A Walk in the Park (#22)

As this Christmas approaches, I’m grateful for the Northeast Community Park that has sprung up this year and all its amenities. For those of us who live in the rural areas north of Springfield, the park that is open to the public provides a quiet, inviting, peaceful place where we can walk, think, and relax.

The park doesn’t have the traffic noise of many parks in the city. The various access points to the wide walking paths attest to the calm of the surrounding neighborhood. What a blessing this developed acreage is becoming to those who live north of the city limits!

This time of year, with a chill in the air, the park is a great place to walk to feel the warmth of the sun. While I’m looking forward to all the beautiful trees that will be planted along the paths next year, for now it’s a place for an uninhibited view of the orb in the sky.

I’m especially appreciative of the installation this year of the two pickleball courts, the only courts open to the public north of Interstate 44. Unlike many of the pickleball courts in Springfield, these courts aren’t converted tennis courts. Thus, there are no confusing taped lines trying to accommodate both sports. In addition, the net is regulation height for pickleball, rather than for tennis.

The fenced-in courts keep the ball from rolling too far away. The “kitchen” area on the pickleball courts is clearly marked, as are the out-of-bounds areas. The newly painted surface is free of cracks. Benches on each side of the courts allow for visitors to watch the games while waiting.

The pickleball courts, like the walking path, provide an opportunity for local residents to stay active and fit. After a hefty Thanksgiving meal, Northeast Community Park might be just the right place to land.

by: John Kennedy

A Christmas Stroll in the Park

December is just around the corner, and with it comes the magic and wonder of the holiday season.

Capture the moment.

Relive the wonder.

Come be a kid again.

Take A Christmas Stroll in the Park.

Mark your calendars.

Gear up for an evening packed with festivities, fun, and cherished community traditions.

Date & Time:
December 8th, from 5-7pm.

Location:
Northeast Community Park
3535 N. Glenstone
Springfield, MO 65803

A Whimsical Walk:
Step into a winter wonderland as you take a leisurely stroll around our park, encountering various Christmas-themed experiences. From a live nativity scene that transports you to the heart of Bethlehem, to merry carolers serenading with age-old Christmas tunes, the evening promises a magical journey for young and old alike.

For the Little Ones:

• Inflatable Winter Wonderland: Watch the kids bounce and play in our fun inflatables.

• Christmas Train Experience: All aboard! Children can embark on a mini journey reminiscent of the beloved Christmas story.

• Pictures with Santa: Ensure those picture-perfect moments with Saint Nick himself. Don't forget to whisper your Christmas wishes!

Culinary Delights:

• Hot Cocoa: Warm up with a cup of creamy hot cocoa. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or whipped cream to elevate the experience!

• Cookies & S'mores: Indulge in delicious holiday cookies and roast s'mores over a fire. It's the perfect way to keep warm and enjoy a sweet treat!

The Crowning Moment:
The highlight of the evening will, of course, be our grand Christmas Tree Lighting. As we count down together and the lights come alive, let's usher in the holiday season with shared joy and community spirit.

So, bundle up in your warmest attire, grab your family and friends, and join us at Northeast Community Park on December 8th. It's more than just an event; it's where memories are made, and the true spirit of Christmas comes alive.

See you under the twinkling lights!

A Walk in the Park (#21)

Although fall officially began in September, it has made its presence known more fully over the past couple of weeks. Our air conditioning is rarely needed now, and we even find ourselves switching over to heat occasionally. The pleasant temperatures and gentle breezes encourage us to spend more time outdoors, while the colorful piles of leaves in our yard call for our attention.

As I walked through the park this week, I wondered about the seasonal tasks required to prepare it for winter. Naturally, I turned to Stephanie Peters for answers.

Stephanie shared that one of her current tasks involves deadheading flowers and cutting back any dead plant matter. Once that’s complete, she will go back through the beds, one at a time, to be sure there are no weeds that might take hold over the winter, and to ensure everything is tidy and ready for the cold months ahead. She is also scattering seeds of native flowers like coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and coreopsis, which will bloom beautifully next year.

