OUR MISSION
The goal of RestoreSpiva is to bring the park back to the oasis that George Spiva created about 60 years ago. The redesigned park will continue to have the miner as a focal point on a larger “stage” area. There will still be a water feature, part of which will house the nymphs. We want to have more open green space and will update the landscaping.
DONATE
We would love for you to help us repair and restore Spiva Park so it will be around for 60 more years! We have partnered with Community Foundation of the Ozarks to collect and grow our donations. To date, we have $100,000 given by the Spiva descendants. Our final goal will be determined once we have a firm design. Can you help us further beautify downtown Joplin? We really appreciate your consideration!
PARK HISTORY
Dedicated on July 7, 1966, Joplin’s only downtown park was a welcome green space and considered both an “oasis” and a “gem.” The park featured a fountain display with dancing waters, a white marble statue made in Italy depicting an early-day Joplin miner, an antique-type brick wall surrounding the property, and public restrooms in a basement section. Colored lights illuminated the reflecting pool and fountain display at night. There was also a rock collection representing the mineral ores mined from the Tri-State Mining District near the park’s entrance.
A Joplin businessman who at first declined to be publicly identified gave the $200,000 park to the city. At the time of its dedication, it was called Downtown Park or City Park. A few months later, the Joplin Park Board and the Joplin City Council formally adopted the Spiva Memorial Park name.
George A. Spiva, a civic leader and philanthropist, purchased the park property from the Joplin Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority in 1964. A three-story brick building that once housed one of Joplin’s most famous establishments – the House of Lords – had been demolished at the site as part of the controversial urban renewal program. Spiva, who had the park designed and built, donated it to the city in memory of his father, George N. Spiva (1873-1950). George N. Spiva was an explosives powder manufacturer, banker, and business leader whom the Joplin Globe called the city’s “foremost citizen.” Spiva Memorial Park remains a prominent historic site as well as a lasting tribute to one of Joplin’s greatest benefactors."
In 2022, efforts began by the Joplin Arts District and Spiva descendants, in cooperation with the Joplin Parks and Recreation Department, to restore Spiva Park to its original splendor. The renovations included the addition of a 12-foot sign created by sculptor and painter Jorge Levya. Those descendants are spearheading the fundraising for the renovation of the park.
Joplin citizens have enjoyed Spiva Park for many years and we want them to enjoy it for many more. For that to happen the park needs to be renovated. The trees have grown, the landscaping needs a facelift and the fountains need to be simplified for easier maintenance by the city.
The need
When Spiva Park was constructed in 1965, it was state-of-the-art. The main fountain cycled through seven different water patterns while multi-colored lights changed along with the changing of the patterns. There was indirect lighting throughout the park. Joplin's downtown jewel was quite a sight to behold.
But the state-of-the-art nature of the park meant complex electronic controls and valving for the fountains adding to the maintenance demands. Over the almost 50 years since the park was built, the original elements have became obsolete or deteriorated beyond repair. There is now only one uneven fountain pattern and no lighting. The restrooms were closed years ago. The masonry all around the park requires repair or replacement. The park needs a redesign and restoration to once again become the oasis of downtown.
New Design Coming soon!
OUR EVENTS
Events
