On Aug. 17, 26 volunteers from Missouri State University’s women’s softball team joined Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, MO (HFHS) to help with the Sidewalk Sweep in Woodland Heights. Sidewalk Sweep is an event focused on neighborhood revitalization in Woodland Heights, HFHS’s partner neighborhood.
Sidewalk Sweep projects included yard cleanups, removing brush, and cutting back overhanging growth from fences. During the event volunteers and HFHS staff discovered a herringbone brick sidewalk located on Dale Street between Main and Lyon Avenues. It had been completely covered with 1-2 inches of grass, and volunteers and HFHS workers were able to uncover the sidewalk completely.
“Our team is very committed to community service,” said Associate Head Coach Beth Perine. “We’re very grateful for the opportunity that Habitat gives us to allow us to come out here and help. Our team is a team that wants more opportunities and is excited for new and different opportunities. To come out here and be a part of this neighborhood is just a great feeling for all of us.”
Neighborhood revitalization is an ongoing Habitat program that strives to improve the quality of life of a single neighborhood by working with area businesses, government, residents and other nonprofits who share a vision of revitalization. Woodland Heights’ focus areas of revitalization include beautification, community, housing, health and safety.
To learn more about the program, visit habitatspringfieldmo.org/our-programs/neighborhood-revitalization/.