recreation, sports and leisure
At-A-Glance | 2005-2024
Springfield and Greene County have built a strongest parks and recreation system, balancing competitive athletics, community programs, and accessible green space. From the nationally recognized Cooper Tennis Complex to Hammons Field, Jordan Valley Park, and a network of more than 100 parks and trails, the area’s recreation assets are both a community treasure and an economic driver.
Over the years, public and private partnerships have fueled investments in sports complexes, libraries, cultural attractions, and greenways. These amenities enhance quality of life, promote health, and attract young professionals, families, and visitors. Recreation programs and facilities have consistently earned high ratings from residents, and organizations like the Park Board, YMCA, and Boys & Girls Club have expanded access across all ages and abilities.
Recent years brought renewed momentum through pandemic-era use of parks and new investments in facilities like Betty & Bobby Allison Sports Town, the Wilson Logistics Arena, and major upgrades at Cooper Park and Hammons Field. Sports tourism continues to generate economic impact, while trails and green spaces support wellness and community connection.
Challenges remain, including the need for sustainable funding, ongoing reinvestment in aging infrastructure, and balancing development with greenspace preservation. Still, the steady growth of recreational assets underscores Springfield’s commitment to maintaining a vibrant, active, and connected community.
Community Collaboration
The Springfield-Greene County Park Board attributes much of its success to longtime partnerships with schools, universities, local government, businesses, donors and nonprofit agencies, including close partner groups:
- Springfield Sister Cities Association,
- Springfield Regional Arts Council, and
In total, the board maintains an active partnership with more than 250 entities, which provide funding, volunteers and community buy-in.
TRAILS & CONNECTIONS
Springfield’s trails and connections are a Blue Ribbon on the rise. Multi-use trails boost the community's quality of life and support economic development.
New extensions are being funded and constructed along the Chadwick Flyer Trail, Galloway Creek Greenway, Grant Avenue Parkway Trail, Jordan Creek Greenway, South Creek Greenway, and Ward Branch Greenway.
SPORTS TOURISM
Sports tourism remains a Blue Ribbon. All new sports facilities and upgrades enhance Springfield’s ability to attract sports tournaments.
Amateur sporting events bring revenue to Springfield and Greene County as part of our local tourism industry, which employs nearly 20,000 people and has an estimated economic impact of more than $900 million.
Greenspace Preservation
The past few years have seen a steady increase in gun-related crimes, particularly where juvenile offenders are concerned.
While the Springfield Police Department saw a slight decrease in the number of shots-fired calls and persons injured by gunfire in 2023, the trend still requires more work from the community to advocate for responsible gun ownership.
High Obesity Averages
Substance-use issues remain a concern in Springfield, but there is hope, particularly regarding opioid use.
Led by the Springfield Police Department, Narcan leave-behind kits are a new tool being used to help prevent deaths from opioid overdoses.
Kits include two doses of Narcan, a CPR mouth shield and instructions on how to use it, along with resources to connect people with recovery, treatment and support.
As of June, 165 kits had been distributed this year.
Stable,Long-term Funding
While some agencies have reached a comfortable level of personnel, staffing shortages continue to affect law enforcement agencies and the judicial system.
In addition to a lack of applicants and qualified hires, another challenge is an overall lower experience level in both law enforcement and the judicial system, while handling a consistently higher workload.