The opportunities for leisure and recreation in Ottawa and the surrounding areas are endless. Whether you enjoy a family day at the lake, a quiet evening in the park, or the yelling at a ballgame, you can find it here.

Recreational activities are offered by a number of entities in Ottawa. The Ottawa Recreation Commission (ORC) sponsors tournaments, leagues, various special events, fitness classes and more for kids, adults and seniors. A number of private recreation providers including Ottawa Nautilus Fitness Center, The Rink, and the Crystal Plaza Movie Theater provide additional opportunities for entire families.

The City of Ottawa maintains over 90 acres of parks for enjoyment. Forest Park, built in the 1800's, hosts community events such as the annual Ol Marais River Run Car Show, Old West Cowboy Days, and Power of the Past Antique Engine & Tractor Show. It boasts an outdoor community swimming pool that is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, in addition to horseshoe pits, ball fields, tennis courts and picnic shelters.

City Park, located adjacent to downtown is a popular picnic spot offering play area for the little ones right next to two historic attractions, Dieterich Cabin (built in 1857) and the Carnegie Cultural Center (build in 1903).

Kanza Park has a mile-long walking trail and a 9-hole disc golf course. It is easily accessed by the Prairie Spirit Rail Trail, a 33 mile long hiking/biking trail beginning in Ottawa and ending in Welda, Kansas.

Combine these local opportunities with five major lakes located less than a 30 minute drive in any direction and you have a community with an abundance of recreational opportunities. Now get out and have fun!