Editing Columbia, Missouri (section)

== Parks and recreation ==
Throughout the city are many parks and trails for public usage managed by [[Columbia Parks and Recreation]]. Among the more popularly frequented is the [[MKT Trail|MKT]] which is a spur that connects to the [[Katy Trail State Park|Katy Trail]], meeting up just south of Columbia proper. The MKT ranked second in the nation for "Best Urban Trail" in the 2015 ''[[USA Today]]''{{'}}s 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. This 10-foot wide trail built on the old railbed of the MKT railroad begins in downtown Columbia in Flat Branch Park at 4th and Cherry Streets. The all-weather crushed limestone surface provides opportunities for walking, jogging, running, and bicycling.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.como.gov/parksandrec/trail/mkt-nature-and-fitness-trail/|title=MKT Nature and Fitness Trail|website=Columbia Parks and Recreation|language=en|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref>[[File:Rock-bridge.jpg|alt=Photograph of Rock Bridge at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park|thumb|The iconic rock bridge of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park]][[Stephens Lake Park]] is the highlight of Columbia's park system and is known for its 11-acre fishing/swimming lake, mature trees, and historical significance in the community. It serves as the center for outdoor winter sports, a variety of community festivals such as the [[Roots N Blues Festival]], and outdoor concert series at the amphitheater. Stephens Lake has reservable shelters, playgrounds, swimming beach and spraygrounds, art sculptures, waterfalls, and walking trails.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.como.gov/parksandrec/park/stephens-lake-park/|title=Stephens Lake Park|website=Columbia Parks and Recreation|language=en|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref> [[Rock Bridge Memorial State Park]] is open year-round giving visitors the chance to scramble, hike, and bicycle through a scenic environment. Rock Bridge State Park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state, including the Gans Creek Wild Area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mostateparks.com/park/rock-bridge-memorial-state-park|title=Rock Bridge Memorial State Park|last=drupal.symposiarch|date=2010-12-10|website=mostateparks.com|language=en|access-date=2020-04-13}}</ref>

Columbia is home to [https://www.como.gov/contacts/harmony-bends-championship-disc-golf-course-strawn-park/ Harmony Bends Disc Golf Course], which was named the 2017 Disc Golf Course of the Year by [https://DGCourseReview.com DGCourseReview.com].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Harmony Bends Championship Disc Golf Course at Strawn Park |url=https://www.como.gov/contacts/harmony-bends-championship-disc-golf-course-strawn-park/#:~:text=Harmony%20Bends%20Disc%20Golf%20Course%20was%20named%20the%202017%20Disc,the%20Year%20by%20DGCourseReview.com. |access-date=April 28, 2025}}</ref> As of June, 2022, Harmony Bends still continues to rank on DGCourseReview.com as the No. 1 public course, and #2 overall course in the United States