Four diverse and lovely parks totaling approximately thirty-five acres make up the Monticello Parks and Recreation Department. Each park is diverse and offers unique settings and opportunities. On South Main Street sits the City Park with the historic Anheier Building.

The grandfather of the City Parks system, the Monticello City Park is located on South Main Street. Don't let the street side view of the park fool you. In this park, there is much more than first meets the eye. On the street side park level, there is a lighted basketball court, fenced-in play area for tiny tots, baseball diamond and challenging playground equipment. Park benches, swings and picnic tables welcome families to come and stay while the children play.

City park pavilions are in high demand for gatherings...meetings, birthday and anniversary parties and especially for family reunions. The pavilions are so sought after, reservations are recommended. In addition to the Benjamin Pavilion, an open-air shelter, the City Park has an indoor facility option at the Anheier Building.

The Anheier Building is a historic structure funded in the late 1930's through the Work Progress Administration (WPA) Project. The building was originally an open-air picnic pavilion named for Monticello's Mayor Anheier. Over the years, a number of different organizations were housed in this building including the Area IV Agency White County offices, White County Council on Aging Senior Center, and the American Red Cross offices.

In 2003 with a Department of Commerce Focus Fund Grant, the City of Monticello and the Area IV Agency on Aging and Community Action Program funded a renovation project for the historic building. The grant included approximately half a million dollars in renovation funds.

The renovated building now houses the Head Start Program and offices of the Monticello City Parks and Recreation. The Anheier Building also includes a conference room and great room for community use.

The upper park level is an action filled area. To discover the full beauty of the City Park requires exploring what we call the lower park level. Here, you will see nature's beauty in a secluded area. A meandering stream crossed by two rustic bridges provides a natural setting for wildlife. Walkways and greenways are here for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the quieter side of nature. Annually, the Monticello Rotary Club works in the lower portion of the City Park to enhance its beauty. Their commitment to this ongoing community service project is to be commended.

A park for all seasons, the City Park becomes a Winter Wonderland during the holidays. Christmas lights and lighted displays turn the upper park into a holiday greeting card as drive-through visitors experience the wonders of Christmas.