From Springfield Greene County Parks department:
Springfield-Greene County Park Board News Posted on April 15, 2026
SPRINGFIELD,
MO — Transformative change is in motion for the Springfield-Greene County Park
Board’s McDaniel Park, with designs now underway for the new pump track,
pavilion with restrooms, and destination playground.
McDaniel Park improvements had originally been planned for
three staggered building phases, starting with the pump track, announced in
January 2025. But generous support from TrailSpring, the Hatch Foundation, Abilities First and the City of
Springfield has expedited the timeline, allowing all three phases to take place
at once. Construction is set to begin in August, with opening planned in Spring
2027.
“We are extremely grateful for the funding support for this
project, which has accelerated completion of all three phases,” said Ron
Schneider, Director of Parks. “Our team is working diligently to move this
project from design to construction. We look forward to transforming McDaniel
Park into a vibrant recreation area.”
The
overall plan calls for development of much of the eastern
half of McDaniel Park, bordered by Broadmoor Street, National
Avenue and Sunset Street.
Pump track designer American Ramp Company has released
a preliminary
plan for the 783-foot long asphalt pump track loop, including a
starting platform, undulating curves and hills, a 180-degree wallride, a
double-wide 160-foot acceleration lane, and lighting. The pump track is
intended for bicycles, roller skates, scooters, skateboards, etc. Riders create
momentum with body movements to propel themselves along the track. Pump tracks
may be enjoyed by beginner cyclists, kids, families and more experienced
riders, to strengthen skills while having fun. The pump track will be the first
of its kind in Springfield, located just north of the current McDaniel Park
parking lot, which will be removed, along with the open-air shelter.
Springfield-based Arkifex Studios has shared renderings of
the Hatch
Pavilion, a modern open-air design with a W-shaped roofline and colorful
walls and beams. The 40’ x 80’ pavilion includes restrooms, picnic tables and
lighting, located north of the new Pump Track, near the middle of McDaniel
Park. A drive-by
rendering video shows how the pavilion would be viewed from National
Avenue.
The destination playground will include inclusive playground
design, welcoming kids of all abilities. Preliminary plans call for an
ADA-compliant 360-degree transfer slide, as well as accessible spinners and
rockers, ground-level features, ramps and rope features. To help prevent
elopements, the playground perimeter will be fenced. The new playground will be
in McDaniel Park’s north quadrant, just south of current playground, which will
be removed to make room for new play features.
Rounding out the project is a new driveway entrance, south
of the current driveway entrance, at a safer spot on National Avenue; a new
55-space parking lot, between the new pavilion and new playground; additional
shaded seating areas; new tree plantings; benches and lighting. The current
driveway will be converted to a concrete pedestrian path, connecting all the
park features.
McDaniel Park improvements are 100-percent funded by generous partner groups
and the City of Springfield, including:
Phase 1: Pump track, parking and driveway design and
construction
Phase 2: Pavilion and lighting design and construction
Phase 3: Playground, shelters, lighting and benches
TOTAL COST: $2,605,639
Project timeline
The Park Board anticipates construction documents to be
completed by May 29. Construction contracts are planned to be finalized by
early August, coinciding with a groundbreaking ceremony. The pump track is
scheduled to be finished in October, with the pavilion, restrooms, parking lot,
playground and remaining construction completed by early 2027. A grand opening
and ribbon cutting is expected in Spring 2027.
About McDaniel Park
McDaniel Park, 2405 S. National Ave., is near the center of
Springfield at South National Avenue and East Sunset Street, is an important
nexus for cycling and recreational trail use.
The park’s South
Creek Greenway trailhead is the kickoff for six miles of greenway
trail, connecting McDaniel Park to The
Link, an eight-mile north-south on-street bike route, near Holland Avenue
and Sunset. From there, South Creek Greenway continues westward beneath
Campbell Avenue, over Kansas Expressway, through Nathanael Greene/Close
Memorial Park, and connecting to Carver Middle School. Near West Battlefield
Road and West Bypass/160, the greenway transitions to a half-mile on-street
bike route before connecting to the five-mile Wilson’s
Creek Greenway at Tal’s Trailhead, west of Springfield city
limits.
