The Springfield-Greene County Park Board is launching a new series called Parks Pick Me Up, where our staff, partners and visitors share fun things to do and see in our parks. The series includes health and wellness tips, parks stories, cool places to walk or hike, kids activities and gorgeous photos. 

During Springfield’s Stay at Home Order, all our content will be things you can do while practicing social distancing and avoid groups. 

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Downloadables
Feeling antsy and need some direction? Check in here for some fun downloadable content for the whole family to enjoy!

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  2. Washington Park Improvements

    1600 N. Summit Ave.

    Happy Independence Day weekend! Today we highlight one of the oldest parks in Springfield: Washington Park, in the historic Midtown Neighborhood. It was named, of course, for President George Washington, and its “sister” park, Lafayette Park is just a few blocks north (bonus points for anyone who shares who Lafayette was!) Both these parks were built in 1869, just before the Frisco Railway brought the railroad to then-North Springfield. Washington Park was privately maintained by neighbors until the Park Board formed in 1913. Washington Park recently received more $50,000 in upgrades, including new asphalt and new goals on the basketball court, new benches near the basketball and tennis courts, and a new concrete pad adjacent to the iconic park gazebo. Thank you to the Midtown Neighborhood Association for securing this funding through the City of Springfield Neighborhood Works program! Washington Park is the site of an annual celebration following the Midtown Old-Fashioned 4th of July Parade — however, both are canceled this year due to COVID prevention.



     



     

  3. Nature Rubbings

     

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up is a DIY nature rubbing craft for all ages, brought to you in partnership with the Springfield Regional Arts Council. All you need is paper, crayons or charcoal, and a textured object like the bark of a tree, a fence, a sidewalk. Try adding leaves or flowers, and using different colors! Take photos of your new creation and tag #springfieldarts and #sgfparks online! Download and print here!



     



     

  4. SPARC Summer Camps

     

    Hooray for SPARC! Kids are having a great time while staying safe at SPARC Summer Day Camp at Pershing School. Camp is open weekdays for ages 5-14, and there is currently room for more! Or if your kids are enrolled in @Springfield Public Schools’ Summer Explore in July, make a full day of it with on-site Before and After Explore programs! Info at ParkBoard.org/Camps. Call?? (417) 837-5737 to register.



     



     

  5. Happy Father's Day

     

    Happy Father’s Day! Post a comment on our Facebook page with your favorite memory of you and your dad in a park or share a photo/video with us of you and your dad spending some quality time in a park today, Sun., June 21, to be entered into a prize drawing. Drawing will be Mon., June 22. Tag us and use #SGFParks to enter.



     



     

  6. Jordan Valley Park Fountains

    635 E Trafficway St.

    Jordan Valley Park’s Ozark Stream and Fountain opens for the season today, Friday, June 19, 2020, in downtown Springfield.

    SCHEDULE:

    • Ozarks Stream runs continuously throughout the day.
    • The fountain show takes place every hour, on the hours, 10 a.m.- 9 p.m., for about 30 minutes.
    • The fountains also run continuously 11 a.m. through 1:30 p.m. The schedule is subject to change due to fountain maintenance, park rentals or community events.


    Read here for more info.

    Photo credit: Randall Rash

     



     

  7. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

    2400 S. Scenic

    Taiko drumroll please… today, we celebrate the reopening of Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park! This 7.5-acre walled garden was created in 1985 with authentic Japanese landscaping, celebrating Springfield’s long-standing Sister CIty relationship with Isesaki, Japan. It features a large koi pond, a moon bridge, meditation garden, tea house, meandering paths and stepping stones. The garden is maintained in partnership with @Springfield SIster Cities Association and @Friends of the Garden. It’s a perfect day trip for all ages, with a sense of discovery around every corner! Hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday. Admission is $4/adults, $2/kids 12 and under.



     



     

  8. Sports Leagues Resume

     

    Today is the first day our summer baseball, softball and T-ball leagues resume! Nothing says summer like the crack of a bat. Spectator seating is limited, and we’ve spread out games to minimize contact between teams. Other new safeguards are in place too. If you’re coming to a game at Killian Sports Complex, check out the Springfield Softball Hall of Fame, documenting Springfield’s rich softball history, going back a century. After having to cancel all our ball leagues since March, we’re ready to resume that history today! Batter up!



