Southwind Park for Disabled Citizens Opened October 17 in Springfield
On 80 acres on the south edge of Springfield lies a newly christened park with a very special purpose. Southwind Park, designed to be 100% accessible to citizens with disabilities, opened October 17 with fanfare – bands, tram rides, and special events for children. It was a fitting celebration for a park that began with an idea several years ago.
“I can’t think of any other project that took more participation to get where we are today. This is a real testament to the type of people we have here in Springfield.” -Tim Davlin, Springfield Mayor
“This is a real collaboration of so many different people. The unions have stepped up, the not-for-profits, the city, state, and federal government,” said Springfield Mayor Tim Davlin at the dedication. “I can’t think of any other project that took more participation to get where we are today. This is a real testament to the type of people we have here in Springfield.”
Teamsters from Capitol Ready Mix and Henry Nelch & Sons laid the concrete for the park, allowing wheelchairs to easily access the playground equipment, the new pavilion, and the lake. The trails were created with porous concrete, preventing runoff, one of the many environmentally-friendly features of the park. Future plans include a splash fountain, an amphitheater, and a simulated tree house.
