Clay County Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites

Director, Charlie Barr

Deputy Director, Mike Kaullen
Superintendent of Administration, Mandy Pickett
Superintendent of Parks, Mike Driskell
Superintendent of Golf, Marvin Davidson
Rangers, Sgt. Pat Iske
Historic Sites Manager, Elizabeth Beckett

Contact Information:
Clay County Department of
Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites
17201 Paradesian
Smithville, Missouri 64089
phone: 816.407.3400
fax: 816.407.3411
e-Mail: parks@claycogov.com, rangers@claycogov.com

Other Lake Facilities
Camp Branch Marina 816.407.3420
KCTA Trap Shooting 816.532.4427
Paradise Pointe Marina 816.532.2666
Paradise Pointe Golf Course 816.532.4100

Main Office hours are:
Monday - Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The main office is closed to the public weekends and holidays.

Content

Please note that the Clay County Parks Department has an extensive flash-based web site with Images, Maps and Information under http://www.claycogov.com. You will need to install the Macromedia Flash® Player to access this content.

News

2008 Eagle Days - January 5th through January 9th (pdf)

2007 Fee Schedule for Smithville Lake, Historic Sites, Tryst Falls Park and Rocky Hollow Park

Note: Please review the current fees for the Paradise Pointe Golf Course on their web site.

NEW: The fees are available as a PDF file (opens up in a separate window), please click here to review the current fees. If you have difficulties reading this file, please contact Clay County Information Technology (816.407.3350) for assistance.

Clay County Parks and Smithville Lake

Note: Please review the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer's Water Safety Tips.
If you would like to know details about the coming mandatory boating safety identification card, click here.
The U.S. Coast Guard Water Safety Resource page can be found here.

Boating- Smithville Lake has over 175 miles of shoreline offering excellent boating opportunities. Boats are available for rent at two full-service marinas located on the lake. Five multi-lane boat launch ramps and excellent parking for trailers ensure easy accessibility to all parts of this 7,200 acre lake.

Marinas- Two full-service marinas offer boat and slip rentals, bait, fuel, refreshments and equipment sales. Patio and indoor dining is also available. Paradise Pointe Marina, phone 816.532.2666, Camp Branch Marina, phone 816.532.8915.

Sailboating- Slips, moorings and dry sail facilities may be rented through the Clay County Parks office. A special sailboat launching area is available for the exclusive use of sailboaters. In addition, shower facilities are conveniently located nearby. For more information, Call 816.532.0803.

Golfing- Located along the shores of the beautiful Smithville Lake is the 36-hole Paradise Pointe Golf Complex. Featuring two 18-hole championship golf courses, this public golf complex offers an outstanding links experience on zoysia and bluegrass fairways against the dramatic backdrop of panoramic lake views. At the clubhouse you will find a full-line discount pro shop, refreshments, equipment sales, cart rentals, banquet facilities and PGA pros. Paradise Pointe Golf Compex Pro Shop 816.532.4100.

Trapshooting Park- The Kansas City Trapshooters Association is open to the public and is home to the finest trap and skeet shooting in the Midwest. There are 9 trap fields, 2 skeet fields, and a clubhouse. Trapshooting Park 816.532.4427. The Web site of the Kansas City Trapshooters Association can be reached by clicking here.

Hunting- Almost half of the public properties at Smithville Lake are open to hunting, under normal state seasons and guidelines. Areas marked as "Wildlife Management Areas" are open year round. In addition, areas marked "Waterfowl Refuge" are open to hunting, fishing and trapping mid-January through mid-October. Contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for special dates at 816.534.0174.

Swimming Beaches- Beach areas, open May 1st, are located at both Little Platte and Camp Branch with plenty of room for water activities and sunbathing. Facilities include shower and changing rooms.

Water Skiing and Innertubing- The southern half of the lake basin is available for water skiing and innertubing on a year round basis. Water skiing and innertubing are confined to the area south of the Highway W bridge and west of Camp Branch bridge.

Camping- 777 camp sites surround Smithville Lake. Over one-third of the tent and R.V. sites have electrical hook-ups. Shower, laundry and other facilities are conveniently located. Groups of 10 sites or more can be reserved. Call 816.532.0803. Cost: please check the current fee schedule.

Picnic Sites- 200 individual picnic sites with 11 shelter houses are available for public use. Shelter house reservations are recommended.
Call 816.532.0803

Fishing- The fish are biting at Smithville Lake! Tiger musky, walleye, largemouth bass, crappie and several species of catfish were originally stocked. For fishing information call Burton Bait & Tackle 816.532.4659 or visit the Missouri Department of Conservation's Statewide Weekly Fishing Report.

