Discover the Wonders of the Solar System Walkway at Lacey Recreation Complex

Nestled within the expansive 200-acre Lacey Recreation Complex in Oskaloosa, Iowa, lies an extraordinary fusion of recreation and education: the Solar System Walkway. This unique attraction, 25 years in the making, was the brainchild of local visionary Joe Crookham, a man whose love for astronomy was born from summer train rides to Chicago during his childhood.

Each year, Joe would visit his aunt and cousin, Gordon Stewart, and explore the many museums in Chicago. Among the exhibits, the solar system display captivated him the most, leaving a lasting impression that shaped his dream of sharing the wonders of space with others. Years later, Joe, through the resources of his company, Musco Lighting, assembled a dedicated team to bring that dream to life. With Tony Rivera as the science enthusiast, Mike Brangoccio as the artist, Jesse Greenhalgh and his facilities team as the project managers, and many other contributors, the vision for the Solar System Walkway began to take shape.

The concept of the walkway is simple yet profound: to make science, often perceived as "dry," engaging and accessible to the public. The project needed enough space to do it justice do to the vastness of the solar system, and the Lacey Recreation Complex—already a hub for youth sports and activities—offered the perfect setting.

Recreation in Oskaloosa has a rich history dating back to 1969 when two local police officers, Wendell Smith and Joe McGrew, recognized the need for sports and recreational opportunities for underserved youth. They founded the Police Athletic League (P.A.L.), which eventually led to the creation of a community-driven recreation facility. The original five acres, donated by Nita Barnes, became the foundation of what is now a sprawling complex serving thousands of local families with numerous soccer fields, the 8-plex and baseball diamonds, along with the stadium.

Today, the Solar System Walkway seamlessly integrates with the Mahaska Community Recreation Trail, a 13.5-mile pathway that winds through the complex and community. At its heart lies the stunning 86-foot-wide Sun Dome, symbolizing the Sun, and surrounded by replicas representing all nine planets, from Mercury to Pluto. The walkway spans 2,600 feet in total, with a kiosk for each planet’s distance from the Sun scaled down to represent their real-life separation in space. For instance, while the Earth is 93 million miles away from the Sun, its kiosk is placed just 67 feet from the Sun Dome in this unique model.

The experience is not just visual—each kiosk features interactive displays with audio and video, bringing the science of space to life with information from NASA and the European Space Agency. Visitors can learn about the solar system’s scale, planetary features, and even view special events like eclipses and meteor showers. These displays are designed to update dynamically, ensuring the latest astronomical data is available.

The future vision for the Solar System Walkway includes even more exciting features, such as a telescope on Pluto’s platform that will allow visitors to view celestial objects in real-time. This addition will make the Solar System Walkway a living, evolving educational space that can adapt to new discoveries and provide ongoing engagement with local schools and institutions.

The Solar System Walkway at Lacey Recreation Complex is not just a tribute to space exploration but also to the power of community, education, and recreation. It’s a testament to Joe Crookham’s lifelong passion for astronomy and his desire to make science accessible to everyone, particularly those who may never have the chance to visit a major city museum.

Whether you’re a space enthusiast, a curious visitor, or simply looking for a beautiful walk with a view, the Solar System Walkway offers a unique, enriching experience for all. Come explore the stars, planets, and the infinite possibilities of our universe right here in Oskaloosa, Iowa.