Later this year, construction is scheduled to begin on an
eastward expansion of the South Creek Greenway along Sunset Street, connecting
McDaniel Park to Meador Park and Glenstone Avenue. By on-street bike
trails, cyclists may continue eastward and connect to the Galloway Creek
Greenway.
McDaniel Park opened as a 15-acre green space in 1998. The
park is named for Robert Edward “Lee” McDaniel, an acclaimed horse trainer and
riding instructor who operated a stable near his home at 1156 E. Broadmoor, on
what’s now park property. McDaniel Park is adjacent to George Moore Park, 20
acres of largely undeveloped land. The Park Board has no current plans for
development of George Moore Park.
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The Springfield-Greene County Health Department (SGCHD) has identified a positive rabies case in a skunk. This is Greene County’s first positive rabies result in 2026. While the exposure risk to the community remains low, SGCHD would like to take this opportunity to remind community members of rabies prevention methods.
Rabies is a fatal but preventable disease. The virus can spread to people and pets through the bites or scratches of infected animals. An infected animal will not always exhibit any obvious symptoms. The best way to prevent the spread of rabies is to keep your distance from wildlife. Pet owners can lower their risk by keeping their pets up to date on rabies vaccines and keeping them away from wild animals.
Rabies is found naturally in some Missouri wildlife—primarily bats and skunks. However, other mammals can test positive for rabies, including domestic species such as dogs, cats, horses, and cattle. Do not approach animals who appear to be injured, sick, or dead. This is especially true if you see animals during the day who are usually active at night (skunks, raccoons, etc.).
If you have been bitten or scratched by any wildlife or unfamiliar animals, do the following:
Rabies treatment is nearly 100% effective if you get it after exposure. It includes wound care, human rabies immune globulin, and a series of rabies vaccines. These vaccines must be given as soon as possible after an exposure.
Additionally, contact Springfield-Greene County Animal Control by filling out the Report Form on our website in the following situations:
In an emergency, always call 911 immediately.
Rabies is a virus that primarily affects the central nervous system. In both humans and animals, once clinical signs of rabies appear, the disease is nearly always fatal.
For humans, the time between exposure to the virus and appearance of symptoms can last weeks to months. The first symptoms of rabies include fever, headache, weakness, or discomfort. Severe disease appears within two weeks of the first symptoms. Symptoms of severe disease include anxiety, confusion, agitation, and hallucinations.
Symptoms of rabies in animals include fearfulness, aggression, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, staggering, paralysis, and seizures. The American Veterinary Medical Association notes that some animals may be uncharacteristically affectionate, exhibit depression, or experience increased sensitivity to light.
King’s Way United Methodist Church
Family Life Center
2401 S Lone Pine Ave.
The City of Springfield will host a series of neighborhood workshops per City Council Zone in March and April with the goal of discussing potential Neighborhood Works+ projects with neighborhood residents and gathering feedback.
Neighborhood Works+ is an expanded version of the City of Springfield’s longstanding Neighborhood Works program, thanks to a $5 million Spring Forward SGF sales tax allocation to deliver visible, high-impact, community-driven neighborhood improvements. The funding was recommended by the Citizens’ Advisory Board (CAB), appointed to review potential projects to fund with the ½-cent voter approved sales tax. City Council subsequently approved it.
More than 560 total project ideas were received by the City during a six-week idea gathering phase beginning in mid-December. Public Works project managers then completed initial feasibility assessments and grouped individual ideas into about 160 project concepts.
Neighborhood residents from the City’s 24 registered neighborhoods are invited to learn more about the proposed concepts and provide feedback during four open house workshops according to City Council zone:
ZONE 2: 4:30 – 6:30, Tuesday, March 24 –
Schweitzer Church Student Center (2701 E. Sunshine Street)
Delaware, Doling, Oak Grove, Robberson, Rountree, and Weller neighborhoods
ZONE 1: 4:30 – 6:30, Tuesday, March 31 –
Cox Health Fountain Room (1423 N. Jefferson Ave.)