An important part of fall planning has involved adding new grass to the softball field and other areas. These seeds need to be planted in cooler weather, and the much-needed rain that followed their planting was a welcome answer to prayer. This week, fertilizer was added to the newly seeded areas to promote strong growth in the spring.

With each of these tasks, the park team is not just planning for winter; they are nurturing the park’s future beauty. Each task reflects a commitment to developing and maintaining Northeast Community Park as a vibrant space for the community to enjoy. We welcome this time of change and preparation for all that lies ahead.

A Walk in the Park (#20)

Someday, the happy sounds of softball games will echo through Northeast Community Park. While we don’t yet know when the full-size softball field will be ready for play, this week marked another important step in that direction.

During a visit to the park last week, I spotted Joe Sardo hard at work on the softball field. He shared that over 900 pounds of fescue blend grass seed is going to be planted throughout the park, with 550 pounds specifically dedicated to the softball field this week.

When I asked if the field might be ready in the spring, he replied that a softball field is a work in progress. Given the rocky soil and ongoing drought conditions, the outcome remains unpredictable, and there is no way to know for sure when it will be ready. He mentioned that prayers for rain would certainly be welcome.

Joe also expressed his gratitude for the support of several community members – none of whom are affiliated with Praise Assembly – who have stepped up to volunteer at the park. Some are from a local church, others are neighborhood residents, and some are simply people who enjoy the park’s walking trails. He added that it has been a pleasure to get to know these folks and make new friends. Some have joined him in the grass-planting efforts, while others helped with various projects around the park.

Thinking about my visit with Joe, I recognized that far more than grass seeds are being planted in the park. Not only will we see those seeds flourish, but the seeds of camaraderie and community spirit are growing and thriving in this space. I am confident that this sense of community will only deepen in the years to come.  

A Walk in the Park (#19)

After being out-of-pocket and unable to enjoy my usual park walks, it was fun to see all the projects underway this week. Apparently, my absence did not slow down the work one bit!

I took a moment to catch up with Stephanie Peters, who was hard at work preparing a rock-covered creek bed to manage water flow during heavy rains. This project will serve a functional purpose and add another beautiful feature to the park.

Stephanie shared some exciting spring plans to enhance the park’s visual appeal. Five designated zones, each approximately 3000 square feet, are being prepared for native grasses to be planted in the spring. Two zones will be on the south side, and three will be on the west. Each zone will feature Big Bluestem, a warm-season grass that can grow up to about 8 feet tall, complemented by the cool-season June Grass, which will help support the Bluestem as it begins to droop in the fall. Towering sunflowers, which can reach heights of 12 feet, will add a stunning element to the gardens.  

Another exciting spring project will be the creation of an instructional garden area near the center front of the park. This area will include various grasses such as River Oats, Eastern Gammagrass, Notting Bull Rush, and Fowl Manna Grass among others – depending on what is easily available in the spring. Visitors will be able to stroll along mulched walking paths, with labels providing information about each grass and where else they can be found in the park.   

The Missouri Department of Conservation is assisting with planning these projects and will provide some of the plants. A spring workday is planned for anyone interested in helping with the planting efforts.  

A Walk in the Park (#18)

I absolutely love the new “Community Pavilion” sign at the Northeast Community Park pavilion! Somehow, though it has been completed for almost a year, the sign just made it seem ‘official.’ It feels like just yesterday we were watching as the footings were poured. We waited – somewhat impatiently – as construction progressed, and before we knew it, benches were installed, electricity was added, and lights made night events possible. The pavilion was finally completed, and we were ready to go!

What I love most about the new sign is the word: “community.” This park—and this pavilion—wasn’t built just for Praise Assembly; it was created for the entire north Springfield community. The pavilion is a vital part of the park, serving as a central gathering place where neighbors can get to know each other.

