Park Central Square underwent a major renovation to restore it to the vision originally intended by Halprin & Associates (see below). Project highlights include:
More open and inviting design will mesh with new pedestrian-friendly streetscapes now surrounding the Square
Twice as many trees once completed
Improved lighting and infrastructure for community events
Renovation of the fountain, including installation of energy-efficient components
Replacement of aged and worn pavers
Total cost is $1.78 million - $1.2 million from a federal HUD grant and $580,000 from the 1/4 cent sales tax for capital improvements
The Original Vision
Park Central Square was designed by renowned landscape architect Lawrence Halprin and his team in the early 1970s. The space was intended to be, in Halprin's words, "an active space for public assembly, devoted to pedestrians and their needs and comforts."
Even before it was remade by one of America's premiere modern landscape architects, Springfield's town square was the site of numerous historical episodes, including:
Route 66
The Butterfield Overland Stage Route
The Shootout Between "Wild" Bill Hickok and Dave Tutt in 1865
The Trail of Tears
Throughout much of the 20th century it was the heart of commerce and shopping in southwest Missouri. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in February 2010.