Parks are open from sunrise to 10:00pm. Picnic facilities are provided in our parks and can be used on a first come, first served basis when not reserved. Pavilions are located in East, West, and Boon Parks. Pavilions can be reserved for $10 per day per pavilion. Reservation fees are not refundable. Call the park office (573-624-8244) or click here to make reservations.
Please Help: Keeping our parks in the best condition is a full-time job. By taking pride in the parks and keeping them clean, Dexter residents can help maintain and support our community. The Parks and Recreation Department wants to work with residents in providing quality recreational programs and attractive parks. Your suggestions regarding any park improvements, recreational activities, clinics, or sports programs is greatly appreciated.
Crime Stopper: Immediately report any vandalism, misuse, or abuse of park property to the Police Department (573) 624-5512. Give authorities as much information as possible about what you observed including descriptions of person and/or vehicle and license numbers. If you choose to remain anonymous you may do so. Your participation will help assure safe quality parks for our children and ourselves. Each year the Parks and Recreation Department incurs a great deal of needless expense to repair damage caused to your parks by vandalism. Please notify the Parks and Recreation Office as soon as you see broken playground equipment, damaged facilities or vandalism anywhere in the park system.
Bell Park
Dexter, MO 63841
Less than one acre frontage on quarter of block in downtown area. Designed, completed, then donated to city park by Southwestern Bell as a rest area for downtown shoppers.
Boon Park
Corner of Fannetta Street and Adams Street
Dexter, MO 63841
Facility-Neighbor Park Playground
Inventory: Six acres large picnic and playground area. Two pavilion, two lighted tennis courts, basketball court, public restrooms, water fountains, grills, and playground equipment.
Dexter Fishing Lake
Dexter, MO 63841
Fishing lake eleven acres environmental area for community fishing, inside perimeter of lake has been planted with shade trees. The lake also has a handicap accessible dock for fishing.
East Park
Hwy. 114 East
Dexter, MO 63841
Facility-Neighbor Park Playground
Inventory-This major community park is 28.5 acres and contains many attractions. East Park has two lighted ball diamonds (one 287 feet, and one 350 feet), two pavilions, one volleyball court, one horseshoe pit, playground equipment (playscapes, swings, slides, etc.), picnicking, public restrooms, water fountains, and grills.
Eden Park
1011 Rannell Street
Dexter, MO 63841
Eden Park Opens is a Lasting Tribute to Nature, Community, and the Legacy of Norman and Billie Harty
DEXTER, MO — The City of Dexter Parks and Recreation Department is proud to announce the opening of Eden Park, located at 1011 Rannell Street, Dexter, Missouri, a unique nature park created to honor the wishes and legacy of the late Mr. Norman Harty and his beloved wife, Billie Harty. The park opened June 23, 2026 to the public.
The five-acre property was generously donated to the City of Dexter by Mr. Harty, whose vision was to preserve the natural beauty of the land and provide a peaceful place where future generations could enjoy nature just as he and Billie did for many years. Mr. Harty was known throughout the community as a generous and caring individual who deeply appreciated the outdoors. He especially enjoyed watching the deer and other wildlife thrive in the wooded areas surrounding his home.
The name Eden Park was chosen at the request of Mr. Harty as a tribute to his wife, Billie, who passed away in 2013. Billie loved spending time outdoors, sitting quietly and observing the birds, wildlife, and natural beauty of the property. Years ago, she painted a sign that read "Billie's Eden" and wanted it placed in the woods beside their home. To honor her memory and preserve this special piece of family history, the Parks and Recreation Department will replicate the sign and prominently display it within the park.
From the beginning of the project, the Parks and Recreation Department has worked diligently to ensure that every aspect of Eden Park reflects Mr. Harty's wishes. Significant planning and restoration efforts were required to prepare the property while maintaining its natural character.
Several areas of the site required drainage improvements before the park could be safely opened to the public. To guide these efforts, the department partnered with the Missouri Department of Conservation to develop a comprehensive forest and land management plan for the property. Improvements included the removal of an aging pond, selective removal of severely damaged trees to encourage healthy forest growth, clearing underbrush to improve drainage and forest health, and the installation of three separate water-control areas designed to slow stormwater runoff as it moves through the property.
The development process also benefited from a grant awarded through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Waste Management Program's Non-Playground Scrap Tire Surface Material Grant. Funding from this grant allowed the Parks Department to purchase landscape timbers and mulch manufactured from 100 percent recycled Missouri tires. In total, approximately 108,000 pounds of recycled tire material were utilized to create the perimeter trail system that winds through Eden Park, providing visitors with an environmentally responsible and accessible way to experience the natural surroundings.
Progress on the park was temporarily delayed when a tornado impacted the area, slowing the original construction timeline. Despite these setbacks, city staff remained committed to completing the project in a manner that respected the land, honored the Harty family's vision, and ensured the park would serve the community for years to come.
Eden Park has been created with a simple yet meaningful purpose: to provide a serene and welcoming environment where visitors can reconnect with nature. Through thoughtful design and careful preservation of the property's natural features, the park offers opportunities for relaxation, reflection, wildlife observation, and quiet enjoyment of the outdoors.
As the park opens to the public, it stands as a lasting reminder of the generosity of Norman Harty, the memory of Billie Harty, and the importance of preserving natural spaces within our community. The City of Dexter Parks and Recreation Department remains committed to maintaining the beauty of Eden Park, enhancing biodiversity, and providing a peaceful retreat where individuals, families, and visitors can experience the restorative power of nature.
Looking toward the future, the Dexter Parks and Recreation Department remains committed to the continued growth and enhancement of Eden Park. Plans are already underway for additional improvements, including the planting of native trees, the installation of features designed to attract and support bird populations, the development of a dedicated sitting area, and the placement of benches along the trail to provide visitors with opportunities to rest and enjoy the natural surroundings. These enhancements will further strengthen Eden Park's mission of providing a peaceful retreat while promoting conservation and wildlife appreciation. Community support continues to play an important role in the park's development, and the local Rotary Club is currently exploring a project that will contribute to the park's future growth and long-term enjoyment for residents and visitors alike
Eden Park is more than a park—it is a legacy of love, stewardship, and appreciation for the natural world that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Heritage House & Community Garden
509 Cooper Street
Dexter, MO 63841
Two acres of ground where one of the community's original dwelling moved to the site east of the fishing lake; restored and maintained by local non-profit volunteer organization providing tours and other events recalling regions past; grounds maintained by Park Department and some funds provided for continued restoration.
Sports Complex
Fairgrounds Drive
Dexter, MO 63841
Facility-Sports Complex
Inventory: Approximately 30 acres with two soccer fields, one basketball court, four lighted 300 foot softball fields in circular design with central concession area, two practice ball fields, and two lighted fields outside the main complex.. Public restrooms, water fountains, and one pavilion.
Sugar Plum Park
Williams Drive
Dexter, MO 63841
Facility-Mini Park
Inventory: Quarter acre vest pocket playground facility focused for preschoolers, picnic area, and playground equipment.
West Park
Hwy. Bus. 60
Dexter, MO 63841
Facility-Neighbor Park Playground
Inventory-Nine acres large picnic area, water fountains, grills, public restroom, two pavilions, basketball courts, playground equipment, and paved walking trail.