Stream cleanup initiative continues in Joplin

(From the City of Joplin)

A stream cleanup and beautification initiative continues to sweep through Joplin.

Beginning Monday, June 22, the City of Joplin will begin a comprehensive debris and litter removal project along approximately 1.2 miles of the Joplin Creek corridor adjacent to Murphy Boulevard in Landreth Park. The city has retained a cleanup contractor, Williams Diversified Materials (WDM). The work will begin on East 4th Street and move northwest along the corridor to North Main Street until complete. Previous work was completed in 2017 south of 7th Street, and a section of 4th and Murphy was completed in Fall 2025 with the assistance of Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway teams. 

The initiative is one of a series of beautification efforts; this one is designed to improve the health, appearance, and environmental quality of the stream while creating a cleaner and more attractive space for the community. This project will focus on the removal of trash and discarded debris lodged in brush, undergrowth, wooded areas, and tree lines along the creek banks. Joplin Creek is also one of the numerous creeks and branches that serve as stormwater channels and flow across Joplin through both commercial and residential areas. Because the creek cleanup is such a significant effort, the City partnered with WDM for the project, which will make routine, future cleanup efforts more manageable.

“This is a substantial brush and debris removal and stormwater improvement for Joplin Creek, which flows through the heart of the city and multiple parks,” said Assistant City Manager Tony Robyn. “Clean streams impact both the health and appearance of our community. We’re looking forward to seeing the outcome of this effort and other areas under consideration.” 

Although this cleanup does not directly affect city streets, motorists are asked to remain alert and exercise caution when traveling through the area. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed, watch for contractor vehicles and equipment working in the area as they enter and exit roads near the creek, and obey any temporary traffic control signs or directions from project personnel.

The clean-up is anticipated to take approximately 30 calendar days, depending on site conditions and weather. For more information, contact Parks and Recreation at 417-624-0820 ext. 1515.