Jefferson County, IL - 2003 Community Profile

Mt. Vernon’s Parks and Recreation Department has the challenging task of upkeeping each of the five parks located in the city. Veteran’s Park, located on 27th Street, contains several playground areas, picnic facilities, a swimming pool, lake and community building. Recent renovations to the park include the rebuilding of bridges connecting the islands to the main grounds; improving the lake’s spillway; new playground equipment; and general landscaping. The Rolland Lewis Community Building offers users a kitchen and a large, open space perfect for dinners, receptions, craft shows and meetings.

Among the many targeted renovations and additions to the park system is Lincoln Park. Lincoln Park will contain a 40-acre soccer complex. Additionally, a baseball/softball diamond, a tournament-hosting baseball facility, a state-of-the-art tennis facility, and much more are planned for the location. One of the main users of Lincoln Park will be the Mt. Vernon YMCA. The Mt. Vernon YMCA is a charitable, not-for-profit membership-based family organization. Its mission is to fulfill the needs of the community by putting Christian values into practice, providing excellent leadership, programs and services and thereby promoting the enrichment of the spirit, mind and body. The YMCA prides itself on building character by incorporating respect, honesty, caring and responsibility in all programs. The YMCA is one of the leading not-for-profit organizations in Jefferson County, and since its opening in 1964 has denied no person from becoming a member or participating in activities and fitness sessions because of inability to pay. The mission of the YMCA is to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Golf

If it’s golf you’re looking for, then you’ve come to the right place! Jefferson County offers ample opportunity for you to test your golfing skills and enjoy the wonderful surroundings:

• Green Hills Golf Club is a semi- private club with a challenging 18-hole course.
• Crooked Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole course located right off Richview Road near Boyd.
• Cherry Creek Golf Complex includes a six-hole course, 18-hole miniature golf and a full-service driving range.
• Rend Lake Conservancy District’s facilities include 27 excellent holes of golf, divided into East, West and South layouts of nine holes each.
• Indian Hills Golf Course offers 18 holes. It was built in the 1960s by local historian Tom Puckett.
• Northwoods Golf Club on Fairway Drive holds a rich history that dates back to 1947 and offers nine holes with water fairways and tees, as well as a driving range.

Rend Lake

Rend Lake is a multi-purpose, 19,000-acre lake well-known for bass and crappie fishing. Each year 2.6 million visitors take advantage of the various recreational areas, which include camping at more than 800 campsites; public beaches; lakeside picnic facilities; an outdoor entertainment amphitheater; hiking and nature trails; and hunting on the Rend Lake Reserve. Rend Lake Conservancy District also provides quality water to more than 300,000 people in 60 communities through the Intercity Water System, including some residents of Jefferson County.

Seasons Lodge offers a variety of activities to suit every member of the family. Located within the Rend Lake area, the Lodge is within minutes of facilities for biking, hiking, swimming, shopping, golf and much more. The 27-hole golf course, considered one of the best in the Midwest, offers an enjoyable and challenging game for both the novice and advanced golfer.

A full-service Pro Shop carries everything you need, from gift items to lessons from course pros. Seasons Restaurant offers full-service dining in a relaxed atmosphere and is perfect after a long day in the sun. Special Lodging and Golf Packages are also available!

The Southern Illinois Artisans Shop and Visitors Center features the works of more than 900 of the state’s finest artisans. The center includes an Illinois Gallery which hosts special showings and events, interpretive activities, educational workshops, and demonstrations. The tradition of fine craftsmanship lives on at the Artisans Shop, as an expression of the rich culture the region holds.

Adding to all these first-class amenities and recreational opportunities is the Rend Lake Shooting Complex near Whittington, which has drawn excellent reviews from sportsmen across the Midwest. The complex includes a state-of-the-art sporting clays course, 5-Standing Sporting Layout, a 3D Archery course and major improvements to the trap-shooting field. The new facility draws large numbers of shooters, providing a financial boost to the area’s economy. The facility has been recognized as one of the top 10 shooting complexes in the nation. This notoriety attracts magazine and television coverage for various events.

Nestled in the Wayne-Fitzgerrell State Park, the Rend Lake Resort Complex offers first-class accommodations in a beautiful, lakeside atmosphere. Rend Lake Resort is the perfect setting for a romantic weekend for two or a trip for the whole family. The resort offers a variety of rooms, including the “boatels,” which provide a scenic
lakeview. You can fish directly from your balcony! And while you’re here, partake of the fine dining at Window’s Restaurant and the camaraderie at Reilly’s Lounge. Afterwards, relax with a horse and carriage tour of the resort, or take a hunting or fishing tour.