     



     

  9. Pavilions rentals reopen today

     

    Need a place for a birthday or anniversary gathering? Fifteen park pavilions are now reopened for rentals! Capacity is limited, based on pavilion size, but we have several to choose from! Rentals begin at $50/four hours, and a rental guarantees your spot! Call us at 417-864-1049 to check dates and locations. Detail here.



     



     

  2. Word Scramble

     

    Nature offers plenty of mental health benefits - and so can these Park-themed word scrambles! Challenge your brain by seeing how many you can solve. Download and print here!



     



     

  3. Rainbow Grilled Cheese with SPARC

     

    For today's Parks Pick-Me-Up, follow along with the SPARC Clubs Team as we make a colorful spin on a crowd favorite!

    Parents, try this out with your kiddos! We'd love to see your creations.



     



     

  4. Butterfly House Reopens

    2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807

    It’s butterfly season! The Roston Native Butterfly House opens for the summer today, June 1, at Springfield Botanical Gardens in Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Butterfly House are 10 a.m.-6 p.m daily — however, the schedule depends on volunteer staffing availability. Call the Botanical Center at 891-1515, ext. 2, to confirm hours. Admission is free, but capacity inside the Butterfly House is limited, based on current city orders. While you’re there, be sure to visit the adjacent Butterfly Garden and Caterpillar Cafe, where you may see these fascinating insects feasting on their favorite foods



     



     

  5. Ned Reynolds at Cooper Tennis Complex

    2331 E. Pythian St.

    Ozarks broadcasting legend Ned Reynolds doesn't just talk about sports — he plays too! Ned is a regular at Cooper Tennis Complex, where he stays young playing tennis with friends. Ned shares his love of the game and Cooper Tennis Complex, home to the Springfield Lasers Pro Tennis Team. “Thanks to the Cooper Family and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, who have emphasised to the public how important it is to stay healthy,” he says. Thanks, Ned!



     



     

  6. Scott Bailes at Sequiota Park

    3500 S. Lone Pine Ave.

    Scott Bailes, who serves on the board for the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, has many family memories at Sequiota Park — one of Springfield’s favorite parks. Today, Scott enjoys riding bikes to the park, celebrating birthday parties in the pavilion and admiring the caves. “Just being here makes me really happy,” he says.

    Where is your happy place in parks?



     



     

  7. Carolyn Gerdes at Jordan Valley Park

    635 E. Trafficway St.

    Carolyn Gerdes, current chair of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, loves Jordan Valley Park. Built on a site formerly used for industry and warehouses, it’s now the crown jewel of the Downtown Springfield renewal, first outlined in the 1990s in the citizen-led Vision 20/20 plan — which Carolyn and hundreds of other citizens took part in creating. Carolyn enjoys the Jordan Creek Greenway, the park’s outdoor amphitheater, and the huge hornbeam tree at the center of the park, a symbol of the past and the future.

    Which is your favorite park?



     



     

  8. Playgrounds are OPEN!

     

    Playgrounds reopen today! We are proud to announce we are reopening playgrounds today! Release the kiddos! Limit 25 kids and adults in one area, so parents, pick your playground carefully. Everyone needs to continue to practice six-foot physical distancing from others, cover coughs and sneezes, and be sure to wash and sanitize your hands! We’ve heard creative ideas from parents using soapy washcloths and water bottles. Playgrounds are not disinfected regularly, but the Springfield-Greene County Health Department advises the virus may be susceptible to UV light and humidity. Most important: stay home if you or the kids feel sick at all. We know that playgrounds reopening is a relief to parents and kids alike, but please continue to be cautious and stay safe.



     



     

  9. Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden

    2400 S. Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807

    Two of the Park Board’s closest partner groups are @Friends of the Garden and @Springfield Sister Cities Association. Both organizations are crucial to the operation of @Springfield Botanical Gardens. Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up features FOG Executive Director Trysta Herzog, and SSCA Executive Director Lisa Bakerink, who give us a peek into @Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, currently closed. Mizumoto is set to reopen in June, after new sidewalk construction is complete.



     



     

  10. James River Greenway & Trail of Honor

     

    In honor of OzarkGreenways’ Bike, Walk & Wheel Week, our Trail Tuesday Parks Pick-Me-Up highlights the James River Greenway and Trail of Honor, in southeast Springfield.

