Clary-Shy Community Park

Where Community Meets Nature

Tucked away on 20 acres in Columbia, Missouri, Clary-Shy Community Park combines green space with recreation, urban agriculture, and social gathering areas. The park functions as several things at once: playground, fitness center, farmers market, and educational space.

There's a bit of history here too. Before becoming the community hub it is today, this land served as the Boone County Fairgrounds from 1948 to 1991, until a generous donation in 1994 set it on its current path.

Get Moving

At the heart of the park stands the Activity and Recreation Center (ARC), where you'll discover everything from an inviting indoor leisure pool to a full gymnasium. If you're into soccer, the practice fields offer plenty of space to kick a ball around.

The pedestrian-friendly promenade works well for a leisurely stroll, with seating areas in the shade. The design accommodates everyone from parents with strollers to those seeking a quiet spot to sit.

Not Your Average Playground

The farm-themed playground - a nod to the park's agricultural focus - is popular with children. The large climbing structure offers a good challenge for adventurous kids, while the zipline is particularly popular.

While older kids might get the most out of the more challenging equipment, there are gentler options for the little ones too. The playground's location is convenient on farmers market days - parents can alternate between shopping for fresh produce and supervising their children.

Grow Your Knowledge

The Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture (CCUA) manages several fascinating areas across the park that showcase sustainable farming techniques. Take a wander through the lush food forest, explore the native habitat gardens, or sit in on a workshop at the outdoor classroom.

Meandering sidewalks and gravel paths invite you to explore these gardens at your own pace. The raised beds demonstrate practical growing techniques that might inspire your own backyard projects. Even if you have little gardening experience, it's interesting to see food production up close.

Where Neighbors Meet

Next to the ARC, you'll come across the MU Health Care Pavilion, home to the popular Columbia Farmers Market. Saturday mornings are busy at the market - the pavilion fills with farmers and shoppers as locals buy fresh, seasonal produce.

Food trucks and outdoor seating make it easy to turn your market haul into an impromptu picnic. And yes, there are restrooms available in the pavilion - always good to know when you're planning to spend a few hours exploring.

Art Meets Agriculture

Keep an eye out for the whimsical sculptures dotted around the park, including a delightful giant chicken near the playground that never fails to make kids giggle.

What makes Clary-Shy interesting is how its different features complement each other. The park offers opportunities for exercise, education about sustainable living, and community interaction. Whether you come to work out, learn something new, or shop at the farmers market, there's usually something happening.