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Welcome to Simpson Memorial Park in Chillicothe, Missouri |
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 Perhaps one of the city's oldest
landmarks, and the best known of the city's recreation facilities, Simpson Park sports the
ambiance of a beautiful, old-style park setting. Trees dating back 200 years frame the
splendor that entices travelers to a bit of respite along U.S. Highway 65
(Washington Street). In 2006, the facility celebrates its 80th anniversary
after the ground was donated by Dr. Arthur J. Simpson in 1926. A picturesque walking path offers the serenity of a
quiet walk on
Since the initial ground was dedicated in 1926, there have been five additions to create a nearly 36-acre facility. The trees and green space are shared by three playgrounds, a lighted softball field, a lighted permanent croquet court, two lighted tennis courts, and a sand volleyball court, as well as the four pavilions / shelters.
On July 4th, a large celebration is held in Simpson Park when friends and family gather at the Freedom Festival and enjoy fireworks by dusk. This event has continued to grow year after year. Simpson Park also hosts many family reunions
and special company events through the spring, summer, and fall. One of the most popular
events is the annual Chautauqua in the Park, sponsored
In 2000, the park began hosting the Annual Chillicothe Car Show. Started in 2005, through the tireless efforts of Audry Svec and other volunteers, the Festival of Lights became a reality in Simpson Park. The holiday lighting features many displays as well as lighting throughout many of the trees in the facility. The park is a wonderful setting for the show with its lovely shade trees and plenty of room for visitors to stroll, sit on their blankets, and visit with the other car show enthusiasts. Many events are slated in Simpson Park for this year, including:
The park is also home to the Chillicothe Croquet Club, which holds several tournaments during the summer, Church League Slow Pitch Softball, and several 5K and 10K runs, co-sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department and the Grand River Area Family YMCA. Our Park staff makes improvements to Simpson Park each year. In response to a city-wide survey conducted by the Parks Department asking citizens what improvements they wanted made to our parks a new restroom facility was constructed.
This facility is anything but typical. Water
slides accommodate all levels of swimmers. Two diving boards and graduated-depth
Olympic-size Originally constructed in 1963, the facility received a facelift in 1994 that includes a zero-depth entry area and two water slides. The facility continues to draw an average of 28,000 swimmers annually. The Aquatic Center is open from 12:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and from 12:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Swimming lessons are provided for all swimming levels each summer.
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Ed Crawford, Director |
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a one-mile
trail under the shade of hundreds of trees. Simpson provides a natural rock
trail, which now includes Dogipots for the convience of our four-legged
friends in the park. We ask that all persons walking dogs to please clean up
after their pets to keep the facility clean for other walkers.
Four
pavilions / shelters (all with electricity) are available for family picnics, reunions, and
meetings. Other fair-weather festivities attract the young and old.
The
facility is the home to several events, including the American Cancer
Society Relay for Life in June, the July 4th Freedom Festival, the
Chillicothe Car Show in July, the Chautauqua in the Park in September, and
the Festival of Lights in November and December.
by the 
come from the entire region to browse the booths, sample a wide
variety of foods and be entertained by singers, dancers, and storytellers.
This show features cars, trucks, and
motorcycles with awards for all classes. Visitors enjoy Cruise Night the night before the
show and 50's and 60's music throughout the weekend.
In addition to the
fully equipped playground at Simpson Park, most of the summer activity evolves around the 
pool with
a mushroom style fountain invite swimmers to relaxing play or invigorating exercise. 
