Springfield Preservation and Revitalization Council (SPAR) was pleased to accept the Neighbors Get Moving award from the City of Jacksonville at their inaugural Neighborhood Awards & Community Summit on April 21, 2018. The award recognized SPAR for it's role in organizing and promoting wellness activities and the Springfield Historic District community and for making physical fitness not just a task, but a lifestyle.
[Photo: Todd Hollinghead, SPAR President, accepts the award from city and state representatives.]
"Historic Springfield’s one square mile has an amazing ability to attract some the most engaged people in the city. These people bring their passions, many of which have lead to opportunities to become a healthy, active neighborhood.
Several resident groups focus on wellness activities: The Springfield Yakkers promote paddle boarding and kayaking, the running group meets weekly at Hyperion Brewing Company for a 5k run, the Night Riders host regular group bike rides in the evenings, the Springfield Families group organizes fun runs and soccer games for young children, and there is even a new golf group that will host outings to help grow interest in the sport.
In addition to these regular activities, SPAR organizes the annual Throwback Baseball Game in Klutho Park each 4th of July and a 5k race celebrating our annual music festival, Jacksonville Porchfest, where people come from all over to walk the neighborhood and enjoy music on porches. We also partner with other organizations and businesses to maintain and promote the popular disc golf course and Greenway in Henry J Klutho Park, and Jacksonville's only urban core pedestrian trail, the S-Line. Special thanks to the River City Disc Golf Association and Groundwork Jacksonville for their sizable contributions in these areas.
The City of Jacksonville has been a great ally in all of our community work and we look forward to continuing that partnership. Thank you to all of our neighbors that have worked hard to promote active lifestyles and the City of Jacksonville for this recognition."
W. Todd Hollinghead
President
SPAR Council