A Walk in the Park (#14)

Maintaining the park while building the park is no easy feat. If you don’t believe it, ask the park team. I am constantly amazed by their tireless efforts to make Northeast Community Park a beautiful oasis in this part of our city. Their hard work often goes unnoticed, much like household chores – you only notice them when they aren’t done! But these folks aren’t doing this work for recognition. Their goal is to create a space where we can gather, connect with our neighbors, and build community – and they are succeeding.

In addition to the normal day-to-day challenges, the grand opening Kick-Off is happening this weekend. The team’s determination to make everything as welcoming as possible has added an extra dose of busyness. A lot is happening in every direction.

To support the team just a bit this week, instead of my usual ‘walk in the park,’ I decided to tackle two of the park’s never-ending tasks: weeding and watering. Maintaining those beautifully landscaped places in the park doesn’t happen by magic. If the landscaped areas are to continue to BE landscaped, they require regular hands-on upkeep. All those new plantings need extra water to keep their lush appearance in the summer heat. Weeds act like weeds, and they are relentless. Grass consistently pushes past its designated boundaries. Thankfully, I was not the only volunteer willing to invest a few hours to help.

Watching the park come together and seeing the daily changes has been a joy! One of my special pleasures is watching beautiful pollinators enjoying plants specifically provided for them. This is yet another proof of our team’s thoughtful planning. The butterflies are thankful, and so am I.

I hope you will plan to attend Northeast Community Park’s Kick-Off this Sunday, September 8. Bring your friends and family to celebrate with us as this beautiful new addition to northeast Springfield is officially opened. Come enjoy the park, meet your neighbors, and make happy memories. I look forward to seeing you there!