Lebanon is justly proud of its city parks and invites visitors to enjoy these facilities when they’re in town. Whatever your favorite activity, whatever your level of expertise, you’ll find something here to suit you.

Harke Park comprises 20 acres on the city’s south side and features a one-half-mile lighted walking trail, a multi-purpose field, and playground. It also has picnic tables and a 39-foot gazebo, making it a great place for family and corporate get-togethers. Wallace Park, on the grounds of the old hospital, has playground equipment and an outdoor basketball court. Just opening in the Summer of 2008 is the Boswell Aquatic Center.

These two facilities join Lebanon’s other excellent city parks. Atchley Park is located on North Highway 5. It has four ball fields, as well as a lovely gazebo that is a favorite for weddings and concerts. Four more softball and baseball fields can be found in Nelson Park. Throw in a couple of tennis courts, a fishing pond and multi-purpose field and this park is perfect for family reunions. Gasconade Park sits on the site once occupied by the Gasconade Hotel. It is the home of the Hughes Senior Center and visitors can enjoy the eighth-mile walking track, play area and ball field. A shelter house is also located here. Lebanon’s outdoor swimming pool is in Boswell Park, which also hosts a baseball field and walking trail. Near the water tower are the small green spaces of Spiller Park and W.T. Vernon Park, nice places to go to relax.

With so many ball fields in town, it’s no wonder Lebanon has played host to the Babe Ruth World Series seven times. The Cowan Civic Center offers additional recreational facilities, including an indoor basketball court and NCAA lap pool.

But it isn’t just the city that offers visitors opportunities for leisure activities. There are many privately owned facilities here as well. Golfers have a couple of area courses from which to choose. The Lebanon Country Club is a semi-private, 18-hole, par-72 course that is happy to welcome out-of-towners to its links. Amenities include a driving range, putting greens, full-service restaurant, snack bar and pro shop. Call (417) 532-2901 for tee times and greens fees.

About 10 miles north of Lebanon off Route 5 is Rose's Run Golf Course, the newest course in the area. Call (417) 426-5979 for tee times. Rose's Run is a public course.

With all of the woodland areas surrounding Lebanon, you know this has to be a great place for hunters. Of course, the #1 trophy here is deer. Bow and arrow season runs from Oct. 1-Jan. 15. Gun season takes place in November. Fall and winter are also popular times to hunt duck, quail, geese and small animals such as rabbits and squirrels.

Turkeys are also a favorite with game hunters and may be taken in April, May and October. The Lebanon area features a number of state conservation areas with outstanding habitat for hunting. Those wanting to use private lands must, of course, first seek permission from the land owner.

Hunters wanting to stay in practice have a couple of venues to help them, both located just minutes from Lebanon. Osage Archery Range is on Route C, off Highway 5 South. South Valley Sporting Clays can be found on Route HH in the small town of Russ.

As for fishermen, the Lebanon area is paradise. Not only is there outstanding fishing, but the scenery can be pretty spectacular, too. Along with Bennett Spring State Park, there are other lakes and rivers nearby, as well as great fishing spots in the Mark Twain National Forest. Anglers are bound to find a trophy fish here.

There’s family entertainment, as well. Lebanon offers Starlite Lanes Bowling for those seeking the 7-10 split and can be found on old Route 66 on the east side of town. Just north of I-44 on Jefferson is the Ritz 7 Movie Theater. Call (417) 588-9724 for features and show times.

It’s hard to sit on the sidelines in Lebanon – there’s just too much to do here. For all of the latest information on park facilities and rental fees, call Lebanon’s Parks & Recreation Department at (417) 532-4642.