Historic Pertle Springs 1932 to the Present

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During the Great Depression some of the land that had been used for the resort became home to a Civilian Conservation Camp for Veterans. The CCC built additional structures on the Pertle Springs landscape and some of their remnants can still be seen on the landscape today.

The University of Central Missouri purchased Pertle Springs and its surrounding lands in 1959. The "Lodge" was demolished in January 1986 after it was determined that the home was beyond repair. Under the stewardship of the university, Pertle Springs became a center for campus gatherings and social events. UCM students and the general public continued to take advantage of the wooded acreage, picnic areas and opportunities for boating and fishing in Lake Cena. A nine-hole, sand green golf course was constructed in 1964 on acreage just south of Lake Cena and later the golf course was expanded to 18 holes, which included grass greens. The course was named Keth Memorial Golf Course in 1972 after the late Earl Keth, who served as Mules head basketball coach from 1946 to 1961. Keth was the guiding force behind development of men's golf as an intercollegiate sport at UCM as well as the construction of the golf course. Additionally, a swimming pool with shower facilities and a pro shop, built through the generosity of local donors, were added to the recreational facilities lineup in the 1960s.

The turn of the calendar to the 21st century brought a new vision to Pertle Springs. In 2002 the pool closed. In 2008 plans were implemented to update the Keth Memorial Golf Course and develop it into a state-of-the-art public facility. The building that housed the pro shop was razed, and a driving range was built with four indoor bays, new putting greens and a chipping area. A new clubhouse was developed that included a pro shop, banquet room, professional kitchen facilities and three offices, providing new life to Pertle Springs as a gathering place for the campus and community.

Today Pertle Springs Park hosts many outdoor recreation activities like biking, hiking and fishing. Visitors can walk or ride on a number of trails around the park and its lakes. They can also visit the renamed Mules National Golf Club for a round of golf on the refurbished 18 hole golf course. Over the last twenty years, UCM students have conducted biological and cultural resource research at Pertle for their classes.