By: Madison Mabry

In the center of Phelps Grove lies an area where families come together for afternoon fun, students come to study and others come to enjoy peace in nature. Phelps Grove Park is what brings individuals from all over Springfield to the area. 

This park is where it all began for the neighborhood of Phelps Grove. An article from the Springfield Newsleader shares that the Springfield Park Commission acquired the land in 1914. The land was previously farmed by John and Mary Phelps, one of Springfield’s founding families according to Visit Springfield. By the time the Park Commission became owners of it, the land had been partially developed with paved drives, rustic stone bridges and artistic entryways, some of which remain today.

The area contained numerous flowering shrubs and bushes all surrounding a spring stream. In 1914, according to the Springfield Newsleader, the Park Commission spent $5,000 to clear out walkways, add seating and benches throughout the park, install drinking fountains and build a pavilion to protect visitors from the rain. 

At the time of construction, Phelps Grove Park was to be an area of nature, not amusement. There were to be “no merry-go-rounds, shoot the shoots, paid amusements, nor any pop and peanut stand,” according to the Springfield Newsleader. “Phelps Grove Park is to be an ornament, a thing of beauty, a restful breathing place, noted for its trees, its flowers, and its beauty.” 

While the park has further developed and now contains a playground and more amusement-type options for visitors, the area remains a place of nature where one can escape the busyness of Springfield and enjoy the trees and hear the birds sing. 

Over the years, Phelps Grove Park has hosted various events ranging from church services and family picnics to rock concerts. At the beginning, a shuttle bus was used to transport people to and from Springfield as the park was located just outside of the original city limits and people wanted to visit it according to the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. 

Phelps Grove Park was also home to the first zoo in the area. The zoo included buffalo, deer and alligators. Outlines of the former zoo enclosures are found today in the grass northwest of the historic pavilion. In 1923, the zoo moved to the present location of Dickerson Park Zoo. 

Today, Phelps Grove Park attracts individuals in the Springfield area with added amenities. Throughout the park, one can find a baseball and softball diamond, drinking fountains, gardens, grills for afternoon barbeques, horseshoes for family entertainment, park benches, parking, a physical fitness course, playground, restrooms, tennis courts, and a 7/10 mile walking trail.

Although the park is now surrounded by streets, the area filled with history has always and will continue to bring people together and allow them to enjoy their time spent in nature.