TR PHOTO BY LOGAN METZGER – Kiwanis Park helps connect local kids with nature by providing an outdoor space to the kids of Hoglan Elementary School. It has amenities ranging from a basketball court to a rentable shelter.

Editor’s note: This twice weekly series will spotlight some of Marshalltown’s 22 parks. Parks are a way for families to enjoy the outdoors without leaving the city and a way for the city to bring the outdoors to families.

The 6.5-acre Kiwanis Park is just the right size for the residential and school community it serves. Being located next to Hoglan Elementary School, the open field and playground equipment are amenities often used by the students there.

The park has an open-air shelter as well as an enclosed rentable shelter that comes with the use of the grill. These shelters and the large number of trees provide shade on hot summer days where families can enjoy a meal together, celebrate a birthday or hold a reunion.

Kiwanis Park does not have a restroom facility, the closest location of one is at Timber Creek Park which is located just down the street.

Kiwanis Park has one playground set with other structures set off to the side. These include various slides and monkey bars, animal springers, a climbing tower and two swing sets which include baby swings. There is also a volleyball net near the rentable shelter for visitors of the park to use, though renters of the shelter receive priority according to posted signage.

“One unique thing about this park is that it has access to the Hoglan School playground,” Geoff Hubbard, director of Marshalltown Parks and Recreation, said.

The Hoglan Elementary School playground has many slides and animal springers, some pull up bars and a mini climbing wall perfect for young kids. There is also a basketball court where families can play against each other or individuals can practice some shots before a game.

Beyond the tree line that encloses most of the park is an open field with two soccer goals. This area is great for soccer games and practice as well as family games of football or just as a sunny place to have a picnic.

Hubbard said this was his favorite park to go to growing up.

Kiwanis Park is located along South Third Avenue next to Hoglan Elementary School.

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Contact Logan Metzger at

641-753-6611 or

lmetzger@timesrepublican.com