In 2023, we held eight general membership meetings with speakers, great Q&A sessions with our PAR officer and potluck dinners. City Councilwoman Monica Horton graciously came to several of our meetings, and her insights have been most helpful to our residents. With Monica, we have a great advocate on City Council.
Our annual neighborhood cleanup was held in June with over 50 households served, tons of refuse removed and many curbside pickups. Our annual neighborhood-wide yard sale was held in July and had a great many participants.
Spearheaded by our new Eden Village 2 neighbors, for the first time, we had a cheering section at the Bass Pro Marathon held in early November. Participants dressed up as “Bissett Bobcats” as they cheered on the runners. The event was fun for all.
Another first this year was BNA’s participation in the KY3/City Block Party at Nichols Park in September. The event had over 100 participants and featured most of the KY3 on-air personalities bringing their KY3 Weather School, book reading and poster signing. Free food was provided as were bicycle helmets and other fun toys. For our part, we staffed a table to bring more awareness of our association and all that it does.
Thanks to Neighborhood Works proposals authored by BNA, over $200,000 was expended this year to improve the Nichols/Hillcrest intersection and widening Glenn Street. These are huge safety improvements for our neighborhood, especially for our kids and families getting to and from Bissett Elementary.
BNA purchased Pickleball equipment for any BNA member to borrow to use on the new Pickleball courts at L.A. Wise Park, which was also made possible by a successful BNA grant request.
BNA continued its strong participation in the Neighborhood Advisory Council. Joining with the other 20-plus registered Springfield neighborhood organizations helps us have a strong voice in helping guide and participate in the betterment of Springfield.
The year was capped off by our annual Christmas dinner.
We want to thank Walmart Neighborhood Market on Mt. Vernon Street and Little Caesar’s Pizza for the generous food donations for some of our events.