The City of Gadsden is very proud of its Parks and Recreation Department. We are fortunate to be able to provide our citizens with a wide variety of playgrounds, community centers, parks and picnic facilities that they may use for their recreational/leisure purposes. The department not only provides these facilities for the local population but is very active and recognized on the state and national level.

The Department's Sports Complex has been the leader in sports programming and scheduling in Alabama for many years. The complex includes a five field softball complex, a twelve court tennis center, a combination football/soccer field, a one-mile lighted walking track, a sports coliseum and a baseball field. The complex has hosted numerous local and state level competitions in softball, tennis, soccer, football and basketball. The softball complex and staff is also recognized and been awarded nationally for the hospitality and organization of national softball tournaments.

The Coosa Landing is host each year to many local fishing tournaments as well as state and national tournaments. In 2005 the Bait Shop was relocated to the East side of the river next to the Broad Street Bridge. In the past years we co-sponsored/hosted such national tournaments as Crappie USA, the Bass Federation, B.A.S.S., the Women's Bass Fishing Association (WBFA) plus others. In 2005 we will co-sponsor/host the Crappie USA Super Tournament, the Women's Bass Fishing Association's Tournament, the Angler Choice Super Tournaments plus several other local and state club tournaments. The tournaments are held on the Coosa River, well known for the quality and quantity of fish it produces.

The department's eight community centers are located throughout the city. Six of the facilities have gymnasiums as well as meeting and activity rooms that are open to the public. Elliott Community Center (our largest) has several meeting rooms, two game rooms, a 325 seat auditorium/theater and currently is home to the Gadsden Historical Society.

The Jack Gaston Coliseum, located at the Sports Complex, along with its many sporting and civic events is the home to the Therapeutic Recreation Department.

The recently opened Senior Activity Center (one of the City's most beautiful buildings) is located in the heart of downtown Gadsden. The center was dedicated on December 17, 1999, and will be home to the Senior Adult groups and their activities. The center may also be reserved for other functions such as banquets, receptions, parties, dances, meetings plus many other activities.