Health & Recreation

Health

DeSoto County has been ranked as Mississippi's healthiest county according to the 2015 County Health Rankings, a national health ranking analysis of counties across the country by the Robert Wood Johnson program. DeSoto County came out on top in the annual health ranking selection program, ahead of Lafayette County and Lamar County in south Mississippi at Number 3, and well ahead of Rankin County at Number 4 and affluent Madison County at Number 5. Quitman County and Sharkey County rank as two of Mississippi's most unhealthy counties, according to the rankings.

The annual County Health Rankings measure vital health factors, including high school graduation rates, obesity, smoking, unemployment, access to healthy foods, the quality of air and water, income, and teen births in nearly every county in America. The annual Rankings provide a revealing snapshot of how health is influenced by where we live, learn, work and play. 

Recreation

Schools, libraries, and the parks and recreation facilities contribute to the quality of life experienced by area residents, as well as the draw of an area for economic development and investment. Tucked in between Tunica, Mississippi and Memphis, Tennessee, you will find a treasure chest of libraries, recreational facilities and outdoor recreation perfect for any sporting event.

Parks

There is Snowden Grove Park in Southaven, the nation's largest youth baseball complex, plus Greenbrook Park with eight softball fields. There is indoor batting practice at BankPlusSports Center. Olive Branch is home to five soccer fields, plus baseball and softball facilities. An additional nine baseball fields, several soccer fields and a skateboard park can be found in Horn Lake at Latimer Lakes Park. 

Hernando offers an additional nine playing fields, an equestrian arena and a roller hockey rink. In addition, you will find numerous theaters, roller skating rinks and bowling alleys throughout the county.

LANDERS Center

The LANDERS Center plays host to pro arena sports in season and is an outstanding venue for a variety of competitive events, expos and conventions.

Golf

Add 72 holes of championship golf spread across four stunning courses and DeSoto County is hard to beat. Download a copy of our Sports Facility and Outdoor Guide.

Greenways

DeSoto County Greenways features scenic pathways, green space and trails.

Delta Bluffs Scenic Byway

The Delta Bluffs Scenic Byway is a network of scenic routes that showcase what North Mississippi has to offer. From the Mississippi delta to the bluffs overlooking it, and from rolling farmlands to historic town centers, Desoto County offers a unique variety of scenic vistas, recreation and historic sites to be enjoyed by residents and visitors.

Contact

Contact Greenways and Parks at 662-489-9708 about specific greenways, bike trails or walking trails around the I-269 corridor.

City Recreation Departments