In DeSoto, recreation is part of life and something the city strives to promote. The outstanding recreational facilities available in DeSoto make it the envy of surrounding communities.
With 21 parks and additional improvements on the way, DeSoto’s residents are never far away from taking a nice stroll. Park facilities feature picnic and playground areas as well as nature and walking trails. Free music and entertainment is often available at the DeSoto Amphitheater and the Black Box Corner Theatre.
DeSoto parks support its vast number of recreational sports. Sports fields cater to baseball, football, soccer and softball, and basketball courts are available as well. Organized programs include youth baseball, softball and youth football at Meadow Creek Park — all offered through the nationally accredited DeSoto Parks and Recreation Department.
The Aquatic Center in Mosley Park provides relief from hot summer days and features water slides and fountains.
DeSoto also boasts the first covered track BMX Bicycle racing facility in the United States. The site hosts several international and national competitions each year, and racers use the facility daily. The dirt track consists of carefully constructed hills and sharp turns, and is the only BMX track
south of Dallas.
The DeSoto Recreation Center at Town Center offers residents a variety of opportunities to stay in shape. The center features two full-sized gymnasiums, an indoor walking track, multi-purpose area and a state-of-the-art equipped fitness center. A range of classes are available year-round, including dance, karate, ballet, spin-cycling and Zumba.
The DeSoto Public Library in DeSoto Town Center is fully automated with Internet access, and offers a getaway for book lovers or those who need a place to study. The library is open six days a week and hosts programs throughout the year, including book fairs, Story Time and the Summer Reading Program, which features weekly performances by authors, clowns and magicians.
First-class facilities for golf and tennis are located at Thorntree Country Club, 825 W. Wintergreen Rd. in DeSoto. The club offers 18 holes of challenging golf and private tennis and swimming facilities. Banquet and meeting rooms also are available.
Those who wish to spend a day at the lake need only travel a few minutes to Joe Pool Lake and Cedar Hill State Park, which offer fishing, boating, camping and water sports.
Nance Farm is one of the oldest homes in North Texas. This museum – open by appointment and for special events – celebrates the history of DeSoto and is the site of DeSoto’s veterans memorial.
In addition, families are just minutes away from movie theaters, bowling, miniature golf, roller-skating and ice-skating. For an entire day of fun, Six Flags Over Texas and Hurricane Harbor in nearby Arlington offer roller coasters and water slides. Easy access to I-35 and I-20 also puts DeSoto residents within minutes of clubs and attractions in downtown Dallas and Fort Worth.