    Currently there are three one-mile segments of the James River Greenway. One segment connects to the Galloway Creek Greenway at the Old Iron Bridge north to the end of the former frontage road (Gasconade Avenue) that crosses over Highway 65. The second segment of the trail is in Lake Springfield Park, from the park entrance to the boathouse on the lake shore. The third segment is the Trail of Honor, meandering along the banks of James River and the edge of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. It’s the first recreation trail built in a veterans cemetery in the US, and we invite you to travel through this landscape with respectful reflection of our veterans.

    Future trail plans will connect these three segments and extend northward along the James River. A future bridge across Lake Springfield is planned to join the trail sections on the south and north sides of Lake Springfield. This trail will also connect to the Chadwick Flyer Rail Trail, planned between Springfield and Ozark. The timeline for extending and connecting these trails are contingent upon funding, estimated at $8 million, and land acquisition.



     



     

  12. Bike, Walk & Wheel Week

     

    Bike, Walk & Wheel Week presented by HyVee is the region's annual celebration of being active and trying new ways to get about town. Celebrate being active with a bicycle, walking, or wheeling activity. Whether a walk around the block to check on a neighbor or a bicycle ride on a new trail, we hope that you will join the fun. Join Ozark Greenways on Facebook or Instagram for give-aways all week! City Utilities will give free city bus rides all week to those traveling with a bike. Find out more information at OzarkGreenways.org.



     



     

  2. Leaf Print Art DIY

     

    For today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up, let’s get crafty and make some leaf prints. Head outside and find some flat leaves (not too crunchy!) Color it with markers or paint, or press it against an ink pad. Press your leaf against some paper, decorate, and voila! Your very own leaf print piece of art. Take photos and share with us! #SGFParks #SpringfieldArts Download and print here!

     


     

  3. CSDP with Lori Endicott-Vandersnick

     

    Meet Lori Endicott-Vandersnick, director of The Greater Springfield Community Sports Development Program (CSDP). CSDP provides training and development in the sports of Archery, Ice Hockey, Tennis and Volleyball. An average of 600 athletes a year receive comprehensive mental and physical training in their sport, both in the competitive arena and off the field. Numerous locally-trained athletes have gone on to compete at the state, regional, national, collegiate and international levels.

    The program also reaches about 2,000 youth a year in outreach through schools, after-school programs, camps and neighborhood events. The CSDP maintains strong working relationships with national governing bodies USA Archery, USA Hockey, the United States Tennis Association and USA Volleyball, which all emphasize athlete development and growing the sport.



     



     

  4. Washington & Lafayette Parks

     

    Here’s a Throwback Thursday Parks Pick-Me-Up, featuring two historic parks we consider to be sisters: Lafayette Park and Washington Park. Why are they sisters? Both were established in 1869, just before the Frisco Railway brought the railroad to North Springfield — a separate city from Springfield until 1887! Both were named for Revolutionary War heroes: Lafayette Park’s namesake is Marquis de Lafayette, a French nobleman and officer who served under Washington Park’s namesake, Gen. George Washington. The two became lifelong friends.

    Both parks were privately maintained until they were acquired by the then-new Park Board in 1913. At the time, they were the only two public parks in Springfield.

    Both parks feature a large gazebo and both serve as gathering spots for neighborhood associations: Lafayette serves Woodland Heights and Moon CIty Creative DIstrict, and Washington serves Midtown. Lafayette Park also serves as a school-park for Reed Academy, and is the home of the Charlie Noor Community Center. Fun fact: when the Park Board voted to add the first playground equipment to Washington Park in 1915, park neighbors were concerned it would disturb the peace! The Park Board asked neighbors to give it a chance, and even hired a local teacher to supervise the playground after it opened. (It turned out to not be a problem.)

    Don’t forget to be smart if you visiting a park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.??



     



     

  6. Sister Cities

     

    It’s Cinco de Mayo! For today’s Parks Pick-Me-up, we’re celebrating the @Springfield Sister Cities Association, which maintains an active relationship with Tlaquepaque, our sister city in Jalisco, Mexico. Listen in as Lisa Bakerink, Executive Director of the Springfield Sister Cities Association, tells us more about Tlaquepaque, plus a special musical treat from @Mariachi Flor de Missouri.



