Jump for Joplin Is Friday Night

Disaster relief is flooding into Joplin, MO following the destruction of the EF5 tornado that swept through the city May 23. People from Missouri and beyond have generously donated food, clothing and personal care items to assist those that lost everything.

The people of Joplin also need more long-term assistance rebuilding and getting life back to normal. A big part of life as they knew it is parks and recreation — being able to relax again.

That's where Jump for Joplin comes in.

The Wentzville Parks and Recreation Department and Friends of the Wentzville Parks are holding Jump for Joplin at 7 p.m. Friday night at , during the free concert by That 80s Band.

Participants are encouraged to find sponsors from family and friends to support their jump roping prowess. They can also make a personal donation to jump. 

According to Parks and Recreation Director Mary Jo Dessieux, the Joplin parks were destroyed by the tornado and only one city pool was in good enough condition to open.

"You can't even tell there were parks there," she told the park board Monday.

Dottie Phillips, recreation superintendent, said participants can use rope provided by the city or bring their own.

"We are going to go as long as they can," Phillips said. "We have a space reserved for them and they can continue to jump while the band plays."

Registration packets are available at ; participants can also register the night of the event at Rotary Park.

Park officials are asking participants to wear red to the event. Wentzville Parks and Recreation is using the event to kickstart national Parks and Recreation month. The National Parks and Recreation Assocation (NRPA) is asking parks to "rock your park" with a flash mob to show the power of the parks.

The winners of the Rock your Park competition will be featured in September edition of Parks & Recreation magazine.

Donations should be in cash or checks, made out to Friends of the Wentzville Parks. The organization will funnel all donations from the event to the Friends of the Joplin parks to rebuild the city's parks.

Donations of equipment and supplies are also being accepted at the event, as well as at the Wentzville Parks and Recreation office. Needed items include pet supplies, work gloves and personal hygiene products.