NEOSHO, Mo. — Take a walk down one of Neosho’s trails that wind alongside Hickory Creek in the expanded Morse Park, and you’re likely to run into several other walkers, both two- and four-legged.

You will see people riding bikes and families enjoying the picnic pavilions.

Look closer and tucked into the brush-lined curves of the creek, you’ll find devoted anglers, fishing for trout. Described by some as the “best- kept secret in the Midwest,” what once was a flood plain has evolved over the past 16 years into a fishing dream spot and town jewel.

Neosho retiree Ben Moore describes himself as skeptical at first about the flood plain buyout effort and “using large sums of grant money to do what I thought we locals should be doing ourselves.” He now is one of the many regular walkers along the park trails and a frequent visitor with out-of-town trout fishermen.

“We have traveled a lot in the last 10 years and have observed many small towns the size of Neosho struggle for some point of interest for tourists and hype some pretty lame excuses for highlights worth seeing,” Moore said. “We have something worth touting. Park your RV in the lot and walk across the road to a stocked trout stream. Many times we do not appreciate our own backyards.”

“I now keep a fly rod and tackle in the car,” he continued. “I am impressed with the simplicity of trout fishing.”

Listed online as a Federal Emergency Management Agency “best practice,” the Hickory Creek flood plain buyout program was started in earnest following the large-scale flooding of 1993. Using FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant funds, Neosho bought 52 residential properties. A three-eighths-cent sales tax, passed in 1997, was designated for park, recreation and storm-drainage projects.

“Flood plain buyout projects are implemented to eliminate repetitive property damage,” said Craig Jones, Neosho Community Development manager. “Neosho’s history of flooding prompted a community-based plan, which included local financial commitment. It was not the federal government dictating a solution; it was the community’s solution.

“Improvements to the park paved the way for the trout stocking program. To give some idea of the draw, the Hickory Creek Stream Team is composed of anglers that come to Neosho just to chase the trout. Some of these folks are from Kansas City and Springfield, and they made a personal commitment to preserving the resource.”

Moore said the best method of enjoying the area is to park on the south end by the helicopter and walk under the canopy of large trees on the west side. He further suggests walking slowly enough to enjoy and listen to the gurgle of the stream, and notice the many varieties of foliage.

“After a few hikes, you will know the names of several canine friends and visit with some folks who know how to get off the merry-go-round for some simple stress relief and appreciation,” Moore said.