     



     

  7. Star Gazing Tips

     

    May the Fourth be with you. In honor of #starwarsday, let’s spend some time outside gazing at the stars! No telescope? No problem! You can see plenty of fascinating things to see without any special equipment. Remember, it takes our eyes about an hour to adjust to the night sky, so turn off the lights, bring a lawn chair or blanket and get comfortable. Look for apps on your smart phone smart devices that identify constellations, planets and major stars. Fun fact: on a clear night, you can see the NASA space station! Read here for more info.

    Looking for a park with not many lights? ?? Try Young-Lilley Park, Ewing Park, Dan Kinney Park or David C Murray Park!

    Please be smart while stargazing at any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     


     

  8. Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse

    5324 S. Kissick Avenue, Springfield, MO 65804

    Today's Parks Pick-Me-Up features Lake Springfield Park, 158 acres of rolling hills, trails, woods and bluffs overlooking beautiful Lake Springfield. It’s a great place to hike, fish, look for wildlife and get away from it all — without leaving Springfield! Canoe and kayak rentals open at Lake Springfield Boathouse May 15. Boats are $10/hour. But you don’t have to wait if you bring your own canoe or kayak!

    Please remember to be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  2. STEM Saturday: Hammock Challenge

     

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up is a STEM Challenge for all ages: Can you build a hammock using only natural materials? Check out our download and try it out!

    Please remember to be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.




     

  3. Flashback Friday: May Day Maypole

     

    Happy May Day! Once upon a time, the first of May was celebrated with bouquets, secret gifts and Maypole dancing! In May 2013, the Park Board celebrated its centennial, marking 100 years since the board was formed in 1913. The celebration at Phelps Grove Park featured activities and artifacts from 1913: a brass band, 5-cent Cokes, antique cars, and a Maypole! We were so impressed that folks knew exactly how to do the dance!

    Never heard of a Maypole? It’s a tall pole, topped with long colorful ribbons, which dancers hold as they walk circles around the pole, creating a woven pattern. Check out this article posted by the Springfield-Greene County Library, for details on how Maypoles works.

    Unfortunately, Maypole dancing is currently prohibited by the stay-home ordinance. But you can grab some ribbons and dance around alone at Phelps Grove or any park or trail. Be smart while you’re frolicking: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     


     

  4. Cow Milking at the Farm Park

    3825 W. Farm Road 146, Springfield, MO 65802

    Ever wonder how you milk a cow? Check out this video and learn how we milk our dairy cow at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park to feed her calf, Red Rock.

    Don’t forget, the Farm Park remains open! Our buildings are closed, but you may still visit the animals, stroll the grounds, or even fish in the pond. Please remember the rules while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  5. Christine Peoples at Timmons Hall

    1100 N. Hampton Ave., Springfield, MO 65803

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up features historic Timmons Hall in Silver Springs Park. Facility coordinator Christine Peoples tells us about how the 1930s-era building was saved from demolition and relocated to the park in 2015, with the move and renovations funded entirely by private donations through @Friends of Timmons Temple. The final step in renovation, refinishing the original floors, took place in March, and they are gorgeous! Today the building serves as an event venue, hosting historical, cultural and educational opportunities for our community. Check back with Timmons Hall this summer and plan your visit!

    For now, though, stay smart while visiting Silver Springs, or any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     


     

  6. Galloway Creek Greenway Trail

     

    It’s Trail Tesday, and today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up features one of our community’s favorite trails, Galloway Creek Greenway. Spanning from Pershing Middle School to the Old Iron Bridge across the James River, this 5-mile trail was the first in the @Ozark Greenways system to be named a National Recreation Trail in 2003. Sequiota Park is one of the most popular spots on the greenway, but it also connects to Lone Pine Park, retail areas along Lone Pine Avenue, Galloway Village and the Springfield Conservation Nature Center. Or keep exploring and connect to the James River Greenway and Trail of Honor. Please be smart on the trail: stay to the right, pass on the left and announce when you’re passing, stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  7. Disc Golf at Tom Watkins Park

    2105 W. High St. Springfield, MO 65802

    Try your aim at disc golf at Tom Watkins Park, one of three Park Board disc golf course (along with Oak Grove and McBride School-Park). The 18-hole course at Tom Watkins was renovated in 2018, with new tee pads and goal baskets. Check out all three disc golf courses here.

    Please remember to be smart while playing disc golf, or visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.




     

  8. Farm Park Crafts

    3825 W. Farm Rd. 146, Springfield, MO 65807

    For today’s Park Pick-Me-Up, Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park brings us a craft to make sheep, goats and cows for the kiddos! Download these Farm Park Craft How-To Sheets here.

