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Boswell Park: Lebanon's Route 66 Oasis

Experience recreation and Route 66 history at Boswell Park in Lebanon, Missouri. A community hub with a pool, sports, playgrounds, and iconic murals.

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Boswell Park in Lebanon, Missouri, offers a blend of recreation and Route 66 history. Named after benefactor James E. Boswell Jr., the park features a swimming pool, playgrounds, sports facilities, and murals celebrating the Mother Road. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to relax and enjoy community events.

A brief summary to Boswell Park

Local tips

  • Visit during the annual Route 66 Festival on Father's Day weekend for a parade, live entertainment, and family games.
  • Cool off at the Boswell Aquatic Center, featuring a pool with slides, diving boards, and a zero-depth entry for kids.
  • Explore the Route 66 murals and the last remaining Camp Joy cabin to learn about the area's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Route 66 Museum on S Jefferson Ave, head north for about 0.6 miles. Turn right onto W Elm St, and then turn left onto Drury Ln. Boswell Park will be on your left.

  • Driving

    From Interstate 44, take Exit 127 for Lebanon. Head north on S Jefferson Ave/Route 5 for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right onto W Elm St, then turn left onto Drury Ln. The park will be on your left. Parking is available within the park.

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Discover more about Boswell Park

Boswell Park, located in Lebanon, Missouri, is a vibrant community hub with a rich history and a strong connection to Route 66. Originally named Maplecrest Park, it was renamed to honor the Boswell family, who donated funds to build the outdoor pool in the late 1970s. The park is dedicated to the memory of James E. Boswell Jr. (1937-1955). Today, Boswell Park offers a wide array of amenities for visitors of all ages. The Boswell Aquatic Center features an outdoor pool with water slides, diving boards, and a zero-depth entry children's pool. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the baseball/softball field, two lighted tennis courts, a basketball court, and even a nine-hole disc golf course. For younger visitors, there's a fenced playground and a children's play fountain. In recent years, Boswell Park has embraced its location on Historic Route 66. The park features three large murals depicting significant aspects of Lebanon and Laclede County's Route 66 heritage. These murals, created from tiles by artist Paul Whitehall, pay tribute to the Nelson family and other local landmarks. The park is also home to the last remaining Camp Joy cabin, believed to be the first tourist camp between St. Louis and Springfield. Boswell Park hosts several community events throughout the year, including the annual Route 66 Festival held on Father's Day weekend. The park is also home to the Hughes Senior Center and features a walking track dedicated to Emma LaBlank, who served food to senior citizens. With its accessible pathways, restrooms, and amenities, Boswell Park is designed to be enjoyed by everyone.

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