On Friday, June 4, Woodland Heights neighbors gathered at Lafayette Park, 202 E. Atlantic St., for a night of food, fun, and fraternization.

The Woodland Heights Neighborhood Association and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board teamed up with the United States Tennis Association to sponsor this event to introduce children of all ages to the fun and healthy sport of tennis. All were invited to participate in a free series of games and classes. Stations were set up to cover the individual skills needed, and courts were marked off to reflect the sizes of those participating so everyone had a chance to “succeed” at the tasks. Instructions were also offered in alternative games that encourage use of the courts for simpler, easier forms of friendly completion and healthy exercise.

Mark Penticuff, Glendale High School tennis coach, Woodland Heights neighbor, and event co-chair said,  “While the focus of the event was on the tennis, the real hope for the evening was that neighbors will use it as a chance to get out with their families and enjoy their first mask-free outside park-sponsored event. It was an opportunity to sit, relax, visit with your neighbors, partake of free food and drinks, and watch the children play on the courts. Now that we have more lights, time after the games was given over to parents and other adults to have a little practice!”

New lights at Lafayette Park

Anyone coming to use the walking track can’t help but notice the beautiful new lights. Thanks to former  Councilwoman Phyllis Ferguson, City Council, and the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, eight new historic-style street lights were added to the southwest corner of the park this spring. The fully lighted track offers a welcoming, safe atmosphere for exercise, while extending the use of the track and other park facilities later into the evening. All are encouraged to come and enjoy another way to meet and visit with your neighbors.