Recreation

Visible from the north end of Main Street, the Colorado River cuts across Smithville proper and can be used for river fun.   Boating, rafting and canoeing are popular pastimes, and swimming and fishing are allowed.  A public fishing pier is located on the east side of Riverbend Park.  For river conditions, call the Lower Colorado River Authority at 512-473-3333 or 1-800-776-5272, ext. 333.

RIVER ACCESS:
There are three public access sites to the Colorado River. The larger one accessible for boats is concrete to the water, under the bridge on Hwy 95/Loop 230 on the north east side Hwy 95. Exit at the American Legion Road north of the bridge, and head under the bridge.

The second public access is near Riverbend Park, under the double Hwy 71 bridges in the highway right-of-way. Light watercraft and canoes have access to the River via the udirt bank.

The third access is at Riverbend Park immediately north of the fishing pier.  It's rough dirt/brush and walk in only, but canoes and kayaks can access river.

Kayaks and canoes rentals are available by calling the Smithville REC Center at 512-237-2313 or Rising Phoenix Adventures in Bastrop at 512-332-1077.

FLY FISHING:
The sport of fly fishing is now accessible to everyone.  The full day trips include all needed equipment and flies, with an outstanding stream side lunch.

Along with guided trips, also offered are fly casting lessons and fly tying lessons for both individuals and groups.  Hill Country Flyfishers, in business for over 25 years, has earned the endorsement of the Orvis Company, the gold standard in the sport.

Not sure what river you would like to fish?  Check out a sister web site and order a copy of their book, “Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country,” for a complete guide to all the rivers in the Hill Country.

Call 512-589-3474.  fishhead@texas.net www.hillcountryflyfishers.com www.fishheadpress.com

The Power Plaza Skate Park is a concrete dream come true for those who skate board, skate or bike, and the Friends of the Skate Park, who spent several years to raise funds to build the outdoor park.   With those funds and a community development grant from LCRA, the park was built at First Street behind the Smithville Recreation Center.

According to designer Doug King, the park has a unique design with aspects from both a street plaza and skate park.   “There is a tree in one corner of the park with a flowing "grass river" around the tree and through the rest of the park,” King said.

“There are hips, two stair cases, rails, hubbas, a bridge pyramid, grass gaps, wallrides, a snake run around the tree, and lots of ledges.”

The skate park is open to the public during daylight hours, and is under the care of the Smithville Parks & Recreation Department.   Protective gear is required at all times.   The Friends of the Skate Park are in the fundraiser process to built lights around the perimeter for night skating.

Please note that skateboarding and skating are not allowed on sidewalks in Smithville per city ordinance.

In early 2013, Riverbend Park expanded to an 18-hole disc golf course. Bring the whole family to the park to try one of the fastest growing sports in the country.  All you need is a disc or you can rent one at the Smithville Recreation Center.

With an active organization promoting tennis, the three lighted tennis courts are filled almost every evening, and are located north of the Smithville Junior High School at 9th and Wilkes. The courts are fenced so call the school administration office at 512-237-2487 during school hours to arrange for the gates to be unlocked.

The athletic department holds tennis lessons throughout the year for various age and skill levels.

Please wear non-marking tennis shoes.  Skate boards, bicycles and skates are not allowed on the courts.

A popular destination for bikers is the park roads of Buescher and Bastrop State Parks. Connected by the winding, hilly 12-mile Park Road 1C, both parks offer loops, lots of pine trees for shade and a peaceful ride. Cost is the entrance fee of $4 per person. The Buescher State Park entrance is one mile north of Hwy 71 on FM 153.

Those who prefer more of a challenge look to Rocky Hill Ranch, three miles north of Smithville on FM 153. There are more than 30 miles of world class mountain biking trails on more than 1,000 acres. They also have internationally acclaimed races in biking, motorcycling, extreme and more. WEBSITE. The site is open seven days a week. Check their website for rates. To sign in, just follow the signs. Helmets are required at all times for mountain bikers.

People and their families who prefer a gentle ride can bike Smithville’s tree covered streets or at any of Smithville’s parks, including the Power Plaza Skate Park, before having a snack at one of our local restaurants. Please note that bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks. Please practice all safety precautions.

2924 Texas 21
Paige, TX 78659
MAP
(512) 553-5130

In our backyard, just up north FM 153/FM 2104 to Paige, they offer riders and their families a premier motocross and off-road facility in Central Texas. The park offers 5 tracks, miles of trails, fishing, camping, and real facilities. Open Friday through Sunday. Check times.

106 Gazley
(Hwy 95 at First Street)
512-237-3282, ext 7

The pride of Smithville, the Smithville Recreation Center, Hwy 95 and First St., was built with funds from grants, donations and the city, and is managed through the Smithville Parks and Recreation Department (PARD).

The building has a large gym with basketball courts for Little Dribblers basketball games and Little Bumpers volleyball, a weight room, and a racquetball court round out the activities. Activities change throughout the year.

Memberships for individuals and families are available for full use of the building. For more on memberships and services go to the City Parks & Recreation Department web page.

The Rec Center has activities for children and adults throughout the year. To keep up with current events at the Rec Center and Smithville Parks Department, go to their Facebook page.

The large room is also rented for numerous large events and banquets, and Combined Community Action hosts Meals on Wheels for senior citizens from the building.

Bastrop State Park, just 12 miles west on Loop 150 and Hwy 21 in east Bastrop, has a large 60’x 100’ pool with a children’s wading pool. During the summer, swimming lessons are taught for all age and skill levels.
The park is now under management of the local YMCA. Call 512-321-3740 for times, lessons, and any related fees. WEBSITE

Smithville ISD allows people to walk the track around the track at 6th Street & Turney for that extra bit of gentle exercise in a fenced in area. The field is locked at night. Please follow school district rules regarding use.

The historic residential district of Smithville, Loop 230 to Main Street to Short Street, is also a great area of town to walk with plenty of shade from large oak trees and low vehicle speed limits.

Riverbend Park on HWY 71, a Smithville city park, is also a wonderful place to get out and stretch your legs, right along the banks of the Colorado River.