Founders Park

Design & Features


The design theme of the park resembles local historic Phenix Quarry, near Willard, Missouri, a stone quarry that used steam operated saws to cut large blocks of limestone for shipment throughout the country. The Great Seal of the State of Missouri was carved on site at Phenix Quarry. There are 5 major areas within the park's boundaries:
  • A 250-seat amphitheater with a 18 by 30-foot stage, wired for sound and light equipment
  • A re-creation of the original spring used by our founders near the site of the park
  • An upland woods area depicting the natural hardwood forest which once existed on the site including a 10 by 120-foot historical mural covering the first 100 years of Springfield's citizens, buildings and local historical events
  • A historical timeline that describes the growth of Springfield during the first 100 years and how national and international events played a part in the city's development
  • An area for native prairie grasses which existed on the nearby Kickapoo Prairie

Reservations


Download the reservation application (PDF).

Location


Founders Park is located on a 0.7-acre site at the corner of Jefferson Avenue and Water Street at 330 E Water Street. In 1829, Springfield founding father John Polk Campbell staked his claim to homestead what soon became Springfield by marking trees near a spring in this area. The site has previously served as the location for a stone quarry, a blacksmith shop, the Herman-Sanford Horse Collar Factory, the Silsby Stove and Hardware Company, a lumberyard, and a railroad right of way.

Founders Park Concert Series


The Downtown Springfield Community Improvement District and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board partner to present this free concert series, sponsored by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. The shows take place every Wednesday, May 10-June 28, 12:15-12:45 p.m., weather permitting. Concert goers are encouraged to bring their lunch and enjoy the show from the park’s outdoor amphitheater.