Bissett, Grant Beach, Heart of the Westside, Midtown, Tom Watkins, Westside, and Woodland Heights neighborhoods
ZONE 3: 4:30 – 6:30, Thursday, April 2 –
Chesterfield Family Center (2511 W. Republic Rd.)
Fassnight, Greater Parkcrest, Mark Twain, Phelps Grove, and West Central neighborhoods
ZONE 4: 4:30 – 6:30, Thursday, April 9 – LOCATION TO BE DETERMINED
Bradford Park, Brentwood, Galloway Village, Meador Park, Seminole-Holland, and University Heights neighborhoods
Next Steps
City staff began working alongside a subcommittee of the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) in January to determine scoring criteria for Neighborhood Works+ projects based on readiness, feasibility and community value. The subcommittee is comprised of two neighborhood representatives from each City Council zone, including Pete Radecki, Peggy Wise, Nancy Williams, Brent Rinker, William Cooper, Dee Ogilvy, Duane Keys, and Michael Brittian. The subcommittee will reconvene following the Zone workshops to review feedback from Zone Workshops and begin scoring projects.
Final project ideas are expected to be presented to the CAB for recommendation for City Council approval this summer. The first round of neighborhood projects is targeted to be under construction in fall of 2026.
We were pleased with the level of interest from multiple providers and grateful that several took the time to respond. After reviewing the options, Queen City Disposal provided the most competitive offer for our neighborhood.
Queen City Disposal has proposed a discounted neighborhood rate for Seminole Holland residents for household trash disposal services and separate recycling services. The rate would be significantly lower than the standard monthly price and would be locked in for two years once activated. Importantly, this offer would apply to both new and existing Queen City Disposal customers within the neighborhood boundaries.
• $10.50 per month — Trash service with cart
• $10.50 per month — Recycling service
• Rate locked in for 2 years (standard rate $20.00/month)
IMPORTANT — 50 NEIGHBORS NEEDED
To activate this special rate, at least 50 new customers must sign up within 90 days. Once the goal is met, both new and existing customers in the Seminole Holland Neighborhood will receive the discounted rate.
All customers must call to receive the neighborhood rate.
Queen City Disposal — Phone: 417-865-3500
Say you live in the Seminole Holland Neighborhood and provide your address.
Existing customers: Just call—no need to cancel service.
BILLING & FEES
• Billed quarterly • Payment due by the 13th
• $10 late fee • After two late payments, service is suspended and the rate returns to $20/month
• $10 cart delivery fee • $30 cart removal & sanitation fee
$10.50/month with the same 2-year rate lock.
Learn what can be recycled: https://www.queencitydisposal.net/new-page-1
This opportunity reflects the value of neighbors working together and the positive results that can come from coordinated outreach. While participation is entirely optional, we wanted to be sure all Seminole Holland residents were aware of the option and had access to the information needed to decide whether it’s a good fit for their household.
As always, thank you for being part of a connected and engaged neighborhood.
The Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association has received a limited number of FREE Mattress/Box Spring Recycling Vouchers ♻️
If your mattress or box spring is clean, dry, and pest-free, you can recycle it at no cost.
📞 Call 417-942-1446 to request your voucher
⏳ Supplies are limited—call today!
Got an idea but no time to submit it? Call the Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association at 417-942-1446. We will get your idea submitted.
The City of Springfield is seeking neighborhood improvement project ideas from individual residents for potential funding through the Neighborhood Works+ program via an online idea submission form and in print through January 31.
Neighborhood Works+ is an expanded version of the City of Springfield’s longstanding Neighborhood Works program, thanks to a $5 million Spring Forward SGF sales tax allocation to deliver visible, high-impact neighborhood improvements.
