A Walk in the Park (#15)

Sunday, September 8, 2024, was a beautiful day for a walk in Northeast Community Park. That day, which marked the long-anticipated grand opening of the park, was enjoyed by over 1200 attendees. The festivities began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony where Pastor Alan Beauchamp and others who played key roles in the park’s development shared its story. Comments by Mayor Ken McClure and Greene County Presiding Commissioner Bob Dixon followed. Mayor McClure also presented a proclamation declaring Sunday, September 8, 2024, as Northeast Community Park Day in Springfield.

Walking through the park and seeing the lively scene was incredibly moving. The sports courts were full of people enjoying pickleball, basketball, and sand volleyball. The soccer field and horseshoe pit bustled with activity. Children were painting flowerpots, getting their faces painted, and riding their bikes on the trails. The parking lot was filled with food trucks and first responder vehicles. Everywhere I looked the park was full of life.

For those who have dedicated years to the park’s development, opening day must have been extremely fulfilling. My connection to the park is much newer – I first wrote about the park after the ground-breaking in the spring of 2023 – but I have grown to love the founders’ vision and delight in each milestone. Over the past few months, as I’ve written this blog, my connection has only grown stronger. Watching the community come together and enjoy the park was a beautiful experience.

Opening day was more than just a celebration of the park's launch; it was a testament to the unwavering commitment of Praise Assembly members, the vendors who went above and beyond, and others in the broader community who invested in the project. Because of their dedication, Northeast Community Park is set to become a gathering place for connection and camaraderie for years to come.