“Like a tree firmly planted by streams of living water … its leaf does not wither.” (Ps. 1:3)
Although Fassnight Creek borders the southern edge of Phelps Grove Park, its waters would rarely nourish the trees within, and sometimes Ozarks rains just fall too infrequently. Today, the park of trees thrives in large part due to vision of some of its neighbors, and the selfless acts of those who support this magnificent central-city beauty.
This is also the story of a little red wagon. Yes, the same kind that many of us had growing up, and how that ubiquitous toy of our youth has been used to keep trees alive in one of Springfield’s largest city parks.
Meet Jim and Fran Giglio, their little red wagon, and learn of a love they have for the tree-lined park they live near to. It all started in 2007 after Springfield’s infamous three-day ice storm. The persistent, slow-motion onslaught of frozen weight wreaked havoc upon many of the park’s oldest residents, causing the loss of entire trees and permanent damage to scores of others. The park that Jim and Fran loved literally lay in many feet of broken and shattered branches. It would take years to recover.
Not long after the ice storm, the Giglios started planting trees. To date, and with the Park Board’s permission, they have planted more than 125 new trees. It’s here where that little red wagon made its debut.
Young trees cannot survive long without water, and a typical summer’s evening found the Giglios hauling wagon load after wagon load of water to these thirsty plantings. They even interrupted a family vacation to return to the park to water during especially dry periods, often making three and four trips each evening. The couple has done this now for more than a decade.
In late 2016, some folks took notice of the Giglios’ labors and asked how could the community come together to support their efforts? After several conversations with Park Board officials, it was determined that a dedicated rig that could haul water, while also helping with other chores around the park like trash and brush hauling, was just what was needed.
The Phelps Neighborhood Association revised an annual Art-in-the-Garden event and implemented T-shirt sales that helped raise about half of the $6,100 necessary to purchase the proper equipment. Then, perhaps to no one’s surprise, Jim and Fran Giglio graciously donated the remaining $3,000 to fund the project.
The result is the purchase of a brand new John Deere Gator this past September. This rugged unit features a dump bed and removable 25-gallon water tank, and represents a substantial upgrade to that little red wagon towed faithfully to and from the park by the Giglios for more than 10 years. The vehicle is also available to maintenance staff at the Springfield Art Museum, adjacent to the park. The Gator replaces a much older utility vehicle, which was moved to another park for use.
It’s often said than in today’s world there isn’t enough sunshine, but one only has to look as close as the neighbors around Phelps Grove neighborhood to see there is hope in every drop of water that nourishes the trees that shade Phelps Grove Park. And everyone knows that sunshine, mixed with water and a little love, results in deep, strong roots of community, and a crown that soars high above the troubles that sometimes divide us.