City officials, neighborhood leaders to discuss future of Joplin's Ewert Park

(From the City of Joplin)

While Joplin Emancipation Park Days officially begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1, 2025, the public is encouraged to attend a special presentation earlier that day. At 10:30 a.m., City officials and Park Days organizers will speak about Ewert Park’s role in the community over the past 100 years and share plans for its future.

Joplin Parks Director Paul Bloomberg will provide an overview of the park renovation, highlighting its new features and how new park elements will celebrate our history. Community stakeholders and park planning leaders will also share comments about the park, reflecting on both stories of yesteryear and what these investments mean for the park’s future.

 

All are welcome to attend to view conceptual drawings and hear more about the park’s transformation for the next 100 years. This event will be held in the Ewert Park pavilion, just northwest of the parking lot.

Originally opened on July 12, 1925, Ewert Park covers about 11 acres. Paul Ewert, a U.S. attorney, purchased and donated the land to create a vibrant community park for the African American residents of East Town, Joplin. Many have enjoyed the swimming pool, playground, dance pavilion, and shelter house throughout the years. The pool was upgraded twice during this time. Today, the park’s future holds promise of revitalization as the City is renovating Ewert Park to offer upgraded and new amenities.

The refurbished Ewert Park will offer unique features and fun areas for year-round use, including a splash park for warmer months with a surrounding ice ribbon for ice skating to enjoy in the winter months. A new playground area, basketball courts, and an amphitheater are also planned, along with historical markers noting significant people and milestones related to East Town and Ewert Park.

 

The park will also incorporate a shelter for gatherings, improved signage and lighting, restrooms, parking, and landscaping.

“In developing these plans, we worked with community members to incorporate the history and significance this park has meant to so many,” said Bloomberg. “This renovation will breathe new life into a great neighborhood park while honoring the strong foundation it served for East Town residents and others in the community.”