Just last Christmas, the pavilion was utilized for the Christmas Stroll in the Park – the first community event following its completion. Since then, we’ve seen the community come together in this space for a variety of gatherings, including the recent grand opening.  Several schools and organizations have plans to use the pavilion and the park for their events, further emphasizing our shared space and purpose.

But community wears many faces; it isn’t just about events. It comes to life under the pavilion as moms gather to chat while their little ones play or ride their tricycles in its shade. It happens when walkers find a welcome respite from the sun, enjoying a cool breeze and a comfortable spot to sit and unwind, or when someone stops by to eat lunch and read a book. These little moments in a shared space truly help connect us to our neighbors and deepen our sense of community.

In the months to come, folks who haven’t yet met will become friends in this community space. Children will find new playmates, fostering connections among parents. Senior citizens who come to walk the paths will discover others with shared interests. The ripples of community have already begun, and, because of Northeast Community Park, those ripples will continue to spread and grow in north Springfield.

A Walk in the Park (#17)

What a beautiful day in the park! The sun was shining, fluffy white clouds dotted the sky, and the temperature hovered perfectly in the mid-70s – what more could you want? Well, today, we got even more!

Alongside Joe Sardo and Stephanie Peters, park volunteers gathered to celebrate the Community Betterment Award recently presented to Praise Assembly by the North Springfield Betterment Association (NSBA). The group posed for a picture around a sign donated by the organization to commemorate this honor.

The award recognizes businesses and organizations that have significantly contributed to the improvement of North Springfield, whether through enhancing commercial property or by introducing new businesses to the area. Praise Assembly received the award in recognition of the development of Northeast Community Park, underscoring the church’s dedication to fostering community growth in the area.

As a park volunteer, it was a joy to be present when the award was presented earlier this month and again today for the group photo with the sign. Watching the park transform from a simple field behind the church into a recognized centerpiece of the community has been truly rewarding, and I’m proud to be part of this ongoing journey.

If you are interested in joining the park team (and hanging out with some great people), contact Joe Sardo at Praise Assembly. You don’t have to be a church member to be on the team – we’d love to have you!

A Walk in the Park (#16)

You just never know what you’ll find on a walk in the park.

This week, on the evening of my birthday, my husband and I took a stroll through Northeast Community Park to ‘walk off’ the large ice cream treat we had enjoyed in celebration. Near the end of our walk, we discovered a cute little scene that made us both chuckle. A child had obviously enjoyed some playtime in the park, leaving behind a lineup of toy vehicles ready to help with some serious dirt work.

This moment reminded me that the park isn’t just about sports courts and walking trails – though we love all those things. It is also a place where families and friends in our community can come together and connect with nature, and where children can unleash their imaginations through creative play. I can only imagine the incredible construction projects this youngster dreamed up!

We are excited as we look forward to the completion of Phase 3 of the park in 2025, which will feature a beautiful, fully accessible playground. The benefits of playgrounds are well-documented, but our area has long been considered a “play desert,” lacking these essential spaces for children. Besides encouraging physical exercise, playgrounds boost confidence, promote imagination, and improve coordination. They also advance critical thinking, support reflexes and muscle function, and provide valuable opportunities for social interaction. This playground will not only enhance the park but also benefit the children and families in our community.  

Playing in the dirt – whether building roads or making mud pies – has always been a favorite activity for children, and it was a joy to see these toys and think about the fun this child had. Still, my heart is excited by the vision of the new play options to come! Maybe – just maybe – they will even top the joy of playing in the dirt!

Award Winning Northeast Community Park

Praise Assembly was honored with North Springfield Betterment Association’s (NSBA) Commercial Betterment Award on Thursday, September 12, 2024. The award recognizes businesses and organizations that have significantly contributed to the improvement of North Springfield through commercial property enhancements or through introducing a new business in the area.