    Don’t forget, the Farm Park remains open! Our buildings are closed, but you may still visit the animals, stroll the grounds, or even fish in the pond. Please remember the rules while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.




     

  2. WaterWise Demonstration Garden

    1500 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65804

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up visits the WaterWise Demonstration Garden, in central Springfield near the intersection of National Avenue and Linwood Street — which is, believe it or not, in the southeast tip of @Phelps Grove Park. Originally called the Xeriscape Garden, this scenic garden was created in 1992 to demonstrate the efficient use of water in landscaping, while providing an interesting and attractive area for strolling and relaxing in an urban setting. Volunteers maintain this beautiful space, coordinated through Master Gardeners of Greene County. Admission is free, and spring is a beautiful time to visit!

    Be smart while visiting parks or trails: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     


     

  3. Shark in the Park Quiz

     

    Here is a fun game we call, Shark in the Park! Can you correctly guess these 10 Parks and the Ozark Greenways trail? Take the Buzzfeed quiz to see how well you know our Parks (Baby Shark theme song not included)



     



     

  4. Phelps Grove Park History

    950 E. Bennett St, Springfield, MO 65807

    Today’s Park Pick-Me-Up is a Throwback Thursday featuring Phelps Grove Park, which opened in 1914. Phelps Grove was one of the first two parks created by the then-new Park Board. Special thanks to The History Museum on the Square for sharing these historic photos. Did you know:

    1. The rock bridge over Fassnight Creek at Brookside Drive and Virginia Avenue is original to the park, but the rock lining along Fassnight Creek was added by the WPA in the 1930s
    2. When Phelps Grove was new, it was just outside city limits (which ended at Grand Street.) To get folks to visit this park “way out in the boonies,” a shuttle bus was offered
    3. The pavilion was added in 1916, and was designed by the same architect that designed the Greene County Historic Courthouse, Archibald Torbitt. The pavilion has burned down and been rebuilt twice
    4. Phelps Grove was home to the Park Board’s first zoo! The zoo included buffalo, deer and alligators! Outlines of former zoo enclosure may be found today in the grass northwest of the pavilion. The zoo was moved to its present location, Dickerson Park Zoo, in 1923
    5. Phelps Grove extended eastward to the area that’s now the @Springfield Art Museum. The present-day museum grounds were once the site of a man-made lake, created by damming Fassnight Creek and intended as a swimming hole and a scenic feature. However, the lake was too muddy for swimming, and it caused flooding and bred mosquitoes, so it was drained in 1928.
    6. The Victims Memorial Garden was originally built in the 1950s as a fish and waterlily pond. The centerpiece was a Carthage marble statue of a crouching boy holding a frog, sculpted by Roberta Stoneman Baker and installed in 1956. In the 1990s, the statue was vandalized and the head of the boy disappeared. The headless statue was removed and the pond was later filled in to become a garden.

    Be smart while visiting Phelps Grove or any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  5. Earth Day Parks Tour

     

    Happy Earth Day! It’s the 50th anniversary of this event, and we thought it appropriate to think about our parks from a global perspective. For today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up, take a look at our beautiful blue planet and some of our favorite parks from a bird’s-eye view. But don’t stop there! Get out and enjoy a park or a trail today. Be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     


     

  6. Flower Pressing DIY

    301 E. Talmage St., Springfield, MO 65803

    Today's Parks Pick-Me-Up is a craft DIY for all ages! We've partnered up with the Springfield Regional Arts Council for a guided tutorial on how to craft your own flower pressing.

    Please remember to not pick flowers in public flower beds and gardens, and be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  7. At-Home Water Aerobics

     

    Lots of us really miss our water aerobics classes at Chesterfield and Doling family centers, but nobody misses them more than Sarah Coulter, Park Board Aquatics Coordinator. For today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up, Sarah shows us how to stay get an exhilarating workout on “dry” land. It’s almost just like being in the pool. Almost.



     



     

  8. Frisco Highline Trail

     

    Today’s Parks Pick Me Up highlights our longest bikeable greenway, the Frisco Highline Trail, spanning 35 miles from Springfield to Bolivar. Frisco Highline Trail Manager John Montgomery, who works for Ozark Greenways, tells us more about the trail, called FHT for short. The trail is the second-longest rail trail in the state, named for the former Frisco Highline railroad line that traveled this route years ago. It was designated a National Recreation Trail by the National Park Service and American Trails in 2004. All Ozark Greenway trails are open daily, sunrise to sunset.

