Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Gardens--Springfield, Missouri

The Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Gardens is a hidden gem in the middle of Springfield, Missouri. A few years ago, I heard about a Cherry Blossom and Japanese Kite Festival at the gardens and was astounded that I never knew of the place before.  The gardens, part of the Springfield Botanical Gardens and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, is a 7 1/2 acre stroll garden that is open from April 1 through October 31 every year.  The grounds include a large koi lake, a meditation garden, a traditional tea house, Japanese landscaping, a moon bridge, and beautiful cherry trees. 
 
The Cherry Blossom and Japanese Kite Festival, held in April of each year, is amazing! They also have a festival in September of each year. The festivals typically include traditional Japanese food, Kabuki dancing and drama, activities for children including making their own kites, and much more. We spent the day learning about Japanese culture while strolling through the gardens. If you are looking for a relaxing and beautiful location to visit, this is one of the best. The grounds are very well maintained.

Cunningham Park and Butterfly Memorial Garden, Joplin

Many amazing things have happened in the Joplin rebuilding process. One of those is the restoration of Cunningham Park. The park was at the epicenter of the EF5 tornado that devastated Joplin in 2011. Since that time, sections of the park have each been recovered at different times. First, Extreme Makeover Home Edition developed the Boomtown play structure. 

Then, the volunteer appreciation garden was built. I have been impressed with every stage and the obvious love and care poured in to the development.  

I was especially impressed this week when we visited the new butterfly memorial garden.  It was designed with the frames of three homes that were destroyed as the basis for the garden.

The frames have beautiful fountains, an overlook, inspirational quotes, memorial information, and relaxation spots all surrounded by butterfly gardens. Benches are strewn about that provide different vantage points of the park and the surrounding area. One bench contains a water-proof pocket with a journal that visitors are encouraged to record their thoughts in. I strongly encourage people to check out the park and the memorial gardens. Alex enjoyed it as much as I did!

 

In addition to the park and memorial gardens, there is an aquatics park, picnic pavilions, more play areas, and a very nice basketball/soccer area. For more information on Joplin's parks, check out the Park and Recreation page.