Recreation
Recreational
pursuits in Pleasants County often begin with an appreciation
of the area’s natural beauty. Simple pleasures, like serving
up a picnic at one of the parks or camping by the beautiful Ohio
River are favorite pastimes. Boating, skiing, and fishing are
an integral part of life along the River. The St. Marys Marina
and a couple of other locations offer convenient accommodations
for boat launches.
Naturalists enjoy exploring the woods or bird watching on the
only island on the Ohio River that is accessible by bridge,
the Middle Island Wildlife Refuge. The U.S. Park Service offers
tours and educational programs regarding conservation and identification
of Middle Island wildlife. Tugboats nudge endless cargo-laden
barges in their placid journey across America and through the
marvel of the Willow Island Locks and Dam. The Ohio River is one
of the largest inland waterway transportation systems in the world.
Fishing is one of the most popular activities. The annual Bass Festival attracts thousands each year. The locks are a favorite fishing spot, but in addition to the Ohio River, Middle Island Creek, the longest in the state, also offers excellent possibilities, as do the backwaters at the mouth of French Creek in Belmont.
The
Pleasants County Parks are open year-round and offer families
a clean and safe place to play and stay fit. The parks in St.
Marys and Belmont entail about 75 acres. The facilities include
many large picnic shelters in beautiful wooded areas, outdoor
and indoor swimming pools, horseshoe pits, lighted ballfields
and tennis courts, and hiking trails. The Jim Spence Community
Center in St. Marys includes a gymnasium, conference and meeting
rooms, and the Teen Center for the Boys and Girls Club. The parks
are filled with the sounds of play from groups of families and
friends in all seasons. Organized activities include swimming
instruction, aerobics, dance classes, youth soccer, youth baseball
and softball, youth basketball, summer basketball camps, youth
wrestling, and adult softball leagues.
For those who enjoy viewing nature from a well-manicured green,
the St. Marys Golf Course offers nine holes of interesting play. The
course is open daily to the public through both membership and
greens fees. Carts may be rented. Members and guests can also
avail themselves of the pro shop and snack bar in the clubhouse.
For those who enjoy more strenuous physical activity, Curves of St. Marys and the St. Marys Family Fitness Center offer excellent, modern accommodations for a challenging workout.
Sharing events and experiences with friends and family is what Pleasants County residents enjoy most of all.