amarillo chamber of commerce - HPN Books

community,traditions, andlifestyleThere is much in and around Amarillo to do and see year round. Amarillo has a beautifulmunicipal park system with over sixty parks in all areas of the city. Thompson Memorial Park,established in 1930, is located on Highway 287 north of downtown Amarillo. It is home to a15-acre zoo and a municipal swimming pool. The park has a stream, two beautiful lakes,and a forest of mature trees that provides abundant shade. Medical Center Park is located in theHarrington Medical Center complex, and also has two adjoining lakes. Amarillo BotanicalGardens and Don Harrington Discovery Center, an interactive science center and museum, arelocated in Medical Center Park. Amarillo parks have walking trails, ample lighting, andrestroom facilities as well as volleyball and basketball courts in some locations.The city has two skate parks and several splash pools and full sized municipal pools. Inrecent years, Amarillo has taken part in the Rails to Trails project, and converted abandonedrailroad tracks into walking and bike trails that stretch from near downtown to CoulterBoulevard on the city’s west side. Golf enthusiasts have private, public, and municipal 18-holegolf courses to choose from throughout Amarillo. Newer sports like disc golf are becomingmore popular, and the city has established a disc golf course at Thompson Memorial Park.Opposite, top and bottom: An old fashioned croquettournament hosted by Friends of the AmarilloBotanical Gardens, was a unique way to raise fundsfor the Botanical Gardens.Below: Ross Rogers Municipal Golf Course hasbeautiful fairways, consists of two 18-hole courses,has challenging water features, and is well rated.PHOTOGRAPH BY RICK VANDERPOOL, COURTESY OF THE AMARILLOCONVENTION AND VISITOR COUNCIL.Chapter 2105