Downtown Joplin is currently going through a period of renovation. KRPS’s Fred Fletcher-Fierro has more.

Even with economic uncertainty, high interest rates, unpredictable gas prices, all coming out of a global pandemic downtown Joplin is currently experiencing a rival. The largest piece of that rival will be the completion and opening of the Cornell Complex next month.

On Wednesday, the focus was on Spiva Park and the dedication of a new sign to mark the well-traveled intersection of 4th and Main Street. Executive Director of the Joplin Arts District Linda Teeter spearheaded the plan to make the sign a reality.

“I’ve been working down here 15-years, up and down these streets running the art walk. And often, I would stop here to sit down to rest, as I keep journeying down the road. And I became more and more familiar with the park and I often would go over there and sit by the statue of George A. Spiva.”

Spiva gifted the park to the city in honor of his Father. Tonight, the Joplin Art’s District will hold their final Art Walk of the season from 5:30 until 8:30 pm. For 89 9 KRPS, I’m Fred Fletcher-Fierro