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Parks & Recreation

Show All Answers

1. How many parks does Joplin have?

Joplin has 23 parks throughout the city. If you have questions about park locations in your area, call the Joplin Parks and Recreation Department at 417-625-4750 or visit http://www.joplinmo.org/448/List-of-Parks-Amenities.

2. What are the park hours for city parks?

City parks are open from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm.

3. How do I reserve a picnic shelter?

Joplin Parks and Recreation has over 20 park shelters available to reserve. If a shelter is not reserved, they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Shelters are available to rent for $40/day. The fee is required on the date the reservation is made. Reservations may be made over the phone if paid by credit or debit card. To check availability and/or to reserve a shelter, visit the Department’s administrative office at 3301 W. 1^st Street, Joplin, or call 417-625-4750.

To view a list of parks and search by amenities, please visit http://www.joplinmo.org/Facilities. 

4. When are restrooms and water fountains closed and open for the season?

Most non-heated park restrooms and drinking fountains are closed mid-October through mid-April. October marks the time when many parks and outdoor facilities are used less. Parks maintenance staff begin to close and winterize the restrooms in mid-October, depending on long-range forecasts and staff availability. 

What does winterizing mean?

Many park restrooms, pools, and concession stands are not heated. If it gets below freezing, they run the risk of water lines and valves breaking, causing several thousand dollars worth of damage. Before the temperatures start to freeze, these facilities are closed and winterized by draining the water from all vulnerable lines. 

When do facilities close? 

Typically, the goal is to have all non-heated facilities closed by the end of October. This date is a fairly standard closing date for many cities in Missouri. They are re-opened by mid-April. 

When it warms up, why don’t you unlock the restrooms? 

There are times when Missouri temperatures are unseasonably warm in the winter months and people flock to the parks to enjoy the warm weather. With this, we get a lot of questions about why we do not unlock the restrooms on warm days. It is because it is not as simple as turning the water back on for the day. In addition to draining the lines, other maintenance must occur to safely prepare the restrooms to endure the cold weather temperatures. This takes several hours per restroom to do. It is not cost-efficient (or feasible) to close and reopen restrooms multiple times throughout the winter along with the added risk of refreezing if staff cannot get them in time.

5. Where can I find out about youth sports leagues?

Joplin Parks and Recreation offers several youth sports programs throughout the year. Please call 417-625-4750 for information or view and register for programs online.

6. How do I find rainout Information about softball and baseball leagues?

Cancellations for Parks and Recreation programs will be posted on the Department’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/joplinparksandrecreation and players/parents will be notified by the Department. For non-Parks and Recreation programs, cancellations will be handled by the organization that has rented the field and/or sponsored the tournament. 

7. What do I do if I lose or find an item in a park or athletic field?

Contact the Parks and Recreation Office at 417-625-4750. Found items can be turned in at the Parks and Recreation office at 3301 W. 1^st Street.

8. Are dogs allowed in the ballparks and soccer fields?

Animals are not allowed in sports complexes and stadiums, except for service dogs.

9. How do I learn about recreation activities?

View and register for programs online or by calling 417-625-4750.  

10. How do I register for a program or activity?

Online: You can register online for most programs and activities. The Parks and Recreation program registration system is a simple, secure, and convenient program which allows you to locate recreational activities and register anytime or anywhere with internet access (cell or computer).

Walk-In: Our administrative office is located at the Joplin Athletic Complex at 3301 W. 1^st Street. 

• Office Hours:
  • 1^st Monday in October until last week in February
    • Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • 1^st Monday in March until last week in September
    • Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 7:00 pm

 Phone: 417-625-4750. Phone-in registration will be accepted with your MasterCard and Visa debit/credit cards. 

11. How do I learn about local swimming pools?

For information regarding locations, fees, and hours of public swimming pools, or to inquire about classes, call the Joplin Parks and Recreation Department at 417-625-4750 or visit http://www.joplinmo.org/788/Aquatics.

12. Where do I purchase a pool membership?

Pool memberships are available to purchase at the Joplin Parks and Recreation office at 3301 W. 1st Street. Passes may also be purchased over the phone at 417-625-4750. Those purchased via phone will need to stop by the Joplin Parks and Recreation Office during regular business hours to have their photo(s) taken and to pick up their passes. 

