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.