Changing recreational needs.

As new parks were developed, others, once popular, disappeared. One of these recreational facilities which is gone but not forgotten by many residents of the city is White City Park, a privately owned facility, once located on the current site of the Assemblies of God headquarters. In its heyday that park included a large roller coaster and other I rides and formal gardens. Later, it was used as a site for a regional fair and then as White City Baseball Park.

Another often used park, particularly popular with tourists, was Long Memorial Park on what is now the Parking lot of City Hall. Baptist Bible College is located on what was once Walnut Grove Park.

Replacing the quiet parks of those days were some with specialized areas to meet the changing recreational needs of the community. This meant more tennis courts, golf courses, swimming pools and softball fields. Development of the system was aided by a bond issue for parks approved by voters in 1963.