The groundbreaking took place at Silver Springs Historic Park; set up for repairs

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – A historic park near Ozark Technical Community College is getting some updates.

For 106 years, Silver Springs Park has been a staple of the community.

“My mother was visiting friends who lived in houses across the creek, across the road. So they could watch us play in the park and they could watch us sitting on the front porch,” says H. Wes Pratt, a member of the Neighborhood Coalition.

The park is home to Timmons Hall and part of the African American Heritage Trail.

“It’s a sense of family, it’s a sense of community,” Pratt says.

Greene County recently approved a $1.5 million American Rescue Act grant to renovate the pavilion and amphitheater here at Silver Springs Park.

“For them to commit to investing in our community. Part of this again has to do with cultural consensus; many people were unaware of the history of this piece. They don’t know about the history of Park Day, what it means and what it represents,” Pratt says.

Now plans are underway to reconstruct the pavilion and amphitheater in the park.

“It’s one of those things where we want them to have the best, we want them to have quality, and we want this project to move forward in a way that will bless and benefit everyone in the city,” says Monica. Horton, a member of the Springfield City Council.

The park currently features a playground, picnic pavilion, swimming pool, ball field, basketball courts and tennis courts.

“We know that part of the rendering is the A/V upgrade. And an amphitheater that will allow people to come out and just hang out, like an association downtown where they might want to have a movie night,” Horton says.

Having a community willing to invest and having the investment is a win and knowing the future is bright for Silver Springs Parks.

“To see a breakthrough happen on a day like this and then maybe a ribbon cutting a few months later is one of those things that gives us a lot to look forward to,” Horton says.

During segregation, the park was the only public park reserved for black residents and sports leagues, including the Hyde Park All-Star baseball team with legend Herman “Doc” Horn.

“He has such fond memories. Once again, I am inspired by the visit and it revitalizes me,” says West.

Construction is expected to begin immediately, with completion expected in early summer 2025.

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