The program focuses on collaboration between residents, Registered Neighborhood Associations, and the City’s multi-departmental team of Public Works, Planning and Development and Public Information Department staff to identify priority projects to improve livability, safety, and neighborhood pride. Projects may include, but are not limited to neighborhood corridor improvements, traffic calming, landscaping and beautification, pedestrian safety, stormwater drainage, sidewalk and trail connections, alleyway improvements and placemaking and community connectedness.
The City officially kicked off Neighborhood Works+ on Dec. 11 and launched the idea gathering phase of the program. More than 40 residents representing nearly all registered neighborhood associations were in attendance to learn more about the expanded program, timeline and idea submission process.
“We want to use this money to start providing neighborhood benefits as quickly as we can,” said Public Works Assistant Director Brett Foster. “So we’re excited to launch this idea gathering phase and hope to receive as many neighborhood improvement ideas as possible.”
Following the idea gathering phase, the City’s staff team will assess project ideas and begin to group them into project concepts to be taken back to registered neighborhood associations in workshops anticipated in February/March.
City staff is working alongside a subcommittee of the Neighborhood Advisory Council (NAC) to determine scoring criteria based on readiness, feasibility and community value. Final project ideas are expected to be presented to the 1/2-cent Citizens Advisory Board for recommendation for City Council approval in the spring or summer. The first round of neighborhood projects is targeted to be under construction in fall of 2026.
Print idea forms and a submission box for completed forms are available at the Busch Municipal Building (840 N. Boonville Ave.).
For full program details, materials from the kickoff meeting and to submit a project idea, visit springfieldmo.gov/nwplus
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Media Contact: Senior Communications Coordinator Kristen Milam at 573-819-3713 or kmilam@springfieldmo.gov.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 23rd!
The Seminole Holland Neighborhood Association and Meador Park Neighborhood Association are joining forces to bring you critical information about changes that could affect our community's future.
City Planning staff will be presenting details about the citywide remapping process—a significant initiative that will shape how our neighborhoods develop and grow in the years to come. This is your opportunity to learn firsthand how these changes may impact your property, your street, and your quality of life.
When: Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 6:30 PM
Where: Cowden Elementary School, 2927 S Kimbrough Avenue
Who: All neighborhood residents are welcome and encouraged to attend
Understanding the remapping process is crucial for every homeowner and resident. This meeting offers you the chance to:
Contact your neighborhood association representatives for more information. We look forward to seeing you there—because informed residents make stronger neighborhoods!
Together, we're building a better community.
REMINDER: Public Works to begin Zone 2 storm debris pickup Aug. 25
Crews to continue debris pickup in Zones 1 and 3
Springfield City Council Zone 2 residents are reminded to move storm debris to the curb by 7 a.m. Monday, Aug. 25, in preparation for a zone-wide Public Works pickup sweep planned for Aug. 25-29. Debris pickup in Zones 1 and 3 will continue through Aug. 29.
Springfield Public Works estimates a total of 11,807 cubic yards of debris have been collected from Zones 1 and 3 since sweeps began on Aug. 11. Crews have collected debris from approximately 77% of Zone 1 and about 57% of Zone 3.
“Collecting this volume of debris is a monumental undertaking,” says Public Works Assistant Director Eric Claussen. “It’s taking longer than we had anticipated to make our way around to every pile, partly because debris piles keep growing. Please have all debris to the curbline by the first day of the scheduled pickup week in your zone so it’s easier for us to assess equipment and crew needs.”
Residents do not need to register for debris pickup. They are simply asked to make sure organic debris only is moved to the streetside (without blocking sidewalks, driveways, or drainage ditches) before their City Council Zone’s scheduled dates.
Public Works neighborhood debris pickups will proceed under the following tentative schedule:
Zone 1: Aug. 11–15 (77% complete)
Zone 3: Aug. 18–22 (57% complete)
Zone 2: Aug. 25–29
Zone 4: Sept. 1–5
To find which City Council Zone you live in, visit https://cosmo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/InformationLookup/index.html?appid=5723eb98cc0c4e9da2b29c90a91d0233.