The award was presented in recognition of Northeast Community Park, highlighting Praise Assembly’s commitment to community growth in North Springfield. Pastor Alan Beauchamp, with fellow church representatives, Joe Sardo, Vince Crunk, and Stefan Bunch, accepted the award on behalf of Praise Assembly.

Special guest speaker, Jon Mooney, Assistant Director of the Greene County Health Department, remembered the health department’s early efforts to identify properties suitable for a playground in Springfield’s north side. He expressed his enthusiasm for the park’s successful development.  

Director of Advancement and Marketing at Victory Mission, Mindy McDonald, shared her excitement about the park. “Praise Assembly has carved out a gem for the North Springfield community. For families who call North Springfield home, their new park is leading the charge for placemaking in our city. It will be a great space for new friendships to form and for families to grow and play.”

The Commercial Betterment Award underscores Praise Assembly’s dedication to creating a space where neighbors can get to know neighbors, fostering a vibrant, connected environment in North Springfield.

Park Grand Opening Draws 1200 Community Members

Northeast Community Park, located at 3535 N Glenstone behind Praise Assembly, officially opened today, drawing more than 1,200 attendees to its ribbon-cutting ceremony. Mayor Ken McClure proclaimed Sunday, September 8, 2024, as Northeast Community Park Day in Springfield.

Mayor McClure, Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon, and Pastor Alan Beauchamp joined members of Praise Assembly to cut the ribbon, officially opening the park to the public.

The day’s festivities featured activities for all ages including pickleball, basketball, and sand volleyball on the new courts. Families enjoyed inflatables, face painting, and a bike rodeo for the younger set, while food trucks and first responder vehicles also added to the fun.  

Event volunteer Makala Trentham shared her enthusiasm, saying, “It’s exciting to see people enjoying the outdoors and having fun together. This park is made for community, and I’m looking forward to seeing that impact for years to come.”

The park's groundbreaking took place in February 2023. Phases 1 and 2 have been completed, with a total investment of $3.85 million — including property and improvements valued at $850,000. Phase 3 will add an accessible playground at an estimated cost of $250,000, with hopes to complete and open it by the end of 2025.

Pastor Alan Beauchamp remarked, “It was a beautiful day and a wonderful celebration of our community. We want to see neighbors knowing their neighbors in northeast Springfield. That’s what this park is about. It is a place for our community to gather, grow, and get to know one another.”

News-leader Covered the Park

The Springfield News-Leader covered the grand opening of the Northeast Community Park! The article covers the park's role in revitalizing the Northeast area, offering new recreational spaces for families and individuals. With plans for future phases of development, including a fully accessible playground (you can help make that happen here), the park is set to become a key community hub.

Read the full News-Leader story to learn more about the park’s opening and its significance for Springfield.

KSMU (NPR) Covered the Park

KSMU, Springfield's local NPR station, recently highlighted the opening of the Northeast Community Park. The park, which opened on September 8th, 2024, aims to provide the community with much-needed green space and recreational opportunities. The coverage explores the park’s development, its importance to the neighborhood, and the future phases planned to enhance the space further. Listen to KSMU’s full story to discover how the park is bringing the community together.

KY3 News Covered the Park

The Northeast Community Park, which officially opened on September 8th, 2024, was celebrated by the local community with a 'Park Kickoff' event. The park offers a range of recreational activities and serves as a vital addition to the Northeast area. KY3 sent a news team to cover the event! Watch the full KY3 story to learn more about the park’s features and its impact on the community!

Photos from the Park Opening

A Walk in the Park (#15)

Sunday, September 8, 2024, was a beautiful day for a walk in Northeast Community Park. That day, which marked the long-anticipated grand opening of the park, was enjoyed by over 1200 attendees. The festivities began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony where Pastor Alan Beauchamp and others who played key roles in the park’s development shared its story. Comments by Mayor Ken McClure and Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon followed. Mayor McClure also presented a proclamation declaring Sunday, September 8, 2024, as Northeast Community Park Day in Springfield.

