Live Here and progress of businesses that are located in the downtown area. Finally, the promotion committee plans all the exciting events that occur downtown. The committees form a total group that is invested and dedicated to the common goal of making the downtown area a vital part of Carbondale’s living community. If you need more convincing that Carbondale is a great place to live, the proof is in the numerous awards the city has won over the past few years. Last year, Mother Earth News listed Carbondale as one of the “11 Best Places to Live That You May Not Have Heard Of,” labeling the city as an “intellectual, artistic and activist hothouse.” Carbondale was also recently dubbed as one of the top 200 towns for sportsmen by Outdoor Life magazine. This was due to a variety of factors: proximity to the stunningly beautiful Shawnee National Forest; its golf, tennis and cycling opportunities; its familyfriendly parks; and its hunting, fishing and boating options. Carbondale was named a finalist last year in the All-America City competition. The honors are doled out by the National Civic League for outstanding civic ac-
Neighborhood Coop promotes local and regional food.
Kreations for Kids promotes creativity for all generations.
Learning at the library.
Last year, Mother Earth News listed Carbondale as one of the “11 Best Places to Live That You May Not Have Heard Of.”
complishments, including collaboration, innovation and civic engagement. Carbondale’s residents also benefit from the area’s many park. The Carbondale Park District, organized in 1940, is comprised of seven gorgeous public parks, providing some shade for the adults and some playtime for the children of Carbondale. People looking for a great place to host their events can reserve many park locations, including all shelters, pavilions, sports fields, garden plots, the Life Community Center indoor pool, as well as numerous other lots. The district offers a wide array of programs, special events, instructional lessons and leisure services to serve Carbondale. 9