Municipal Park – Carthage

Municipal Park is located at 521 Robert Ellis Young Drive and is the biggest park in Carthage. Federal Work Project, also known as depression-era WPA funding, developed the property in the 1930s. The Carthage Municipal Pool, the pool house made from native Carthage Stone, several shelters, and the entry stones and walls off Route 66 showcase the historic elegance of traveling the Mother Road.

Named after an umpire Carl Lewton, Carl Lewton Stadium, also known as Rock Stadium. The Rock Stadium was also part of the Federal Work project and was built as an outdoor amphitheater with WPA funds in 1937-1938 and converted to a ballpark by 1942. Fieldstone rocks form the stadium’s outer structure for a sturdy build, matching some of the shelter pillars in the park and the wall surrounding the Golf Course. The famous Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri KOM League played here for seven seasons after World War II. Future All-Star players Mickey Mantle and Stan Musial played in their youth. The stands have chairs built into original to the structure. The chairs display the players’ names, such as Mantle’s and Musial’s that use to play in the stadium from back in the 1930s.

Kiwanis Kiddieland, on 2000 Oak Street, is just south of the east entrance of Municipal Park. It is the part of the park that Bill Barksdale ran with the Kiwanis Club. The mini-amusement park has rides suited for little kids looking for a bit of thrill for only fifty cents per ride. Built in 1948, Kiddieland includes vintage rides that allow parents to join their kids if needed. The train is a feature of the mini-amusement park that gets a lot of attention with the quarter-mile oval track, and there are five additional rides and an old-fashioned, hand-painted carousel the kids can enjoy. The regular operating hours are weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day, except in severe weather.

In August 2023, Carthage, MO, proudly unveiled a vibrant new inclusive playground at Municipal Park, designed to reflect the spirit and character of the community. This thoughtfully crafted play space features iconic imagery inspired by local businesses and landmarks along historic Route 66. Highlights include a towering Denali structure, an engaging multi-level play area with winding tunnel slides, and the innovative Temple Trolley—a double-track, multi-sensory carriage that allows children of all abilities to glide, swing, and spin simultaneously. This exciting addition provides a welcoming and accessible place for all families to play, explore, and connect.

The park holds the Jasper County Fairgrounds and a beautifully maintained 18-Hole Carthage Golf Course on Route 66 are just up the hill. The Carthage Municipal Pool is operated by the Fair Acres Family YMCA. The pool season runs Memorial Day through Labor Day. The pool hours: Monday through Saturday noon to 6 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 6.m. Hours may vary due to weather. There is no charge for Fair Acres YMCA Members. Public rates: 3 and under are free; ages 4 and up are $4. Private party rental rates start at $250 for any evening from 6 pm to 8 pm. Call the YMCA at 417-237-0225 to book a private party at Carthage Municipal Pool.

The Carthage Saddle Club manages the Saddle Club Arena on the south end of the park. During the summer months, large rodeos will come and use the arena, which draws in a large crowd for the park. Carthage Stampede is a famous rodeo that comes here annually. Animal Clinics train area youth at the arena before the County Fair each year.

Hallam Field sits in front of the Saddle Club Arena. A small utility field is used for adult softball and as a practice field for both youth baseball and softball. Plans are in the works for additional development of the small area.

Hallam Playground equipment is next to the field with swings, a slide, merry-go-round, and a small zip line for the kids to play on.

The University of Missouri Extension Center owns the green Exhibit Building near the Fairgrounds. The contact for the Extension Building is 417-358-2158 for reservations and additional details.