Kelsey Short Youth Camp- A special youth group camping area is available at a nominal fee. Each group camping site has a shelter house, grills, water and toilet facilities. A sand beach is available for the exclusive use of the youth campers. Cost: $1.00 per person / $20 minimum (per night). By reservation only. 816.532.0803. Cabin with electricity $40/per night. By Reservation only. 816.532.0803.

Handicap Accessible- In addition to all campground restrooms, Crows Creek Park offers a handicapped accessible fishing dock and picnic shelter. Call to reserve. 816.532.0803.

Riding/Hiking Trails- There are three horseback riding and hiking trails for your enjoyment. Call the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at 816.532.0174 for more information

Jerry L. Litton Visitors Center- Learn more about Smithville Lake and th U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects. The center is named for Missouri's late 6th District Congressmen and offers exhibits portraying Mr. Litton's life and his contributions to society. Open 8 am to 4 pm, Monday thru Friday; Saturdays and Sundays during summer. No admission fee. For information: 816.532.0174.

Smiths Fork Park- Located below the dam, the park is operated by the City of Smithville and offers a wide variety of recreation facilities: camping, fishing, pcinic area, amphitheater, softball, and soccer fields, go-carts, batting cages, and an archery range. Concessions and restroom facilities are also available. Call 816.532.1023.

Clay County Park Rangers

Mission Statement: As Park Rangers, our purpose is to protect, assist, inform, educate, guide, and direct visitors to the proper facilities and programs available in the Clay County Department of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Sites.

Our most important function is service and protection of park users and the environment.

How do we accomplish our mission ?

The Clay County Park Ranger Division was created in the early 1980’s due to the increasing need for a law enforcement presence at Smithville Lake. Today the Chief Park Ranger oversees, four full-time rangers, three reserve rangers, and six seasonal interns. All park rangers are commissioned Law Enforcement Officers with Clay County Commission and are certified by the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training commission (P.O.S.T.). Before beginning their duties, new rangers must receive a mandatory 470 hours of police academy training, plus 48 hours additional training every three years to retain their certification. Above that, Park Rangers are required to have 120 additional hours of training over the state-mandated 470 hours it requires for a Law Enforcement Officer.

Park Rangers patrol over 6,000 acres of parkland, consisting of five parks and three historic sites. The Ranger division works 365 days a year and give 24 hour a day service to park guests. The Ranger Divisions responsibility does not always stop on dry land. The Ranger Division is equipped with rescue and patrol boats. The Division often responds to emergencies on the water, as well as assists the Missouri State Water Patrol during drowning recovery.

Like police officers, a Park Ranger must always be prepared for any situation. Clay County Park Rangers have the latest equipment to assist them in their patrol duties. In addition to patrolling park areas in marked patrol cars, park rangers use ATV’s, 4x4 vehicles, bicycles, and boats, to patrol park areas. Park rangers have a wide array of equipment to enforce the law, including in-car video systems and night vision scopes.

Important Phone Numbers

If you want to contact the parks office for reservations, general information or non-emergency problems, call (816) 407-3400..

If you have a problem in our parks after 5:00 pm, the number above will link you to our voice mail and immediately page a Park Ranger.

If you need immediate assistance in our parks, call the Clay County Sheriff's Department and request a Park Ranger to respond to your location. The Sheriff's Dispatch number is (816) 792-3700.

Rangers for Youth

Let the Clay County Park Rangers show you how to hear and see nature in a whole new way. Through "Rangers for Youth" you can take a hike in a forest, catch a whopper fish from a lake, identify native plants and animals, stay overnight in a rustic cabin or just get some fresh air and exercise.

The "Rangers for Youth" program is a cooperative outdoor education program sponsored by the Clay County Park Department, Fox 4 Love Fund for Children, and many private businesses and corporations. The goal of "Rangers for Youth" is to offer outdoor education programs to disadvantaged children throughout the Kansas City metro area.

Rangers For Youth is based out of Kelsey Short Park, an exclusive area with a cabin, trails, and specially constructed wildlife areas!

What programs are available?
Park Ranger Talks, Plant and Tree ID, Reptiles and Amphibians, Watchable Wildlife, Native Prairie Plants, Creepy Critters, Air Rifle Safety, Fishing and Fish Prints, Outdoor Skills and Safety, Wetland Wonderland, Overnight Stays at the Cabin, Mammal Study, Scout Projects, Kid ID, Living History, and many more!

Who can participate?
Any youth group or youth service agency. We believe that by educating children about our environment and natural resources we instill appreciation and insure protection of these resources for the future.

