Parr Hill Park
Where can you go to cool off in Joplin (besides the pools)?
Grab a towel and head on over to Parr Hill Park, located at 18th Street and Kansas Avenue.
The last park to reopen after the 2011 tornado, Parr Hill is a large park that offers many amenities, including a brand new splash pad.
Kids of all ages can run through the water jets shooting up from the ground or out of the giant frog’s mouth, or stand underneath a water shower.
If the jets aren’t running, be sure to activate them by placing your hand on the circular sensor on ground on the north side of the splash pad.
Resist the urge to place your hand inside of the hand shape (ehem, like I did) – it will do nothing but make you look like you are trying to become one with the asphalt.
When you’ve had enough of playing in the water, dry off in the restrooms located next to the splash pad and then head to one of the three playground areas.
Check out that soft, spongy landing area underneath the equipment. No broken bones here, right?
Next to the southeast playground area is Joplin’s only dog park, which is a great idea but requires a bit of planning in order to utilize it.
Dog owners must bring all veterinarian records to the Joplin Parks and Recreation office and pay a fee for their dog to gain admission to the park. The fee covers the cost of the magnetic gate card that owners receive (which allows access into the fenced Mars Pet Care dog park area), plus a tag that is attached to the pet’s collar to show that all shots are up to date. Once the paperwork is complete, dogs and their people can enjoy the drinking fountains and play areas inside of the dog park.
Just northeast of the dog park is an area landscaped with rocks and water; a fun place to explore, for sure. There’s a water pump there, and we saw a family sit down next to it and start filling up water balloons. What a great idea!
Parr Hill Park definitely offers something for every person – and every dog.
Parr Hill Park is located at 18th Street and Kansas Avenue. Click here for more information.
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Living Life to The Fullest!
I love seeking out new experiences and finding places off the beaten path. I started Joplin MO Life in August 2013 as a way to share my discoveries with others in the Joplin community so that they can learn about the resources that exist right in their own backyards.I have worked in education and event planning, and have always loved to write. I hold a master's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a bachelor's degree in marketing from Tulane University.
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Is there a fee to play in the splash pad?
Nope! It’s a fun, free way to cool off when the pools are closed.
Is it open now
I don’t know. Joplin Parks and Recreation is in charge of it so you’ll need to contact that office to find out for sure. I hope it is; today would be a perfect day to play in it!
The dog park is wonderful. Thor looks forward to going 3 to 4 times a week. He loves to make new dog friends but also loves running around by himself and playing with his ball.
I am in town for 5 days with my 2 dogs. I would have liked to take them to the dog park, but since you have to register and pay a fee I will not be able to. I am from Florida and have never encountered this anywhere. You should reconsider this policy especially during the winter months when there are no children in the splash park. Any dog owner caring enough to want to take their pets to the park is probably conscientious enough to have had all their shots up to date. December 5, 2015
I understand your frustration about not being able to walk your dogs in the park, and I think it is a good idea for the city of Joplin to receive your feedback. I am a freelancer who wrote an article about the park and do not work for the city’s park department, but I will forward your comment to that department. You can also send a Facebook message directly to that department by clicking on this link: https://www.facebook.com/joplin.parksandrecreation/?fref=ts. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Joplin.
Are the splash pads on year round? And are there tables where I could have a birthday party?
I just spoke with the City’s Recreation department and was told that the splash pad is turned on when the pools open, but there was some uncertainty as to when exactly it is turned off for the season. From personal experience, I know that the splash pad was operating past the city’s pool season for the last couple of years; we sought relief from it on many a late summer day when the pools were already closed. As far as birthday parties, there are several pavilions at Parr Hill that make great shaded spots for events. To reserve one, call the Recreation Department at 417-625-4750.
How do I reserve a pavilion at Parr Hill for a birthday party? Does it cost?
The park is a great place to have a party! The City of Joplin’s Parks and Recreation department handles reservations at the parks; you can contact them for more info.
Is the splash pad still open this season?
I’m not sure. The City of Joplin’s Parks and Recreation Department would have that information.