This park covers an area of approximately 2.4 acres, which was deeded to the City of Joplin by the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of Joplin and was developed into a park area using federal funding. On Sunday, May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado suddenly raged through the densely-populated area. It destroyed almost everything in its path for 13.8 miles in distance and up to a mile in width. The Joplin tornado, the deadliest since modern record keeping began in 1950, ranks eighth among the deadliest tornadoes in U.S. history. Parr Hill Park was in the path of this tornado and destroyed everything. Through grants and donations this park was rebuilt bigger and better than before.