How do I schedule a program?
Rangers For Youth programs are scheduled beginning May 1st on the first come-first serve basis. Programs begin on June 1st and are available through August. Programs are given Monday-Friday 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

What about other times of the year?
During the remaining months, Park Rangers are availabe to come to your school, library, or community center to speak to your grop about a wide range of topics, including: Outdoor Safety, Wildlife, Forestry, Outdoor Skills, Living History, and many more !

Volunteers are always welcome!
Please contact the Park Rangers Division for opportunities!

Kelsey Short Youth Camp

Kelsey Short is a park that is set aside specifically for youth groups. We have a cabin for inside programs or overnight stays, primitive hiking trails, and specially designated area for our "Wetland Wonderland" program, "Missouri Wildflowers" program, and a brand new bird study area.

The Clay County Park Rangres "Rangers for Youth" program is based from Kelsey Short. This program, started in 1993, allows youth organizations, churches, and local shelters to bring inner city kids to Kelsey Short for a day. The first summer over 20 agencies brought 1,023 kids to smithville Lake. Rangers for Youth works directly with organizations like the "WDAF TV Love Fund" to make the program a success.

Here's how the program works. First, interested agencies contact the Ranger Division. Information gathered at the time of this first contact includes: the number of kids, type of program desired, and the preferred dates. Then, the agency is given a contact person, usually an Intern Park Ranger. The Intern serves as a host to the agency during their visit to the lake, and further contact with the agency is made through the assigned contact person. Once the group arrives at Kelsey Short, they may choose to swim at the beach, play on the playground or participate in one of several Ranger led activities. Activiites the group may choose from include: fishing, hiking, boat safety or a visit from officers of the Missouri State Water Patrol or Missouri Department of Conservation.

Being an Intern Park Ranger

Every summer the Park Ranger Division of the Clay County Department of Parks hires six Seasonal Intern Rangers. Intern Rangers experience every aspect of working in a large park system. Intern Rangers receive work experience in park management, maintenance, interpretation, fee collection and enforcement.

Intern Rangers responsibilities include: interpretive programming, nature hikes, and presentation of movies; maintenance of interpretive areas, trails, and exhibits; patrolling park areas to ensure safety of visitors and campers; secure gates and traffic direction; provide information to park visitors; fee collection; report writing.

Minimum Qualifications: Currently enrolled full-time in a college or university. Working toward a degree in parks & recreation wildlife management, criminal justice, biological sciences or a closely related field. Be personable, outgoing, and able to work directly with the public and with limited supervision. Be willing to live in park provided housing for duration of employment (if provided) Be able to work outdoors for extended periods of time and under varied conditions.

Qualified applicants should send cover letter, resume and three work related references to:

Brian D. Flowers, Park Ranger
Clay County Dept of Parks
2619 NE 188th St.
Smithville, MO 64089
(816) 532-0803

Park Watch

What is Park Watch?
Park Watch is a program to bring park visitors, neighbors, and Clay County Parks and Recreation together to ensure a quality system of facilities and services for all to enjoy.

If you see illegal or suspicious activities, vandalism, or problems within a Clay County Park, call the Park Watch Hotline at (816) 407-3400 ext. 4430. If you need emergency assistance dial 911 and a Park Ranger will be dispatched to assist you.

Be a good observer!

As a good observer you are encouraged to report:

- Illegal or suspicious activity
- Vandalism
- Hazardous conditions
- Park maintenance needs
- Park ordinance violations
- Resource misuse

You should note the time, place, description of vehicles and people, as well as any other identifying information. This will help Park Rangers in investigating your observation.

Park Watch participants should REPORT only!

Please do not take any action to intervene or attempt to correct a problem. This is the responsibility of the Clay County Park Ranger Division.

For almost 16 years, the Clay County Park Ranger Division has provided public safety and assistance to our visitors. Park Rangers continue to strive to protect both park visitors and our natural resources. If you would like more information on the Park Watch Program or the Park Rangers Division, contact the ranger station at (816) 407-3400.

Safety First!

Some important Park safety rules:

- Before leaving your boat or vehicle, stow valuables out of sight in locked containers or under seats.
- Always lock car doors when you leave your vehicle unattended.
- Never leave home without first telling family or friends where you are going or when you plan to return.
- While walking in the park be conscious of vehicles, cyclists, an other pedestrians.
- Before leaving your campsite, extinguish all campfires and throw away all trash in the proper receptacle.

Clay County Historical Sites

Jesse James Farm and Museum
21216 Jesse James Farm Road, Kearney, MO
phone: 816-628-6065

From I-35 & M-92 (Exit 26) at Kearney: East on M-92 Highway through Kearney to Jesse James Farm Road. Turn north, follow the road around a curve to the east and the museum is ¾ mile from the curve on the left.

