As a way to show off its hometown spirit during the annual Bass Pro Marathon in November, Bass Pro committed $10,000 to fund a contest for neighborhood cheering sections, and partnered with the City’s Great Neighborhoods Program to issue a “neighborhood challenge” to registered neighborhoods across the City.
The winnings must go toward neighborhood initiatives such as community gardens, additions to a park or other neighborhood improvements. This was the third year that Bass Pro and the City partnered for the challenge.
This year’s winnings were split evenly among the participating neighborhoods.
“The event is a great way for neighborhood associations to have fun while helping to cheer on the runners and walkers as they pass by. The award money was split equally among the participating neighborhoods so each neighborhood came out a winner! Some of the themes featured by the neighborhoods this year included a Route 66 theme, Outdoors in the Ozarks, The Fabulous Fifties and Clowning Around, just to name a few,” says Alana Owen, senior planning with the City’s Neighborhoods and Planning office.
If you’re interested in participating in the Bass Pro Marathon, watch for details at fitness.basspro.com.
Great Neighborhoods is the City of Springfield’s initiative to working with neighborhood residents and businesses to create and maintain great neighborhoods. The benefits of growing strong relationships in small urban areas is endless and it stands to reason during difficult times, that these neighborhoods will be more resilient and will be able to withstand turbulence, no matter how severe, by coming together.
The three qualities of Great Neighborhoods are that they are clean, safe and friendly. A clean neighborhood has an impact on residents’ health and the attractiveness of the neighborhood to potential residents and investors. Welcoming neighborhoods also encourage new investment by existing and potential residents and businesses. Neighborhoods need to communicate issues and activities throughout the neighborhood and bring residents together in meaningful ways to address issues and create social connections. To learn more about the Great Neighborhoods program visit springfieldmo.gov/greatneighborhoods.