Phelps Grove Park

A Historic Haven in the Heart of Springfield

Tucked away on Bennett Street, Phelps Grove Park has been Springfield's tranquil retreat since 1914, making it one of the first green spaces acquired by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. This 30-acre park preserves the legacy of John S. and Mary Whitney Phelps - one of Springfield's founding families - whose original homestead encompassed both the park and surrounding neighborhood.

One of the first things you'll notice here are the towering mature trees that blanket the park in dappled shade, creating that perfect escape from Missouri's summer heat. Fassnight Creek meanders through the grounds, showcasing beautiful stone lining added during the 1930s by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) - a little piece of Depression-era history right in your backyard.

What You'll Find Here

Need to stretch your legs? The park features a 0.7-mile paved walking and fitness trail that loops around the grounds. While you might encounter a few cracks along the way (nothing major), the path remains a favorite for morning joggers and afternoon strollers alike. If you're looking to add some strength training to your cardio, you'll find fitness stations with pull-up bars, dip bars, and sit-up racks scattered throughout the trail.

History buffs will appreciate the park's preserved features from its early days - a charming fieldstone pavilion with historic fireplaces (though they're mostly for show these days), picturesque bridges, and the original entry gates on Dollison Avenue that have welcomed visitors for generations.

Interestingly, the park once housed zoo animals before they moved to their permanent home at Dickerson Park Zoo in 1923. There was also once a man-made lake where the Springfield Art Museum now stands just across the street - worth popping over if you're in the mood for some culture after your park visit.

Recreation for Everyone

If you've got kids in tow, there are multiple playgrounds with all the classics: slides, swings, and jungle gyms. There's even a unique musical play area where little ones can bang on xylophones and drums (parents, you've been warned!). During warmer months, children 6 and under can splash around in the McGee-McGregor Wading Pool - great for those sticky summer days.

Sports enthusiasts haven't been forgotten. The Perry Tennis Courts offer a place to practice your serve, while a baseball field awaits pickup games. Feeling nostalgic? Try your hand at the horseshoe pits, a nod to simpler times that still draws dedicated players.

The park also houses two special gardens: the thoughtful Victims' Memorial Garden and the eco-friendly WaterWise Garden located in the southeastern corner next to South National Avenue.

A Place to Gather

Planning a family reunion or birthday celebration? The park's spacious pavilion with roughly 20 picnic tables can be reserved for group events, keeping everyone comfortable rain or shine. Around the grounds, you'll discover numerous picnic tables - some basking in the sun, others nestled under shade trees - alongside stone grills ready for your cookout creations.

With its central location in one of Springfield's most charming historic neighborhoods, getting here is a breeze. Handicap parking (6 spaces) ensures accessibility for all, and there's plenty of regular parking for everyone else.

All year long, this verdant space transforms into Springfield's community living room, hosting concerts, events, and countless impromptu gatherings.

Natural Charm

The park's resident squirrels have clearly grown accustomed to human neighbors - they're notably friendly and you'll likely spot them during your visit. The diverse collection of towering trees creates an almost forest-like atmosphere that makes you forget you're in the middle of a city.

Dog owners, bring your four-legged friends! The park welcomes well-behaved dogs on leashes, with convenient waste disposal stations throughout. No matter if you're seeking sun-drenched lawns for a summer picnic or shaded benches for reading on a hot day, Phelps Grove Park offers that perfect middle ground between wilderness and urban convenience.