Parks and Recreation Division
The Parks and Recreation Division is primarily responsible for maintaining 50 acres of parkland with Tam O'Shanter Park as the main park. Other parks included are: Catlin Rotary Spray Park, Rotary Skate Park, Rotary Park, Scot Hollow Park, Rhododendron Gardens Park, Lads & Lassies Park, and Kelso Commons.
Mission Statement:
The Kelso Parks and Recreation Program strives to provide quality parks and diverse recreational opportunities for all of its citizens. These opportunities will be provided within the resource constraints made available from its citizens. It is the goal of all those people involved with Kelso Parks and Recreation to understand the service level expectations of its citizens and to provide those services that enhance the quality of life for the community in which we live.
Park & Recreation Plan (Adopted March 4, 2008)
Tam O'Shanter Park
This is the most significant park facility in the city system. Because of its size, central location, varied natural features and diverse recreational opportunities, Tam O'Shanter Park attracts large numbers of local and regional park users. Opened in 1958, this 38-acre park is located directly south of Kelso High School, adjoining the Coweeman River and is open year around.
This multi-use community park has the new Rister Stadium (baseball), Heerensperger Field (Girl's softball), concession areas, five baseball fields (two lighted), three softball fields, a multipurpose field for soccer, a basketball court with six hoops, two horshoe pits, access to a regional trail system, 30 picnic areas, and 10 restrooms. There is a large playground to the south of the fields for use by younger children.
Reserving Tam O'Shanter Covered Picnic Facility
Heerensperger Field
The Heerensperger Girl's Softball Complex is located  at Tam O'Shanter Park and was dedicated May 8, 2010. David Heerensperger, a successful businessman and Kelso native, once played Little League baseball at Tam O'Shanter Park and wanted to do something in memory of his mother, Leona Bailey Heerensperger (1910-1955). The Heerensperger Girl's Softball Complex was made possible by the generous donation of more than $150,000 by David Heerensperger and his wife Jill, with other contributions from family, friends, businesses and volunteers. The completed Girl's Softball Complex consists of new fencing, dugouts, bleachers, and plaza entrance area. The dedication ceremony included a ceremonial pitch by David Heerensperger prior to the LCC vs. Clackamas doubleheader, followed by the unveiling of a sculpture near the entrance of the complex. The sculpture named "A Mother's Love", was a gift to David from his wife Jill of Heerensperger's mother and a young ball player.
Rister Stadium
 Rister Stadium is located at Tam O'Shanter Park and was dedicated in April of 2006. The stadium is named after Stan Rister, a passionate volunteer with Cowlitz Little League and Kelso Babe Ruth Leagues. He was the father of Jolene McCaw, Seattle philanthropist who, along with her husband Bruce, donated more than 1.4 million to the project.  The completed 500-seat stadium inspired an additional $700,000 in local giving and in-kind support. In addition to a grant of $40,000, the Community Foundation provided coordination and fund management for the three year project. Hall of Fame baseball player Reggie Jackson, Seattle Mariners players Jeremy Reed and Willie Bloomquist, and ex-M's Dave Valle and Bret Boone were part of the dedication ceremonies.
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Catlin Rotary Spray Park
 The Catlin Rotary Spray Park was constructed in 2005 and the dedication for the Park was in 2006. This park is located on the corner of Cowlitz Way and Main Street and includes a water spray play area, benches, picnic tables and restrooms. This park is open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 10:00am - 9:00pm.
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Kelso Commons
This quarter of an acre mini-park is located in the business district oon the corner of South Pacific Avenue and Oak Street. The park, completed in 1975, consists of picnic tables, park benches, drinking fountain, informational notice board, and a memorial structure. This park is open year around and intended for day use by people visiting the business district.
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Lads & Lassies Park
 This small neighborhood park is located on South 8th Avenue and Elm Street. This completely fenced park has a playground, park benches, picnic table and a bike rack. This park is used year around by the surrounding community.
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Rhododendron Gardens
 This park is located between North Pacific Avenue and Kelso Avenue. The primary feature of this little park is a variety of rhododendrons planted by the regional Rhododendron Society to beautify what was once an unsightly area. The park is prettiest in the late spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
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Rotary Park
This park is located east of Interstate 5 off of Burcham Street, adjacent to the Rotary Skate Park. The park consists of a playground, covered picnic area, restrooms, and open field space. This park is used primarily in the spring, summer and fall months.
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Rotary Skate Park
The Kelso Rotary Skate Park was constructed and dedicated in 2009.  This park is located on the corner of Burcham Street and Minor Road and includes 10,000 square feet of extensive bowl and street elements. This park is open year around.
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Scot Hollow Park
This three-quarter acre open space park is located at the intersection of North 19th Avenue and Bates  Road. The park consists of a picnic table, park bench, and an open field for play. Scot Hollow is very aesthetic and is used mainly in the spring, summer and fall months.
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For more information please Contact our Staff.
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