Before you walk the trail to the James farm house, you'll enjoy an exciting audio/visual presentation recapping history of Frank & Jesse James!
You'll also enjoy a look at the worlds largest display of James family artifacts, such as Jesse's guns, boots, personal letters and much, much more.
After your visit, stroll past Jesse and Frank's childhood swimming hole on your way to tour the family home and visit Jesse's original gravesite.

Jesse James Bank Museum
103 N. Water, Liberty, MO
phone: 816-781-4458

From I-35 & M-152 (Exit 16) at Liberty: Turn east on M-152 Highway (also Kansas). Go 2 miles to the Historic Liberty Square. Turn left on Water Street. The museum is one block north on the Northeast Corner at Franklin and Water streets.

A must for all visitors! Located in downtown Liberty, MO, on historic Liberty Square, this bank was the site of the first successful peacetime daylight bank robbery in the U.S. history. Step back in time as you walk through the bank office and into the vault, which looks as it did in 1866. Then, catch a glimpse of one of three Seth Thomas calendar clocks in existence.

Mt. Gilead Historical Site

Mt. Gilead School, Kearney, Missouri, operated for over 100 years until it closed its doors in 1946.
The original school was a log structure built in 1835. The present two-story schoolhouse, built in 1879, replaced the log structure.

Mt. Gilead School had two teachers until the 1920s. The younger children were taught upstairs, while older students made use of a classroom on the first floor. Historians believe that Mt. Gilead was the only school west of the Mississippi River to continuously hold classes during the Civil War. Accounts of life at the school suggest that teachers would dismiss classes to watch marching soldiers. Mt. Gilead functioned as an academy for several years after 1860, offering courses in Latin, Greek, and music. Classes continued until 1946 when Mt. Gilead was consolidated with the Kearney School District. Clay County acquired the historic site in the mid 1980s and restored the school in 1998.

This popular field trip requires advance reservations. For information on fees or to schedule a field trip, contact Clay County Historic Sites at (816) 628-6065.

Mt. Gilead Church was organized in 1830 as a Primitive Baptist Church, with services held in the homes of its members. It became the Mt. Gilead Christian Church in 1841, with the first building constructed in 1844. That structure burned in 1862. The present brick church was built in 1873 and underwent rehabilitation in 1998. This site offers a picturesque view of 19th Century life through its period-style architecture and furnishings.

Historic Mt. Gilead Church is a superb location for period-themed events and is available for public use. The site has been the setting for weddings, family and school reunions, showers, and business meetings. The site has also been adapted as an ideal venue for theatrical productions.

To schedule an event or for fee information, contact Clay County Historic Sites at (816) 628-6065.

Historical Pharis Farm

In what is possibly the largest single gift to be given to Clay County, the County Commission in 2002 approved an agreement accepting the Donald C. Pharis Trust, a $250,000 fund established by Mr. Pharis and willed to the county, when he died in 1992, along with his property, antebellum home, log cabin and other buildings at his farm east of Liberty. The Clay County Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites is currently preparing the farm for regular openings to the public during the summer months including guided tours.

Note: At the present time, the Pharis Farm is only open for special, County-sponsored events and tours.

For more information, contact Clay County Historic Sites at (816) 628-6065.

Historical Claybrook Plantage

Like many antebellum homes, the Claybrook Plantation House is marked by times of trouble and dreams never quite realized. Completed in 1858 by owner George Claybrook, the house was built of timber frame construction with the supporting beams fitted together by wooden pegs, and is considered a fine example of 1800s architecture.

At the end of the Civil War, Mr. Claybrook was not able to pay the taxes and lost his property. It was purchased by a man named McCarty in 1866 and sold to Robert Chanslor the same year. The Chanslor family owned the home for over thirty years. It was later sold to Henry Barr.

Henry married Mary James, the daughter of Jesse James in 1900. Their children were born and raised at the Claybrook home for twenty-one years. The Duncan, Riley, and Abel families, as well as others, have all lived within the confines of Claybrook.

Over the years and through several owners, the home experienced long periods of abuse, vandalism and neglect. Claybrook's last owner was Mrs. Eileen Kelly. She donated the Claybrook House to Clay County, Missouri in 1976 as an historical site. It was restored and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. This home is a representative example of pre-Civil War homes built in this area by southern planters who were attempting to bring their way of life into western Missouri.

Note: The Claybrook Plantage had to be torn down in 2003 after a devastating fire destroyed large parts of the original structure in 2002.

For more information, please contact the Jesse James Historic Sites at (816) 628-6065.

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© 2008 Clay County, Missouri.

Clay County Offices
1 Courthouse Square
Liberty, Missouri 64068
phone: 816.407.3600 - fax: 816.407.3601
Contact Clay County

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