A Walk in the Park (#18)

I absolutely love the new “Community Pavilion” sign at the Northeast Community Park pavilion! Somehow, though it has been completed for almost a year, the sign just made it seem ‘official.’ It feels like just yesterday we were watching as the footings were poured. We waited – somewhat impatiently – as construction progressed, and before we knew it, benches were installed, electricity was added, and lights made night events possible. The pavilion was finally completed, and we were ready to go!

What I love most about the new sign is the word: “community.” This park—and this pavilion—wasn’t built just for Praise Assembly; it was created for the entire north Springfield community. The pavilion is a vital part of the park, serving as a central gathering place where neighbors can get to know each other.

Just last Christmas, the pavilion was utilized for the Christmas Stroll in the Park – the first community event following its completion. Since then, we’ve seen the community come together in this space for a variety of gatherings, including the recent grand opening.  Several schools and organizations have plans to use the pavilion and the park for their events, further emphasizing our shared space and purpose.

But community wears many faces; it isn’t just about events. It comes to life under the pavilion as moms gather to chat while their little ones play or ride their tricycles in its shade. It happens when walkers find a welcome respite from the sun, enjoying a cool breeze and a comfortable spot to sit and unwind, or when someone stops by to eat lunch and read a book. These little moments in a shared space truly help connect us to our neighbors and deepen our sense of community.

In the months to come, folks who haven’t yet met will become friends in this community space. Children will find new playmates, fostering connections among parents. Senior citizens who come to walk the paths will discover others with shared interests. The ripples of community have already begun, and, because of Northeast Community Park, those ripples will continue to spread and grow in north Springfield.