    Please be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness. Happy Physical Distance Cycling!



     



     

  2. Coloring Sheets

     

    Today’s Park Pick-Me-Up is a little activity to keep the kids (or adults!) busy. Check out these three coloring sheets, featuring three of our community’s favorite parks: Sequiota, Phelps Grove and Springfield Botanical Gardens. Download and print here!

    And if you really like these designs, check out our shirts for sale online at 5 Pound Apparel: $28/t-shirt, $3/sticker, proceeds help benefit your local parks system!



     



     

  3. DIY Bat House

     

    Happy National Bat Appreciation Day! Missouri has 14 different bat species that play a vital role in balancing nature. Bat species are declining due to habitat loss. One way to help the bats, is to build your own bat house for them to have a safe living space. Your new neighbors (the bats) will help lower your yard pests (insects) — it’s a win-win! Download instructions to build your own here.



     



     

  4. Doling Park History Quiz

    301 E. Talmage St., Springfield, MO 65803

    It’s Throwback Thursday! Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up features Doling Park, one of 10 Historic Parks dating to pre-WWII in Springfield. Doling Park has a very colorful history! It was once the Giboney family homestead, a private park developed by James Marshall Doling, an amusement park with rides and games — all before the Park Board acquired the property in 1929. Check out Doling history and photos at the Springfield-Greene County Library and Doling History Museum. Think you know all about Doling? Take the quiz to see how you do!

    Today is a beautiful day to visit Doling Park at 301 E Talmage. Please be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  5. Wellness Wednesday - Posture

     

    Get up out of your chair for today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up! Bill from Dan Kinney Family Center talks about reversing poor posture caused by stress, sitting down too long and huddling around a smartphone. Jordan demonstrates the Founders Pose, which releases tension along the spine and helps reset your posture — no equipment needed! Try it yourself. It just takes a few seconds, and it’s easy to implement into your daily routine.



     



     

  6. New Parks Apparel (and stickers)!

     

    Drum Roll Please… Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up brings the beauty of parks to your wardrobe! We’re excited to share our newest Love Our Parks T-shirt designs, in collaboration with 5 Pound Apparel. Two brand new designs launched this week: the teal green “Show Me Your Parks” shirt and the dark gray Springfield Botanical Gardens shirt. Dress up your laptop or water bottle to match with our new parks stickers! And while supplies last, get your Sequiota Park and Phelps Grove Parks t-shirts. Everything is available online 5 Pound Apparel: $28/t-shirt, $3/sticker, proceeds help benefit your local parks system!



     



     

  7. Meador Park

    2500 S. Fremont Ave, Springfield, MO, 65804

    Park Board of Directors Member, Tammy Mast, shares her memories at Meador Park.

    Please be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  8. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

    3825 W. Farm Rd. 146, Springfield, MO 65807

    Happy Easter! Here’s a cute video of us feeding the baby lamb, Charlie, at the Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. 

    Please be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  2. STEM Saturday-Chlorophyll Collage Prints

     

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up is a STEM Saturday activity you can try with your family: Chlorophyll Collage Prints! You’ll need paper, a hammer or something to pound the paper (a rolling pin or a heavy spoon might work,) and lots of leaves. Go outside and gather different kinds. You can use trees, grass, weeds, even flowers: the juicer, the better! Check out this download to create your own new piece of science art!

     


     

  3. Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

    3825 W. Farm Rd. 146, Springfield, MO 65807

    Happy National Farm Animal Day from today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up, Ruteldge-Wilson Farm Park. Did you know this is a park as well as a real farm? That means our staff has daily chores, including feeding and taking care of the animals. Take a look at how Colt the farm dog ?? helps to bring the animals into the barn at the farm.??????

    Please be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  4. Redbud Gardens

    2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up features one of the most beautiful places in Springfield right now: the Redbud Garden, currently in full bloom at Springfield Botanical Gardens, 2400 S Scenic Ave. This collection of 74 flowering trees reflect 25 different varieties, making a rich texture of pink, azalea and white blooms. Admire the spring colors from a nearby bench, stroll around under the canopy, or take in a 360-degree view from the oval-shaped gazebo in the center of the garden. It’s easy to find from the Botanical Center parking lot. Just get there soon, before the blooms give way to leaves!

