http://ozarkspub.vo.llnwd.net/o37/KSMU/audio/mp3/newjordanc_371.mp3
Springfield officials on Tuesday dedicated a 2.8 million dollar project that links two of the oldest parks in the city. Pedestrians will no longer have to cross over busy streets. KSMU's Joe Morgan was at the dedication ceremony and has more.
It's called the Jordan Creek North Branch Daylighting Project and it's the first of its kind in Springfield. It links Smith Park to Silver Springs Park. It includes numerous innovative features that are part of a new approach to storm water management called "daylighting." Executive Director for Ozark Greenways Terry Whaley explains.
Director of Parks for Springfield-Greene County Jodie Adams says this project has returned something that was missing in the north part of Springfield.
City Council Member Cindy Rushefsky says the project does many things for Springfield.
One key aspect of the new project is the abundance of native plants and trees that will grace the trail at the North Branch. With a ten thousand dollar grant from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, nearly five thousand native plants and over one hundred trees have been planted. Ozark Greenways Terry Whaley explains the importance of having the native plants.
Whaley says it's great seeing people using the trail and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Director of Parks Jodie Adams promises there will be more projects like this one in Springfield. Eventually the trail will make connections with Jordan Valley Park and Hammons Field. For KSMU News, I'm Joe Morgan.