will be returned 'if' the area is cleaned and no damages to the shelterhouse or surrounding area are evident. An electrical hook-up charge for concessionaires to be collected by the organization / individual holding the event is required. All regulations regarding the usage of Jimmy Jones Pavilion which pertains to the organization / individual must be abided by.

The Parks Department has shelters available for reservation at Sycamore, Foster, Wildwood, Ottumwa, Memorial, and Union Parks. The following shelters are available:

• Wildwood Park Shelter #2    Photo
• Wildwood Park Shelter #1      Photo 
• Memorial Park Cabin     Photo 
• Memorial Park Shelter (Elm Street)   Photo     
• Ottumwa Park S.E. - Shelter #1 (Sand Volleyball - Octagon) Photo      
• Union Park Shelter #1    Photo             
• Sycamore Park *New For 2011*  Now accepting reservations!      Photo                      
• Foster Park               Photo                  

Reservations may be made by calling the Parks Department at 682-7873. The following guidelines apply regarding shelter reservations:

Ottumwa has a great variety of parks - big to small - some developed, others quite wild.  Around town you will find places in our parks ranging from the most modern playgrounds to ancient Iowa landscapes.