Walking through the park and seeing the lively scene was incredibly moving. The sports courts were full of people enjoying pickleball, basketball, and sand volleyball. The soccer field and horseshoe pit bustled with activity. Children were painting flowerpots, getting their faces painted, and riding their bikes on the trails. The parking lot was filled with food trucks and first responder vehicles. Everywhere I looked the park was full of life.

For those who have dedicated years to the park’s development, opening day must have been extremely fulfilling. My connection to the park is much newer – I first wrote about the park after the ground-breaking in the spring of 2023 – but I have grown to love the founders’ vision and delight in each milestone. Over the past few months, as I’ve written this blog, my connection has only grown stronger. Watching the community come together and enjoy the park was a beautiful experience.

Opening day was more than just a celebration of the park's launch; it was a testament to the unwavering commitment of Praise Assembly members, the vendors who went above and beyond, and others in the broader community who invested in the project. Because of their dedication, Northeast Community Park is set to become a gathering place for connection and camaraderie for years to come.

A Walk in the Park (#14)

Maintaining the park while building the park is no easy feat. If you don’t believe it, ask the park team. I am constantly amazed by their tireless efforts to make Northeast Community Park a beautiful oasis in this part of our city. Their hard work often goes unnoticed, much like household chores – you only notice them when they aren’t done! But these folks aren’t doing this work for recognition. Their goal is to create a space where we can gather, connect with our neighbors, and build community – and they are succeeding.

In addition to the normal day-to-day challenges, the grand opening Kick-Off is happening this weekend. The team’s determination to make everything as welcoming as possible has added an extra dose of busyness. A lot is happening in every direction.

To support the team just a bit this week, instead of my usual ‘walk in the park,’ I decided to tackle two of the park’s never-ending tasks: weeding and watering. Maintaining those beautifully landscaped places in the park doesn’t happen by magic. If the landscaped areas are to continue to BE landscaped, they require regular hands-on upkeep. All those new plantings need extra water to keep their lush appearance in the summer heat. Weeds act like weeds, and they are relentless. Grass consistently pushes past its designated boundaries. Thankfully, I was not the only volunteer willing to invest a few hours to help.

Watching the park come together and seeing the daily changes has been a joy! One of my special pleasures is watching beautiful pollinators enjoying plants specifically provided for them. This is yet another proof of our team’s thoughtful planning. The butterflies are thankful, and so am I.

I hope you will plan to attend Northeast Community Park’s Kick-Off this Sunday, September 8. Bring your friends and family to celebrate with us as this beautiful new addition to northeast Springfield is officially opened. Come enjoy the park, meet your neighbors, and make happy memories. I look forward to seeing you there!

A Walk in the Park (#13)

It is such a busy time in the park! Everywhere you look there are new additions and completed projects. It is clear Joe Sardo and his team are working hard to prepare everything for the grand opening celebration. September 8 seemed so far away when the date was first announced, but now it is almost here!

When I was at the park earlier this week, new grass was being planted. Seeing those spaces covered with straw was one more sign of progress and brought a big smile to my face. The seed mix includes a quick-growing rye that will pop up and look nice right away while helping to slow erosion. The Field Fescue in the mix takes longer to germinate but, by spring, we will see a beautiful carpet of green. After months of seeing lots of dirt work in these areas, more green in the spring sounds lovely.

I also had the opportunity to learn about watering in the park this week. Stephanie Peters patiently showed me how to operate the UTV and the water tank trailer and explained where and how to water. There are a LOT of plants in the park! Though I knew this from my walks, I didn’t really appreciate the extent until I was trying to get them watered! Fortunately, as Stephanie explained, many of the plants are natives and won’t require constant watering once they are established. I love how forward-thinking the park team is in every area.

Though I don’t have a ‘for sure’ I’ve heard a rumor that there may be a park workday before the grand opening. I certainly plan to be there for that and to volunteer on September 8, as well. I hope many of you will be there to help when you can. I know we are all looking forward to officially welcoming our community to the park!

