Garvin Park

Today I took the kids to Garvin Park.

Ever heard of it?

Most likely not, as there’s no sign in front of it. I even had to search the Joplin, MO official website in order to find out the name of it.

You’ve probably seen it, though. It’s tucked away behind the McDonald’s on Main Street. There have been many times that I’ve been waiting in line at the drive-through, glanced over at the park, and thought, We should take our McDonald’s food to the park for a picnic.

But we’re usually in the drive-through because we’re dashing off to an extracurricular activity that leaves no time for picnics.

Until today.

As we were in line at McDonald’s, I glanced at the park and my gaze settled on a curious orange structure.

I had to see what it was.

“Kids, we’re going to that park,” I announced.

Garvin Park is located at 28th and Virginia, but getting there from the McDonald’s parking lot was a bit tricky as there’s a dead-end street just behind the restaurant and you have to kind of make a U-shape as you come around from the east side.

When we got there we ate lunch at the tables in the shelter, enjoying the cool shade.  Then my kids enjoyed exploring the equipment, climbing up walls and ladders and sliding down the various slides. While the swings were a bit scorching from the midday summer sun, my kids were able to cool off after hand pumping water from a well.

We then strolled around the rose-filled garden which was created in memory of the Garvin family (hence, the name of the park).  In the middle of the garden, we raised our eyes to enjoy the several painted metal flowers that towered above us.

Exhausted and thirsty, the kids wetted their whistles at the water fountain – the curious orange structure that I spied from the drive-through. The fountain is actually inside the lion’s open mouth.

How fun is that?

Before too long, the heat became unbearable and we packed up to leave. Everyone had fun, though, and we will definitely keep Garvin Park on our rotation.

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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.