In 1859, while laying out plans for Brookfield, John Wood Brooks, surveyor for the Hannibal and St. Joseph Railroad and a native of Boston, included a park reminiscent of his hometown Boston Commons. Though it began as one large park, as the town grew city leaders chose to divide it with the road median, creating the Oval and the East and West Parks known today. For more than 150 years these Twin Parks have served as the outdoor stage for the community, providing an ideal venue for concerts, festivals, and family gatherings. Here the laughter of children at play mingles with reminders of loved ones who have proudly served the country.