Our Grounds
Our location along the Mississippi River offers up a number of outdoor recreational activities, including boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, running, biking and quiet contemplation. Golf courses are nearby, as well as other activities, such as horseback riding and adventure experiences such as zip lining.
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The grounds provide a wide range of activities and facilities, including 2 tennis courts, a basketball court, sand volleyball court, pool, an all purpose court, table tennis and baseball/softball.
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Our Recreation Complex is made up of the Joe Meisel, Jr. Pool, the Station Stand and the Pavilion (dance hall/multipurpose room).
Joe Meisel, Jr. Pool
The pool was inaugurated in 1957 and built within the old free filled pool. The Joe Meisel, Jr. Pool is approximately 20 by 40 yards. It is one of the last classic swimming pools in Illinois. Hours vary for special events. Please see the Channels or Website.
Station Stand and River Pavilion
The Station Stand and River Pavilion is named because at one time it served as the train station for traffic from Alton. Cinder filings are still beneath it. Refreshments are served during part of the pool hours and evenings. The Pavilion is most often a dance hall, concert hall, or the occasional dining hall. The dance hall and Station Stand look down on the pool or toward the river. Photos are of the exterior, Station Stand, and dance hall areas.
The Harbor and Flint Park
Flint Park is named after one of the old families of Chautauqua, and was, at one time, home to a massive inn that burned to the ground shortly after it was built. The harbor sports covered and uncovered moorings for about 50 boats.
The Chapel
The Chapel is a gathering place for our community, the site of weekly worship, a place to enjoy the Chautauqua Choir and, occasionally, the site of special events. All members are encouraged and welcome to partake.
Play School and Youth Activities
The community shares in the care, concern and development of all children. While informal play and association is the norm at Chautauqua, there is also more formal association each weekday morning.
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Play School is a morning daycare and play center operated by the Play School Director and teen employees for the enjoyment of children ages 3-6 (and parents alike!).
Organized youth activities are provided as structured play for youth. "Club" is for ages 7-11 and includes mostly outdoor activities, including some pool time. "Activities" is for ages 12 and up and includes activities that may require more strength, durability or knowledge
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The Playground is near the center of our community. It is a creekside park full of play equipment, with a soft landing.
The Donnelly Pavilion
The Donnelly Pavilion is a multipurpose, open-air location for events, such as pot-luck dinners, catered dinners, dances and concerts.
Administration Building
The Administration Building is located behind the community bulletin board and serves as the location to retrieve mail and as a business center.
The Yellow Balloon
The Yellow Balloon was created in the 1970's, after the Chautauqua Store closed, as an Art's Center. According to its founder, it was named in reference to the motion picture The Red Ballon, which was filmed without dialogue, that follows a day in the life of a red balloon as it follows and befriends a young boy. The Yellow Balloon offers classes and open periods for the creation of graphic, textile and fired-porcelain art.
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Attended by young and old alike, it is open weekdays and weekends for all to enjoy. Classes are by sign up on clipboards outside the front door marked with class content and age restrictions.
Town Hall
Town Hall is an enclosed, air-conditioned multipurpose location for various events. It is the home to nearly all community meetings, lectures, card parties and certain dinners.
The Kentucky Home
The Kentucky Home started out as a boarding facility for day guests with an accompanying restaurant. Today, it is the home the LCIA run thrift shop, library and Pink Geranium.
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The thrift shop is made up of donated objects, crafted souvenirs and Chautauqua paraphernalia which are sold to profit the whole community.
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The Library is a lending library made of mostly donated books. New ones are always welcome.
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The Pink Geranium is a gathering place where the community can purchase breakfast on Saturday mornings, which is also set to profit the whole community and LCIA run functions.
