Smithville Named Among the Top Cities for Fit Lifestyles


Smithville's parks, walking and running trails, sports complex's, and healthy lifestyle options have garnered national recognition. Smithville ranked 35 out of the top 50 cities in Missouri on BarBend’s list of Top Cities for Fit Lifestyles for 2020. The organization ranks cities throughout the nation.

Barbend ranked the cities on 11 categories backed by peer-reviewed scientific studies. Information to evaluate these categories was collected by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Census Bureau, and Country Health Rankings and Roadmaps. BarBend weighed each category according to its impact on overall fitness levels as determined by the organization’s data team. The categories were:

• Physical inactivity
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Poor Physical Health Days
• Drinking
• Exercise Opportunities
• Access to Health Food
• Air Pollution
• Physical Distress Days
• Drinking Water Violations
• Frequent Mental Distress

Categories such as Physical Inactivity were rated per every 1,000 residents. Another criteria was population, a minimum of 5,000 allowed for smaller communities to participate in the rankings. BarBend is the leading online platform for all things strength. This year’s rankings were BarBend’s first in what might be an ongoing project, according to Max Whiteside, the organization’s community outreach director.

Smithville will be recognized on Barbend’s website. For a complete list of Missouri’s Top Cities for a Fit Lifestyle, visit https://barbend.com/fit-cities-missouri/
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We are now enrolling for Youth Basketball!
You can click the Sports Registration link for more information or to register.

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COVID-19 Park Access
Below is a list of park facilities that opened on June 1 with restrictions. However, if patrons do not follow Clay County Public Health Center guidelines, these amenities will be closed again:
• Athletic Fields (practices only) (250 or fewer individuals) (limit individuals in the dugouts)
• Basketball Court
• Festivals and Events (Upon Approval)
• Parks and Trails remain open
• Playgrounds (equipment is not sanitized)
• Restrooms (Cleaned daily or more if possible)
• Shelter Houses (250 or fewer individuals)
• Skate Park
• Tennis/Pickleball Court

*Smithville Parks and Recreation does not sanitize any playgrounds or park structures. Use park at own risk.

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T-trust H-health R-respect I-integrity V-vision E-engagement

Mission: Smithville Parks & Recreation will help Smithville THRIVE by providing safe recreational and leisure opportunities to the citizens; enhancing ALL interest and behavior and provide the benefits of recreation and leisure. Such as Fun, Sense of Community, Healthy Lifestyle, and Leadership.

Vision: Smithville Parks & Recreation helps Smithville THRIVE to give back to the community by providing safe, affordable, and inclusive recreation and leisure opportunities, within the proximity of Smithville’s natural beauty.