    This garden is sponsored by Commerce Bank and maintained by the Hillbilly Gardeners Garden Club. Gardens are open sunrise to sunset.

    Please be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  5. Dickerson Park Zoo

     

    Happy National Zoo Lovers Day! Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up features Dickerson Park Zoo. Now we know you’re thinking, wait a minute: all the Parks Pick-Me-Ups are supposed to be things that are OPEN, right? Well, it’s true, the zoo is closed, but this is an activity you and your family can do from home: write a letter to the animals! Zookeepers are reading your letters aloud to the animals and the videos are posted on Dickerson Park Zoo’s Facebook page. It’s a great way to find out if there are bones in an elephant’s trunk, what snakes snack on, or whether you can have a giraffe as a pet. Letters to the animals are so much fun, they were featured on NBC NIghtly News on April 4. Send your letters to jpowell@dickersonparkzoo.org (emailed letters only, please.)



     

     

  6. Wilson's Creek Greenway

    3825 S. Farm Road 146, Springfield, MO 65802

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up features the Wilson’s Creek Greenway, a 5-mile paved trail west and south of Springfield along its namesake creek. Hop onto the trail at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park (hello, farm animals) or at Tal’s Trailhead, 3351 S. Kauffman Road. Between these two trailheads, you’ll find wooded areas, creek views, a rustic barn and maybe even some cows, (watch your step!) Or go south from Tal’s Trailhead to cross under James River Freeway, check out the Southwest Treatment Plant, explore more woods, and connect to West Republic Road.

    If you want to take a REALLY long bike ride, start on the South Creek Greenway at McDaniel Park and follow it to Tal’s Trailhead and beyond! Wilson’s Creek Greenway is part of Ozark Greenways network, and it’s their latest trail to be named a National Recreation Trail.

    Greenway trails are open sunrise to sunset. Please be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     

     

  7. Butterfly Garden with Trysta Herzog

    2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up features Trysta Herzog, Executive Director of Friends of the Garden, who tell us what’s been happening at the Butterfly Garden and the Roston Native Butterfly House at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park.?? ?? The Butterfly House is not currently open, but Springfield Botanical Gardens are, at 2400 S. Scenic, Ave., open sunrise to sunset. ?? Please be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     

     

  8. Backyard Camping with Outdoor Initiatives

     

    Is your house feeling a little crowded? Thinking about adding on an extra room? Try a change of scenery with Kiana from Outdoor Initiatives, who shares a fun idea of setting up a tent and going camping in your own backyard! Bring your own marshmallows, and tag your photos and videos with #SGFParks!



     



     

  2. McDaniel Park

    2405 S. National Ave, Springfield, MO 65804

    Today’s Parks-PIck-Me-Up features McDaniel Park, where blooming redbud trees are putting on quite a show this week at the corner of National and Sunset (2405 S. National Ave.) The 16-acre park includes a playground (currently closed to prevent Coronavirus spread), and a covered shelter. It’s also the east trailhead for the 7-mile South Creek Greenway, designated a National Recreation Trail in 2006. ???

    Longtime Springfieldians remember when the namesake of the park, R.E. Lee McDaniel, operated McDaniel Stables on the property, offering riding lessons and horse stabling.?? It officially became a park in 1998.??

    It’s a great place for a walk or a bike ride!  ?????????? But be smart while visiting any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, ?? and stay home ?? if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     

     

  3. Dan Kinney Demonstrates Relaxing Diaphragmatic Breathing

    Bill and Jordan from Dan Kinney Family Center demonstrate how something as simple as breathing can impact our overall health. Try out a few moments of diaphragmatic breathing yourself! Just take a deep breath in… pooch out the belly… and out. Doesn’t that feel better?



     



     

  4. Sequiota Park Tour with Max, Park Expert

    3500 S. Lone Pine Ave, Springfield, MO 65804

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up is a tour of Sequiota Park with 7-year-old park expert, Max. Watch as Max explains the do's and don'ts of visiting parks while preventing Coronavirus, and shares his ideas on how kids can have fun, even without a playground!

    How do you have fun in the parks? Tag your photos and videos with #SGFParks!



