This is Hide #01 of a series of very family friendly caches known as "Little Green Treasures." The title to these refer to special little green spaces in and around Columbia that are easy for families to access and might have even been “hidden” just over in the neighborhood right near yours for years, but you somehow never noticed it was there. Places like this, often that I found when my kids were little, hold a special place in my heart. Hoping to share their existence now with young and old alike! Places to relax a bit, get some fresh air, bring your kids and dogs… little special places to reward your sense of discovery, and hopefully even succeed at finding a fun cache to leave your mark, and be able to stumble upon some kid and adult-friendly swag to put a smile on your face! :) So bring something small to trade, some decent shoes... little or no bushwhacking required on these gems :)
Smiley Lane Park: Parking available along the quiet non-thru residential street right beside it. A fairly new shelter w/picnic tables, grill & drinking fountain, nice kids playground w/cool climbing structures, and a full basketball court are at this park-- plus a good sized play field and cattail-surrounded small pond. There is also a 1/3 mile long, wide gravel and sidewalk walking trail going around from the playground area, onward to around the pond. The walking trail is bordered by woods, with about 10’ of mowed area between path and wooded area. After a lot of rain, some of the open ground could be slightly muddy & slippery at times, right around the pond area, but it is fairly flat. There is an amazing amount of different birds here, and frogs are heard as well. Some minor bushwacking might be required, but it won't take long. This could be a quick P&G, or even better--stop and sit down a minute and listen, and you'll be rewarded with all the nature enclosed in this little area. Park is open 6am to 11pm.
This cache was placed according to the guidelines set out by the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department. https://www.como.gov/parksandrec/geocaching-letterboxing/