Washington's square is always buzzing

It's not unusual for an Iowa town to have a downtown square, but few are as alive with activity as Central Park in Washington.

Unlike many communities, the county courthouse does not sit at the middle of the square. Instead, the Washington County Courthouse and its distinctive black shingled clock tower and blackface clock are just west of the square.

A sizable water fountain sits in the center of Washington's Central Park square. The Centennial Fountain was originally built in 1939 as part of the town's centennial celebration, and was refurbished back in 1995. No ordinary fountain, Centennial Fountain puts on a multicolored light show on summer evenings that is a special treat.

A large bandshell that sits in the southwest corner of the park is the stage for free municipal band concerts every Thursday evening during the summer.

Central Park itself is filled with beautiful trees and an abundance of park benches, making it easy to sit and enjoy a beautiful day on the square. Check out the bust of George Washington, the town's namesake, on the southeast side of the park.

You'll find an abundance of free parking around Washington's town square, with angle parking on both sides of the street and down the center of each street. You can't go wrong by just parking your car, grabbing a cup of coffee and strolling from the specialty shops to the consignment shops and the antique mini-mall.

SUNSET PARK

Washington's Sunset Park, located west of downtown, on the north side of Hwy. 92, features an unusual rolling landscape, more like you would expect to find at a county or state park. Kids are sure to enjoy the huge wooden play area. “We call that ‘New Dawn at Sunset,'” says Tim Widmer, Washington's parks superintendent. “That's a very popular piece of equipment.”

Just west of the playground is the Alexander Young Log Cabin, which was moved to the park in 1912. The cabin is open by appointment. Call (319) 653-3936.

Widmer notes that the expansive flower gardens near the log cabin are very popular with visitors. “In the summertime, when everything's in bloom, it's a pretty place. Some people like to have their wedding photos there.”

On the west side of Sunset Park is a modern aquatic center that's open 1 to 8 p.m. daily, starting Memorial Day Weekend.

The park's Frisbee golf course has the distinction of being the longest disc golf course in Iowa. “For people who like to throw the disc long distances, this is the place to come,” Widmer says. You'll also find a dog park, a skate park, horseshoe pits and a wealth of picnic tables and shelter houses in Sunset Park.

Sunset Park is located on the north side of Hwy. 92, as you drive through town. Or a very popular drive is to head west from the city square, on the brick boulevard of Washington Street, past several of Washington's most historic homes.