Springfield, MO – A historic step towards enhancing a beloved community space was taken on Monday, October 28th as local officials and community leaders gathered to break ground on the renovation of the pavilion and other improvements at Silver Springs Park.
Silver Springs Park, a cherished landmark since its establishment in 1918, holds a special place in the hearts of Springfield’s Black community. The park, named after a local spring, has served as a gathering place during segregation and beyond, most notably as the host of the annual Park Day Reunion Celebration. Additionally, Timmons Hall, a significant part of the African-American Heritage Trail, is located within the park’s boundaries.
The $1.5 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will fund the much-needed improvements to the park. Construction is set to begin immediately and is expected to be completed by early summer 2025. Oke-Thomas and Associates is the architect overseeing the project, while Nesbitt Construction is the contractor.
The Neighborhood Coalition, a group formed to explore the potential of a community center within the park, played a pivotal role in securing this funding. While the community center idea remains viable, the pavilion project offered a more immediate and ARPA-compliant solution.
Neighborhood Coalition members include: John Oke-Thomas, Samuel Knox, Mark Dixon, Lyle Foster, H Wes Pratt, Charlotte Hardin, Darline Mabins, Monica Horton, Cheryl Clay, and Tracey Wolff.
As the renovation progresses, the community eagerly anticipates the revitalization of Silver Springs Park, ensuring its continued legacy as a vital gathering place for generations to come.
Photos by Bradley Knox, UniteNews
