There’s a large fountain in the center of the pond to aerate it and maintain the water quality. Mercy Park’s pond supports its share of wildlife, as well, including plankton, algae, fish (such as common minnows and shiners), crayfish, frogs, and the occasional Northern water snake. But did you know that this type of landscape once covered much of Western Missouri, too? Walking among the tall grasses and flowers always reminds me of the prairie lands of my home state of Illinois. Oak, hickory, and Eastern redbud are some of the 30 varieties of deciduous trees that, along with four types of evergreens, six types of grasses, and 22 species of prairie flowers (like wild bergamot and purple coneflower), are beginning to fill the once barren space. The land is quickly becoming lush, thanks to the conscientious effort to plant and seed the area back in 2016. But the intentional design of the park, coupled with its unique features, has made Mercy Park one of my favorite outdoor spots in Joplin.Īccessible walking trails lead visitors around a green space, a pond, a meadow,Īnd up to Mercy Chapel and Gardens for a sweeping view of the entire space. Being located in the post-tornado zone, it was hard to imagine this area, once covered in mounds of debris, transforming into a green space. When it opened in 2016, I honestly didn’t know what to think of Mercy Park. However, all you have to do is walk across 26th Street (there’s a designated pedestrian crossing) to reach Cunningham Park, where you can find several types of activity stations. There’s no playground equipment or sports facilities here. Mercy Park is a passive park, offering visitors a nature-filled space for rest and reflection. Mercy Chapel sits at the highest point in the park. John’s Hospital, which was destroyed in a tornado in 2011, the land here was donated to the city by the hospital to be used as a green space. Yet, I’m actually within the city – at Joplin’s Mercy Park. Immersed in this serene environment, I feel peaceful, refreshed – and miles away from civilization. A gentle breeze rustles the tall prairie grass in the nearby meadow, and helps carry an elegant monarch butterfly on its migratory journey. I step on the boardwalk and hear a plunk as a startled frog heads to the water for safety.
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