5 minute read

Fitness Activities

W HERE TO FIND F ITNESS ACTIVITIES IN M USKOGEE

There is no shortage of beautiful parks and complexes where people can find physical activity options in Muskogee. From gorgeous running and cycling trails to swimming pools, Muskogee has plenty to offer for those who want a solid workout or some places to play sports. The city is home to numerous public parks, golf courses, football fields and a water park.

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That barely scratches the surface of what Muskogee has to offer for everyone, from athletes to casual joggers to those who just want to play a game of basketball or skate with their friends. People who want to commit to an activity or sport can join an intramural softball team, a weightlifting program or a golf club. If you want to do something at your leisure, there are plenty of natural trails, tennis courts and places to practice soccer or baseball.

TRAILS

There’s several good trails in town for runners or cyclists to choose from. The most notable trail in the city is Centennial Trail, which is located in the southwest portion of Muskogee and has two sections. The first is the Love-Hatbox Sports Complex loop, a 3.1-mile paved trail that weaves through the wilderness surrounding Love-Hatbox Sports Complex. This trail is perfect if you’re training for or running a 5K. The second section, Centennial Trail South, goes from Love-Hatbox Sports Complex to the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in the downtown area.

Honor Heights Park is home to three trails. The first is Stem Beach Trail, a 1.2-mile trail that loops around the park’s largest lake and includes a waterfront gazebo and fishing docks. The second is the Henry Bresser Nature Trail, a quarter-mile nature trail that goes through the woods and includes sitting areas and picnic tables. The third is the Audubon Trail, which is a half-mile long and popular among birdwatchers.

Running and cycling trails are also available at Spaulding Park, Civitan Park and Robison Park.

BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL The main place in Musk-

Spinning class participants, from left, Warren Blackburn, Beth Hsieh and William Torres pedal at various levels during the Muskogee Swim and Fitness Center class.

ogee for fun on the diamond is Love-Hatbox Sports Complex, which is home to 10 baseball fields, eight softball fields and several batting cages. There are a multitude of options available at Love-Hatbox for those who want to join a baseball, softball or adult softball league. The fields are often kept open at other times for those who just want to play some baseball or softball with their friends without joining a team.

Grandview Park is a 29-acre complex that’s home to two softball fields and a play area that borders a creek. For those who just want a place to practice, Robison Park has a baseball practice area.

GOLF

There are two places to go for a traditional round of golf. If you’re looking for a country club experi-

Jefr’e Nelson, center blocks an attempted shot by Demontae Nails while Darius Jackson watches during a pick-up basketball game at Spaulding Park.

John Martin of Muskogee is poised to return a serve. The retiree enjoyed being outside. “It’s halfway sunny and I haven’t gotten to play in a few days,” Martin said with a laugh.

ence, look no further than the Muskogee Golf Club. If you don’t want to make that commitment and are looking for a daily fees course, Cobblestone Golf Course is the place to be.

Perhaps, instead of traditional golf, you’re more interested in playing some disc golf. If that’s the case, Civitan Park has an 18-hole course that will be right up your alley.

SOCCER AND FOOTBALL

As is the case with baseball and softball, Love-Hatbox Sports Complex is the best place to play some soccer. The massive complex has 13 soccer fields — as well as two American football fields — available for use. If you want to work on your soccer technique, play a game with some friends or join the Muskogee Soccer Club, Love-Hatbox is a good place to kick it.

Rooney Park and Robison Park also are home to soccer fields.

SWIMMING

Looking for a place to swim indoors and work on your technique and sign up for swimming classes or take a lifeguard certification course? Look no further than the Swim and Fitness Center located downtown. You can also book private and open pool parties to celebrate a special occasion.

If you’re looking for more of an outdoor swimming experience, River Country Water Park is located on the edge of Love-Hatbox Sports Complex. The park doesn’t reopen until May 25, but when that time comes, you can experience its water slides, beaches and lazy river. Lifeguard training also is offered at the park.

Spaulding Park is another place to check out if you’re looking for an outdoor public pool.

BASkETBALL

Just looking to shoot some hoops? While there aren’t any indoor basketball courts available to the public in Muskogee, outdoor courts can be found at many local parks.

TENNIS

You’d be hard-pressed to find a more scenic place to play tennis in Muskogee than Honor Heights Park, which is home to three tennis courts. If you’re looking for somewhere to play tennis that’s closer to downtown, however, Spaulding Park is the place to go.

SkATEBOARDING

If you’ve been gifted with the coordination and skill to ride a skateboard and you’re looking for a place to ride with friends or do some tricks, there are two options for you in Muskogee. An outdoor skate park can be found at Love-Hatbox Sports Complex, while a smaller park can be found right on the edge of Robison Park.

WEIGHT AND FITNESS TRAINING

Want to pump some iron or join a fitness program? A visit to or a membership with the Swim and Fitness Center might just be for you. There’s a gym in the complex where you can run on a treadmill or strengthen yourself through weightlifting. The Center offers customized programs, personal fitness evaluations and one-on-one personal training.

More into group fitness? The Swim and Fitness Center has plenty of options on the table for you, including water aerobics, Zumba, Aqua Zumba, Zumba Step, yoga, tai chi, JointFlex, Boxing Cardio Circuit, Combo Step Aerobics, strength and cardio, pilates, Hip Hop Fitness, and Tabata.

Skyler White of Muskogee goes nearly horizontal as he wheels his skateboard around Midland Valley Skatepark.