A City-contracted tree company is currently addressing properties with larger trees and debris, and may help with curbside pickup in areas. This contract service is provided to citizens free of charge. If you have any questions or concerns, call 864-1010.
Important Notes for Residents wanting Debris Removed in August and September:
Only natural/organic vegetative debris (limbs, branches, brush) will be collected.
No registration is needed for pickup.
Debris should be placed at the curb or nearest accessible location, without blocking sidewalks, driveways or drainage ditches.
Debris must be ready by 7 a.m. on the first day of your City Council Zone’s scheduled pickup week.
This effort is part of the City’s ongoing response to the April 29 and June 29 storms, which caused widespread tree damage and infrastructure impacts across Springfield.
July 18, 2025
The City of Springfield has rescheduled its community-wide Clean Green SGF Storm Debris Volunteer Day to Thursday, July 24. The July 17 effort was cancelled out of an abundance of caution for the safety of volunteers, as severe weather was forecast.
The workday is organized to assist residents who are physically unable to move storm debris to the curb. The Volunteer Work Day is separate from the Public Works debris pickup schedule.
• The workday’s purpose remains the same: to assist residents who are physically unable to move vegetative debris to the curb.
• Those already signed up to receive assistance will remain on the list. The deadline to request this particular assistance has passed.
• Volunteers previously registered will receive a confirmation email to check availability for the new date.
• Volunteer sign-ups remain open to groups and individuals at www.CleanGreenSGF.com.
Due to the postponement, Public Works neighborhood debris sweeps (debris removal) will also shift to begin after the volunteer event:
• Zone 1: August 11–15
• Zone 3: August 18–22
• Zone 2: August 25–29
• Zone 4: September 1–5
Residents do not need to register for these sweeps/debris pickups. They are simply asked to make sure organic debris only is moved to the curbside (without blocking sidewalks or driveways) prior to their City Council Zone’s scheduled dates.
To find which City Council Zone you live in, visit https://cosmo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/InformationLookup/index.html?appid=5723eb98cc0c4e9da2b29c90a91d0233.
• Only natural/organic vegetative debris will be collected (limbs, branches, brush).
• No registration is needed for pickup.
• Debris should be placed at the curb or nearest accessible location, without blocking sidewalks or driveways.
• Debris must be ready by 7 a.m. on the first day of your City Council Zone’s scheduled pickup week.
This effort is part of the City’s ongoing response to the April 29 and June 19 storms, which caused widespread tree damage and infrastructure impacts across Springfield.
Click “Request Help” below by July 14 to request volunteer help getting your debris to the curb. Those without internet access or who need help submitting the form should call the Citizen Resource Center at 864-1010.
The City of Springfield needs volunteers to join Public Works and City Staff to help residents in need drag storm debris to the curbline in preparation for debris pickup. Individuals, families, businesses, churches and civic groups are encouraged to register for a morning (7:30 – 11:30 a.m.) or afternoon (1-5 p.m.) volunteer shift at one of many rally points across Springfield. Registrations will be collected via the City of Springfield’s new volunteer portal, Give Pulse.
Volunteers will receive a FREE Clean Green t-shirt and pizza lunch!
City residents may begin placing organic debris (like limbs and branches)
at the curb now. Please keep debris away from sidewalks, mailboxes, and
storm drains or from blocking visibility at intersections.
Please have debris at the curb or street edge by the beginning of the
sweep date to assure collection. City contractor Hodges Tree Service
will assist in removing the remaining large debris piles and completing
assistance requests.
The City of Springfield is calling on volunteers to step up and help neighbors in need by joining Clean Green Springfield’s Storm Debris Cleanup Day on Thursday, July 17.
This one-day volunteer event will support residents—especially seniors, people with disabilities, and others who need help—by moving organic storm debris to the curb ahead of scheduled City pickup sweeps.
Everyone! Individuals, families, businesses, faith groups, and civic organizations are encouraged to volunteer.
Choose from one or both shifts:
Volunteers will rally at one of 15 locations across the city. When you sign up, you can pick your preferred location.