     



     

  5. Cruse Cat Park

     

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up is a special announcement: Let’s face it, when the house gets crowded, you — and your feline friend — need the relief only the Great Outdoors can provide. We’re proud to announce the opening of Cruse Cat Park, Springfield’s first off-leash Feline Recreational Facility, offering cats of all shapes and sizes a place to roam. Complete with in-ground scratching posts, multiple varieties of grass to be chewed, a songbird stalking course, and plenty of wide-open space for finicky cats to practice social distancing.

    “We’ve been wanting a facility like this for years,” says Mike Crocker, DIckerson Park Zoo Director. “We might even bring some of our big cats over.”

    Your little tiger will be a king at Cruse Cat Park. Opening Day is Wednesday, April 1. For more information: https://bit.ly/2UPhBgt

    Be smart while at the Cat Park, and any park or trail: stay six feet away from others, avoid gathering in groups, cover your coughs and sneezes, and please stay home if you’re showing symptoms of illness.



     



     

  6. Trail Tuesday: Outdoor Scavenger Hunt

     

    It’s Trail Tuesday and we have a game for you! Visit any trail or park and try one of our age-appropriate scavenger hunts! Different hunts for ages 2-5, ages 5-8, and age 8+ (that means adults, too!) and a Sensory Hunt for all ages. Hunt on your phone (take a screen shot, then draw on your photo) or print yours out. Having fun on the hunt? Tag your photos #SGFParks!

     


     

  7. Springfield Botanical Gardens with Trysta Herzog

    2400 S. Scenic Ave., Springfield, MO 65807

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up is the White Garden and Hosta Garden at Springfield Botanical Gardens at Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Trysta Herzog, Executive Director of Friends of the Garden, tells us what’s coming up in the ground and how volunteers keep our gardens looking great. Visit these gardens at 2400 S. Scenic, Ave., open sunrise to sunset. Please practice social distancing in the park!

     


     

  8. Rivercut Golf Course

    2850 W. Farm Road 190, Springfield, MO 65810

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up is Rivercut Golf Course, just southwest of Springfield. This 18-hole public course bordering the James River is the crown jewel of the Park Board’s golf system, ranked 4.5/5 stars and Golf Digest’s No. 1 Missouri Municipal court (2009). Planned by Master Designer Ken Dye, Rivercut has 7,066 yards and par of 72. It’s one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the Midwest. Golf courses remain open, with special social distancing precautions in place to keep golfers and staff safe. Book your tee time online at ParkBoardGolf.org and come play at 2850 W. Farm Road 190.

     


     

  2. Valley Water Mill Park

    2400 E. Valley Water Mill Rd., Springfield, MO 65803

    Today’s Parks Pick-Me-Up is Valley Water Mill Park, a great mini get-away on the northeast edge of Springfield. The park is a microcosm of Ozarks topography, with woods, glades, bluffs, sinkholes and streams, all encircling a beautiful 13-acre lake. Check out the 1.5-mile hiking trail, or bring a fishing pole for the accessible fishing piers and boardwalk. Valley Water Mill Park is also home to Watershed Committee of the Ozarks. Open daily dawn to dusk at 2450 E Valley Water Mill Road. Please practice social distancing in parks and on trails!

     


     

  3. Doling Fitness Tip with Karessa

    301 E. Talmage St., Springfield, MO 65803

    Today's Parks Pick-Me-Up is a mini-workout with Karessa from Doling Family Center (which is temporarily closed). Let's work on our form on squats and planks! You can try these in your home or at Doling Park, at 301 E. Talmage. Park is open 5:30 a.m.-11 p.m.

     


     

  4. Jordan Valley Park

    635 E. Trafficway, Springfield, MO 65802

    Today's Parks Pick-Me-Up is Jordan Valley Park, where the pear trees are in full bloom this week! ?? It's a great place to take a walk, soak in some sunshine and admire the daffodils — all within walking distance of MSU, Drury and downtown Springfield. ?? Open daily 5:30 a.m.- 11 p.m. at 635 E. Trafficway.


     



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    Coronavirus Update
    To help protect yourself, your family and your community from spread of Coronavirus, the Park Board asks you to follow these CDC guidelines:
    • Practice social distancing. Stay at least 6 feet away from others. Avoid hugging, shaking hands, high fives, etc.
    • Wash your hands often.
    • Don’t touch your face.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze.
    • If you feel sick — especially with fever, cough or shortness of breath — stay home.
    • If you are over 60, have chronic health conditions or a compromised immune system, you are at high risk of contracting the virus.