Improvements are underway at eight public parks in Springfield, as Neighborhood Works Program projects move from the drawing board to the construction phase.

The work is funded by the City of Springfield’s 1/4-cent Capital Improvements Sales Tax, which includes a new annual allocation of $500,000 for Neighborhood Works. The program is intended to fund small-scale capital improvements within neighborhoods nominated by officially registered neighborhood organizations. Projects were limited to $100,000 or less, and must take place on city-owned property or right-of-way.

The Neighborhood Advisory Council and Springfield City Manager Greg Burris approved this year’s list of projects in May. Since then, the Park Board has been working with the City’s Purchasing Department to design, bid and begin construction.

Assistant Parks Director Miles Park is heading up the list of projects. He said this funding is key to moving forward on parks improvements requested by neighborhoods.

“Many of these projects address infrastructure improvements that allow neighborhood associations to hold special events at parks sites,” said Park. “For example, providing electrical service adjacent to Doling Park’s Giboney Cave, that will help make the Concert in the Cave activities events possible, and electrical improvements at Lafayette Park will help us hold Dirt Day and tennis programs.”

Some projects on the list have been on the Park Board’s wish list for several years, he said.

“We’ve had no means for funding capital improvements since our last (2006) Parks Sales Tax sunset provision became effective, so without this program, these projects couldn’t be considered,” said Park.

The planned improvements and their current progress include:

Tom Watkins Park Improvements – Tom Watkins Neighborhood: $77,930

The project consists of improvements to increase functionality of the park including the installation of four new lights placed in the central area of the park, the installation of a new disc golf course, including new tee pads and tee signs, and drainage improvements west of the Tom Watkins Community Center.

Plans are now complete for the new 18-hole disc golf course, and the bidding process for construction has begun. Disc golf improvements are expected to be complete by the end of the year. Electrical work in the park is linked to a separate grant-funded project to install restrooms at the park’s shelter. Construction on this is expected over the winter, with opening planned for Spring 2018.

Lafayette Park Improvements – Woodland Heights Neighborhood: $36,500

Improvements include the addition of lighting for the tennis court and the installation of electrical outlets on the east side of the Charlie Norr Community Center, adjacent to the promenade, and additional electrical service for the pavilion.

This project is packaged with lighting and electrical work at Grant Beach and Doling Park’s Giboney Cave. Materials have been ordered, and the permitting process is underway. Work is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

L.A. Wise Park Improvements – Bissett Neighborhood: $95,880

The project includes the installation of a 30’ x 40’ pavilion with picnic tables and the installation of lighting and electrical service at the pavilion.

Preliminary plans are complete, with project bidding planned for this fall and construction over the winter.

Washington Park Improvements – Midtown Neighborhood: $47,936

This project includes maintenance to the existing basketball and tennis courts.  Improvements to the basketball court include the sealing of cracks, a new asphalt overlay, new striping and the installation of a new basketball goal and backboard. The tennis court will receive a new asphalt overlay with new surface and striping and new posts and net will be installed.

Permanent bench seating will also be installed on the sides of both courts.

Because asphalt work cannot be done in cold temperatures, work at Washington Park is expected to begin in spring 2018.

Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park Enhancements – West Central Neighborhood: $9,600

This project consists of the installation of picnic tables and park benches within the Birthplace of Route 66 Roadside Park.

The bidding process in underway, with completion expected by the end of the year.

Grant Beach Park Improvements – Grant Beach Neighborhood: $59,800

This project includes new electrical service and lighting installed at the park pavilion. In addition, new wood poles with sports lights will be installed and two existing sport light fixtures will be replaced on the sports field.

This project is packaged with lighting and electrical work at Lafayette Park and Doling Park’s Giboney Cave. Materials have been ordered, and the permitting process is underway. Work is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Phelps Grove Park Parking Lot Improvements – Phelps Grove Neighborhood: $54,210

This project includes improvements to and expansion of parking on the east side of Phelps Grove Park to improve traffic flow for safety of drivers and pedestrians. Cracks on the existing asphalt will be repaired and a new asphalt overlay will be provided. Improvements will include new striping and handicap parking symbols and signs. In addition, an island will be installed to separate the parking lot from Virginia Avenue.

Preliminary design work is now complete. The Park Board is collaborating with Springfield Public Works on specifications for bids. Because asphalt work cannot take place during cold temperatures, completion is expected in Spring 2018.

Giboney Cave Electrical Upgrades – Doling Neighborhood: $18,500

This project includes improvements within Doling Park with electrical upgrades near the Giboney Cave entrance, to accommodate a sound system and lighting for events such as Concert at the Cave.

This project is packaged with lighting and electrical work at Lafayette and Grant Beach parks. Materials have been ordered, and the construction permitting process is underway. Work is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Two additional projects were recommended as alternates to be funded if costs for the base projects are completed under budget, including the West Avenue Sidewalk Addition – Westside Neighborhood, and Pavilion Upgrades at Doling Park – Doling Neighborhood.