In 1926, Dr. Arthur J. Simpson and his wife, Alta, gave the City of Chillicothe the former 21 acre fair grounds for a public park to provide a suitable playground for children and a useful park for all the city's citizens. Several acres were later added, and the park was furnished with shelter houses, tennis courts, a croquet area, a swimming pool, and other features of a complete public park. Born in Livingston County, as were his parents, Dr. and Mrs. William Simpson, Dr. Arthur J. Simpson became one of Missouri's most prominent physicians, surgeons, and businessmen. He was a charter member of the Elks Lodge, purchased the first automobile in Chillicothe in 1902, and with Dr. H.M. Grace bought the local hospital from the Sisters of St. Mary and later donated it to the City of Chillicothe. Throughout their lives, Dr. Simpson and his wife contributed in many ways to the betterment of Chillicothe.