The Clarinda Parks and Recreation Department was expanded in April of 1994 with the addition of a 22,000 square foot building attached to our indoor swimming pool. The Clarinda Foundation wanted to do something special for the people of Clarinda. They approached the City Council and the Clarinda Park Board with the idea of a community center. It would be attached to and made an integral part of t
he present swimming pool. It would be a facility for the community that all ages could enjoy for several generations. The Foundation went to work, and with the support of the community, raised the necessary funds to build the Lied Center. Christina Hixson, a former resident of Clarinda, provided the major contribution. She made available an $832,000 grant from the Lied Foundation. This was matched with donations received from the people of Clarinda, surrounding areas and across the country. They even received a $150,000 donation from Johnny Carson. The Lied Center has a walking/jogging track, basketball courts, volleyball courts, a racquetball court, weight and exercise rooms, kitchen facilities, a meeting room and activities planned for all ages. Some of these activities include: leagues for youth volleyball, adult women's volleyball, basketball, walleyball, racquetball, group fitness classes, rooms for family dinners, meeting rooms, a 250 mile walking club, a place for seminars, senior citizen meals, etc. The Clarinda indoor swimming pool was opened in 1977. It has always been an important asset to Clarinda and the surrounding area. Being an integral part of the Lied Center, it has grown in importance and function. It is a 25-meter pool with six swimming lanes, a ten foot diving area, 3-flume slide, and a spacious whirlpool heated to a toasty 104 degrees. Some of the activities offered at the pool include: water exercise classed, Red Cross swimming lessons for 500-600 participants yearly, private swim lessons, swim team, early bird and adult lap swimming, water volleyball, private rentals for various groups, a 50 mile swimming club, and an outside splashdown area.
