Flexible seating, three C. Cole Phillips murals, and a directional kiosk highlighting Springfield attractions, retail stores, and restaurants will be added to the park.
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“When we look at public art and when we look at pocket parks, I think what they do is they just really enhance the quality of life for the community,” Chris Schutte, vice president of destination marketing and communications for The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) said.
The pocket park is part of the CVB wayfinding plan - raising community perception and helping visitors navigate Springfield.
Originally, the CVB was planning to add a kiosk and a few benches to the area, but after the mural was completed they decided to build the pocket park the length of the mural to highlight the space, Schutte said.
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The “alley” where the pocket park is located is owned by Jim Lagos, a Springfield attorney and developer. He owns the ground of the “alley” where there was once a building, Schutte said.
The pocket park project was funded through the CVB and is “give or take a $16,000 project,” Schutte said.
Gilliam Lawncare & Landscaping LLC designed and installed the park .
“At the end of the day it is a perception changer,” Schutte said. “That’s what we are trying to do with the wayfinding plan and the pocket park. It just lets people know it is an alive, vibrant place.”
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