Following a public comment period yielding no major concerns, the City of Springfield began construction of safety and operational modifications to downtown Springfield’s Jubilee Park (298 S. Jefferson Ave.) at the end of 2023. Jubilee Park marks the site of the former Jewell Theatre, which housed the Ozark Jubilee. The Jubilee was the first national country music show on television and was broadcast by ABC from Springfield from 1955 until 1960. The show is credited with popularizing country music and featured well-known performers, including Red Foley, Speedy Haworth, Brenda Lee, Porter Wagoner and Slim Wilson.
The goal of the modifications was to provide a convenient green space for residents and visitors in an area of downtown Springfield that is otherwise developed. The project included the removal of stone walls, planters and patio spaces on the north and south portions of the park. An asphalt walkway was also removed and a new walkway constructed to connect sidewalk along the western perimeter to an existing music installation. Spaces where pavement was removed was regraded to provide flatter, more walkable and mowable green space. Several trees in poor condition were removed and replaced with new trees and landscaping in various locations.
The City began looking at potential modifications to the park following a request from the Downtown Community Improvement District to assess safety, maintenance and overall usability of the space. A Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) study of the space was conducted by the Springfield Police Department. The City also conducted research on the history of the current contents of Jubilee Park and found no restrictions to its modification.
Crews began with the removal of approximately 10 trees from the site that are in poor health and condition. Workers returned the week of Dec. 11, 2023 to begin the removal of stone walls, planters and patio spaces on the north and south portions of the park. The modifications were completed near the end of the year, with replacement tree plantings and landscaping work planned for the spring.
Modifications were constructed by Public Works internal streets and grounds crews at a cost of less than $5,000.