A Walk in the Park (#12)

A walk in the park was the perfect beginning for a day like today. The cheerful sunshine, blue skies, and fluffy clouds created a stunning backdrop. The gentle breeze and mild temperature hinted at early autumn – can it be that fall is almost here?   

As I walked along the trails, the pretty landscaped areas around the park benches caught my eye. It is amazing to see how they’ve changed since they were first planted in the spring. As I sometimes do, I stopped a moment at each bench to read the inscriptions and consider the special people honored by family or friends through these donations. These lovely tributes will be enjoyed by park visitors for years to come.  

The benches also remind me that, in the midst of our busy lives, we need to take moments to stop, sit, and reflect – to simply enjoy the ‘right now.’ Maybe in those quiet moments, we stop and whisper a prayer of gratitude for those who helped us along the way, just as those honored on these benches were celebrated by those who dedicated them.

When I asked, I learned there are several benches ready to be installed and dedicated, along with a few still available for those who wish to honor someone special. If you would like more information about these, please contact the office at Praise and someone will be glad to help you.

I encourage you to take a walk in the park soon and take a moment along the trail to celebrate the special people who have been – or still are – a part of your life. 

A Walk in the Park (#11)

I wasn’t sure a walk in the park was the best plan today when I stepped outside in 77% humidity. But after being away for a couple of weeks, I really wanted to go, and decided just to do it. I am so glad I did.

What a beautiful day in the park! Children were running and playing while their moms relaxed under the pavilion. Flowers and plants in the landscaped areas were showing off their beauty, and a breeze kept me company the whole time. It was just about a perfect morning walk!

Noticeable changes had happened in the park while we were away. Those sparked my attention and added a smile to my face. New permanent signage had been installed at the entrances. The pickleball nets were set up, the basketball court was striped, and the areas around the courts had been graded and planted. I waved at Andy Johnson of Johnson Construction, as he operated his skid steer to complete additional dirt work. Progress was everywhere!

Much has been accomplished since the ground-breaking ceremony, but there is still a lot to be done. Ken Dahlager, one of the volunteers who helps with groundskeeping in the park, was leaving as I arrived. We discussed the need for more volunteers to help maintain the park’s beauty. Tasks such as weeding, watering, mowing, and edging are always needed. Even just an hour or two of your time can make a big difference!

If you are interested in being part of the park team, contact Joe Sardo at the church office. He will be glad to help you find a way to serve that works for you. 

A Walk in the Park (#10)

A walk in the park can lead to unexpected encounters with interesting people. That is exactly what happened to me recently.

Exiting my car to begin my walk on the trail, I noticed two men and a black German Shepherd under the pavilion. We exchanged greetings, and I continued on my way. Occasionally as I walked, I heard the dog bark briefly but thought nothing of it.  

I neared the pavilion after my walk and commented to one of the men how beautiful and well-behaved the dog was. He introduced himself as Casey Wilson, owner of K9 Defend Training Center. Casey specializes in various types of dog training, including programs for police and fire departments, drug rehab facilities, service animals, personal protection dogs, and sport dogs.

I learned that Casey was recently appointed the commissioner of the American Politiehond Association (APA), a national dog sport organization. This past spring, he coordinated the first APA trial in the Midwest, held at Northeast Community Park. Participants traveled from Missouri, Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Wisconsin, and California. I had seen the post about that trial on the park's Facebook page, so it was especially fun to connect with Casey.
 
That day, Casey was working with Cliff Mabe and his dog, Junior. Casey demonstrated one of their exercises where he posed as an attacker with a fake gun. It was incredible to see the gentle Junior switch to full attack mode and then stop just as quickly on command.

Witnessing such remarkable training firsthand was a fascinating experience. It’s clear why trainers wear heavy protection equipment! I left the park feeling both impressed and relieved to be on the right side of Junior’s watchful eyes.