Named for John Smith Phelps, Missouri Congressman, 23rd Governor of Missouri and Springfield founding father, Phelps Grove includes 31 acres of the original 1,000-acre Phelps family homestead. Creation of Phelps Grove was one of the first projects undertaken by the Springfield (now Springfield-Greene County) Park Board after its formation in 1913. Known for its mature trees, walking loop and playground, Phelps Grove is beloved by kids, students, neighbors and Springfield residents of all ages. The park also includes tennis courts, a rose garden, Victim's Memorial Garden, stone barbecue pits and large stone pavilion, built in 1916 and designed by Archibald Torbitt, by the same architect which designed the Greene County Courthouse. Fassnight Creek borders Phelps Grove on the south, with the stream channel and picturesque stone bridges built by the WPA. Historic Markers honoring John Phelps and his wife, Mary Whitney Phelps, are located near the corner of Brookside Drive and Virginia Ave. To rent the pavilion, call the Park Board office at 417-864-1049
For information about the neighborhood association, visit http://www.phelpsneighborhood.org/phelpsgrovepark.htm