For more information about pool memberships, please visit this link: http://www.joplinmo.org/958/Season-Passes.

13. Are their regulations for local swimming pools and spas?

Joplin Health Department monitors the water quality and safety through routine sampling. For more information call 417-623-6122.

14. How do I register for the dog park?

The Dog Park is a fenced facility for dogs to go off-leash to run, play, socialize, and exercise. There are separate areas for small and large dogs. The park features concrete pathways, a pavilion, benches, agility, and play equipment for the dogs. The park is open from 7:00am to 11:00pm. All members will receive a key code to gain entrance. The park is located in Parr Hill Park at 18th & Kansas.
 
An annual membership fee to the park helps provide necessary revenue for ongoing expenses to the Dog Park. 

Registration Information:

• Register animal in the city you reside (i.e. for Joplin, please visit the Finance Department on the 3^rd floor of City Hall)
• Visit the Joplin Parks and Recreation office at 3301 W. 1^st Street and bring:
  • License showing the animal is registered
  • Copy of vaccination records from a licensed veterinarian
  • Paperwork showing the dog is spayed or neutered. 

For more information, visit http://www.joplinmo.org/843/Dog-Park-Information.

15. Where can I learn more about the City golf course?

Schifferdecker Golf Course is owned and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department. For information about hours of operation, green fees, or season passes, please call Schifferdecker Golf Course at 417-624-3533 or visit joplingolf.org.

16. Are golf lessons offered?

Schifferdecker Golf Course provides golf lessons for children and adults. For information, please call Schifferdecker Golf Course at 417-624-3533.

17. Do the golf course hours vary in the winter months?

Yes, inclement weather affects whether the golf course is open and their hours. Please call Schifferdecker Golf Course at 417-624-3533 for daily hours of operation.

18. Where can I learn about local bicycle laws?

Bicycle riders are subject to the same applicable traffic laws that pertain to vehicle drivers. For more information on bicycle laws and bicycle safety, contact the Joplin Police Department at 417-623-3131.

19. What are city regulations in regards to fireworks?

For information concerning the sale and discharge of fireworks within City limits, please contact the Joplin Fire Department’s Fire Marshal at 417-624-0820, ext. 1307.

20. Is there information on nature and trails in the area?

Several area organizations are involved in nature education and trails in the area. 

• Wildcat Glades 
  • 301 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin, MO
  • 417-708-7713
• Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center
  • 201 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin, MO
  • 417-629-3434
• Joplin Trails Coalition
• Joplin Parks & Recreation 
  • 417-625-4750

21. Where can I get a fishing license?

State fishing and hunting licenses may be obtained at Walmart, Missouri Department of Conservation’s Shoal Creek Conservation and Education Center, and most local bait shops.

22. How can I find information about local forestry services?

• For information on the following, please contact a Code Enforcement Officer at 417-624-0820 ext. 1518:
  • Permission to plant trees or shrubs in the street right-of-way (parking area), drainage ways or park areas;
  • Dead or hazardous tree removal in the street or park areas;
  • Permission to remove trees near public streets;
  • Dead or hazardous trees on private property (the city can enforce tree removal or pruning for unsafe conditions); 
  • Tree limbs encroaching on private property and not dangerous must be resolved between property owners.
• To make policy suggestions to the City’s Tree Advisory Board, please call the Joplin Parks and Recreation Department at 417-625-4750.

23. How do I find out more about park buildings and grounds maintenance?

Please call the Joplin Parks and Recreation Department at 417-627-8879.

24. Can I use a metal detector in a park?

Yes, with some restrictions. Those interested in metal detecting must obtain a metal detecting excavation permit. Permits may be issued under the approval of the Parks and Recreation Director. Permits are limited to a calendar year (i.e. a permit issued in March would expire on December 31). The use of metal detectors is limited to certain parks. Exceptions are allowed in restricted areas to find a specific lost item or to assist with official investigations. 

For full guidelines and to fill out a Metal Detecting Excavation Permit, please visit the Joplin Parks and Recreation office at 3301 W. 1^st Street, Joplin.

25. What does the City do with old playground equipment?

The playground equipment removed from city parks no longer meets safety requirements and cannot be resold.