The Future of Smith County: How Strategic Investments Are Shaping Our Growth

Progress in Smith County, Kansas might not come with skyscrapers or traffic jams, but it’s happening in ways that matter most. From revitalizing vacant buildings to creating wellness spaces and improving infrastructure, the community is making strategic, people-centered investments. Whether it’s housing for the workforce, outdoor fitness for all ages, or stronger roads and faster internet, these efforts reflect a shared commitment to building a healthier, more connected future.

Two of the county’s latest projects, the redevelopment of the old hospital into workforce housing and the launch of a new outdoor Fitness Court Studio, are proof that rural innovation is alive and thriving.

Reimagining the Old Hospital: A Blueprint for Rural Housing Investments

In 2023, the City of Smith Center and Smith County formed a joint committee to decide the future of the vacant hospital and long-term care buildings. With input from engineers, economic development experts, and community voices, the Old Hospital Committee evaluated several creative options: artist studios, commercial space, green space, and mixed-use development.

Once the buildings were deemed structurally sound, attention turned to local needs. One stood out: rental housing.

Employers across the region consistently voiced a critical need for quality workforce housing. With the property adjacent to the county childcare center and wellness center, the opportunity was clear: redevelop the site into affordable housing that gives working families easy access to key services.

In the fall of 2023, Smith Center Economic Development began working with Shane Lamb of Rural ReDevelopment Group (RRG) to explore feasibility. A year later, in December 2024, Smith County signed a letter of intent with RRG and committed to raising $650,000 in local funds to match state housing program dollars.

Thanks to early commitments from the Dane G. Hansen Foundation, Smith County, and Smith Center Economic Development, this housing project is poised to not only transform a long-vacant property but also meet one of our most pressing community needs: providing safe, accessible homes for our current and future workforce.

Wellness Investments That Work: Launching the Fitness Court Studio

Just as Smith County is investing in places to live, it's also investing in places to thrive by starting with a bold step toward community-wide wellness. On July 10, 2025, Smith County Memorial Hospital (SCMH), in collaboration with the National Fitness Campaign, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, the Kansas Health Foundation, and the Smith County Drug and Alcohol Council, celebrated the grand opening of a new Fitness Court® Studio on the SCMH campus.

Located at 921 E. Highway 36 in Smith Center, this free outdoor wellness space is designed for individuals aged 14 and up and supports users at every fitness level.

This project was born out of SCMH's Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified obesity, substance abuse, and chronic disease as top health concerns in Smith County. The Fitness Court Studio directly addresses these challenges by offering a no-cost, accessible space for movement, stress relief, and community connection.

Key Goals & Health Impact:

* Prevention: Encouraging regular, barrier-free physical activity.

* Substance Abuse Prevention: Offering positive, structured outlets for youth.

* Chronic Disease Management: Supporting lifelong health through inclusive fitness opportunities.

The grand opening featured movement classes led by SCMH fitness ambassadors, community challenges with high school athletes, and a custom prairie-themed art wall unveiling symbolizing both local pride and forward momentum.

But this is just the beginning. The Fitness Court Studio is phase one of a larger Community Wellness Hub, which will include looping trails, educational pollinator gardens, public art, and gathering spaces. It’s a bold, community-first vision that reflects Smith County’s belief that rural towns deserve world-class wellness spaces.

Laying the Groundwork for Future Growth

In addition to housing and wellness, Smith County is investing in foundational infrastructure to support long-term growth. The K-204 Straight Project is a major road and utility upgrade where the city is addressing sewer and water systems while also improving roadways, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks. With a $3.3 million investment from the Kansas Department of Transportation, this project ensures smarter, more efficient infrastructure planning.

Meanwhile, downtown Smith Center is getting a connectivity boost with new fiber internet and a Verizon 5G tower, enhancing access and reliability for businesses, residents, and remote workers alike.

Innovation That Feels Like Home

The housing redevelopment and wellness investments aren’t just construction projects. They’re a commitment to Smith County’s future. By aligning resources with community needs and building partnerships across public and private sectors, Smith County is showing that rural places can lead the way in innovation, well-being, and growth.

This is what modern rural investment looks like: thoughtful, inclusive, and built to last.