RECREATION/THINGS TO DO
The City of Chester has two very nice community parks. Cole Memorial Park is on Opdyke Street or Route 3 South. The large park is home to the Chester Municipal Swimming Pool along with a softball diamond, numerous shelter houses, trails and tennis courts.
The Cohen Recreational Complex, which is a large complex that contains two baseball diamonds and three softball fields, walking/exercise path, parking and picnic areas (still being completed in 2010) is locatd on Route 3 just a little North of Chester just off Bode's Lane. The soccer fields are next to the complex and this area is known as "soccer hill". Additional walking/exercise path, lighting, tennis courts will be constructed as Chester received another OSLAD grant.
Next to the Chester High School is the "mini-park". This mini-park consits of three lighted outdoor basketball courts. Nearby is the Chester High School community track.
Chester Skateland is the happening place for children of all ages. Skateland is a roller rink but also offers free walking time every morning and various other activities.
Chester Country Club is a beautiful semi-private nine-hole golf course. For more information call 618-826-3168.
The Breezy Hill Flying Model Airplane Complex located across the highway from the Cohen Recreation Complex on Route 3 North.
Enjoy listening to the Chester Muncipal Band during the summer months. The Muny Band plays at several locations in Chester. Click here for a full schedule of dates, locations and time. This will be the 70th season.
The Chester Riverfront offers a boat ramp for those who enjoy a scenic boat ride on the mighty Mississippi River.
Chester also has numerous historical sites in the area which are within driving distance or enjoy reading a book at our Chester Public Library.
Not far from Chester is the Randolph County State Recreation Area - Fishing, hiking, picnicking, boating, hunting and camping are just a few of the choices, keeping even the most outdoorsman content on 1,101 acres. Located five miles north east of Chester in Randolph County, it lies in the rolling hill country of Southern Illinois. Offering a cool retreat from hot summer days, well shaded picnic areas, hiking trails and scenic forest stands await park visitors.
If you need any information in regard to our parks and/or any activities that take place in Chester, please contact Recreation Director Charles Bargman at 618-826-3454.
Listed below are some activities that are offered to the community through the City of Chester. Contact Charles Bargman for more information.
Farmer's Market: Held every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. until ? at the Chester Square (Gazebo) usually from mid May until late September.
Annual Easter Egg Hunt: Held at Cohen Complex the weekend of Palm Sunday. For children 9 years old and younger.
Annual Popeye Picnic: Held the first weekend after Labor Day on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Check www.popeyepicnic.com for more information.
Annual Halloween Party: Held the Saturday prior to Halloween. For ages 0-12. Usually held at the St. Mary's Catholic School Gym from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Chester Soccer Program: Held late September through mid November - six week program. For boys and girls grades K through 8. Games are played on Sunday afternoon at the Cohen Complex on "soccer hill".
Chester's Annual Christmas on the River: Held the first weekend in December on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Activities planned throughout Chester. Also a lighted Christmas parade and special ceremony to light the Community Christmas Tree kicks off the festivities.
Little Jacket Basketball League: Held six to eight weeks in January through mid February on Saturdays. For boys and girls in grades 2, 3 and 4. Usually held in the high school gyms.
Chester Sports, Inc. (Little League & T-ball): April 1 through late July. Games are played at Cohen Complex, Cole Park, St. Mary's bowl and high school track (t-ball). Contact Charles Bargman or any Chester Sports Member for more information.
Other activities in Chester include:
Men's Slow Pitch Softball League: April through July. Games are typically played at Cole Park on Tuesdays and Fridays.
American Legion Baseball & Junior Legion: Late May through July. Games are played at the Cohen Complex diamond no. 1.
