This was a nice break with a playground (three stories!) and walking paths as we explored Joplin…read more Cunningham Park was originally known as Cunningham Grove and was donated to the city by Thomas W. Cunningham, who was the mayor of Joplin at the time. Cunningham was a significant figure in Joplin's development, contributing to various sectors such as banking, mining, and philanthropy. In 1897, Cunningham donated eight acres of land to the city for use as a public park. The deed was officially dated on July 5, 1898, and the park was dedicated in the early 1900s1. Cunningham Park became the first park in the Joplin Parks System. Over the years, the park has seen many enhancements, including the addition of a fountain, playgrounds, a swimming pool, and picnic areas. The park was also a central location for community gatherings and celebrations1. Unfortunately, the park was destroyed by an EF-5 tornado in 2011, but the community came together to rebuild it. Today, Cunningham Park stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit. We were here to walk around the park and to see The Miracle of The Human Spirit monument. [Review 2323 of 2024 - 392 in Missouri - 23337 overall]

Cunningham Park is a vast oasis of everything a city park should be. Sporting fields, trails, lots…read moreof playgrounds with nice equipment, water features, picnic and gathering facilities and a world class memorial garden. The Memorial garden is what caused me to visit and pay respect to those 161 Joplin residents that lost their lives to one of the worst tornadoes in American history. The garden consists of natural rock, sculptures, fountains, informational signage and a vast array of beautiful plants and flowers that are well maintained. The park was in the direct path of the tornado and offers great vantage points to see what was, what remains and what was rebuilt in the vicinity. My visit was during a slight rain shower with approaching storm clouds; which only added to the somber and reflective visit. A must see for anyone traveling in the vicinity of Joplin.

On the east side of Cunningham Park is the Butterfly Garden and Overlook Memorial. This beautiful,…read moresweet & moving memorial honors the victims and tells the story of the May 22, 2011 EF5 Tornado that devastated that area of Joplin Missouri. Reading the statistics and stories on the plaques in the garden brought tears to our eyes. The garden is so serene to walk through with beautiful flowers, butterflies flying around, with a waterwall of hope and benches to sit on to take in its tranquility. The BUTTERFLY GARDEN AND OVERLOOK MEMORIAL is so worth pulling off the freeway while traveling through Joplin or if in town, just taking the time to see it and pay your respects! *There are angels and they saved many that day!!

This is one of Joplin's largest parks with frisbee golf course, pavilion, playground equipment and…read morepicnic tables. Some of the picnic tables offer incredible views of Shoal Creek below.

Quiet park. Situated off mainstream areas. Great for quiet playing. Different areas provided for…read moremultiple activities.

A small but colorful tribute to the City of Joplin's place on America's most famous highway, Route…read more66. The park blends sculpture and painting to showcase the history. The park features large tiled murals and even a classic red Corvette sculpture to pose with. These murals celebrate Joplin's role along Route 66, the 'Mother Road' that carried travelers through the heart of town in the mid‑20th century. Businesses along Main Street thrived during that era, and today the murals capture that spirit with scenes of cruising cars, maps of the highway stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica, and nods to the Tri‑State mining corridor that shaped the region. It is a very brief "must see" stop when you're traveling through town. [Review 1479 of 2025 - 464 in Missouri - 25032 overall]

Pretty small You can pull into the lot next door…read moreGood photo op if traveling the route

This is a little out of the way Park. It has the typical playground stuff and is gated. It is not…read morelarge like most of the other parks we go to but it is very convenient and fun for kids who are on the younger side. I don't know how much fun it would be if they were a little older. Like most parks it does not cost anything and is very clean and well managed.

The two tennis courts have lights so you can play at night. There is a baseball field, basketball…read morecourt, and even a water park (although I'm sure they charge for the water park). Two separate covered places with grills and picnic tables for get togethers. Great park.

Decent park and play area for the kiddos…read more I was thrown a little off when there was a homeless man sleeping on the tables.

Great public pool and water park. Skate park, basketball court, picnic pavilions and 18 hole…read morepublic golf course.

A nice break for a walk on a cold day, I enjoyed Parr Hill Park which was struck by the 2011…read moretornado and rebuilt. Today, Parr Hill Park offers a wide range of features: a playground, picnic pavilion, grills, outdoor fitness equipment, restrooms, and a fountain. There's a splash pad, which was obviously drained and shut down for the season. There's even a dog park! Plenty of parking here and I had the park to myself. Parr Hill refers to the surrounding neighborhood. Unlike some parks named after notable people, this one reflects the identity of the area itself, preserving a local landmark name rather than commemorating a single person. [Review 1491 of 2025 - 474 in Missouri - 25044 overall]

Joplin is a city of parks and this one is the former location of Mercy Hospital that was rebuilt…read morealong I-44. The park was donated to the city in 2015. The park is the home of the Rotary Clubs of Joplin Sculpture Garden and we spent a bit of time walking through the park to see some of the sculptures. It was a bit too cold this afternoon to do the full tour but we saw several including Rabbit Reach, Joyful Empowerment and House Sitter. There is a lot of parking and the walkways are smooth and easy for walking or rolling. [Review 2322 of 2024 - 391 in Missouri - 23336 overall]