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Greater Springfield Moving Forward

The Greater Springfield Moving Forward Program was started by the Chamber in 2010 and includes input and support from key community partners and leaders including the Springfield and Turner Foundations, Cox Media, the City of Springfield and Clark County.

In 2010, The Springfield News-Sun served as a site host for a citizens’ survey asking for feedback regarding key areas such as economic development, education and workforce. The survey polled residents on how to improve Springfield’s image, how to revitalize the area and strengthen local resources. Four core committees were formed and each committee continues to meet regularly and advance strategic projects. 

Annual Update

Parks & Greenspaces

Mayor Warren Copeland & Tom Loftis, Co-Chairs

Our committee, The Parks and Greenspace Committee, continues to promote the development and improvements to the parks system throughout Clark County and the City of Springfield. During the past 12 months we have continued to support the Clark County Park District (CCPD) as they made improvement to the bike trails and we have encouraged the National Trails Parks and Recreation Department (NTPRD) to continue to work on the Snyder Park Gardens development which is being directed by the OSU Master Gardeners and the Kiwanis Club in conjunction with their numerous volunteers.

In addition, we are supporting the NTPRD in adding pickleball courts and tennis courts at Snyder Park and ADA restrooms at the Snyder Park clubhouse. Numerous other improvements are in planning, including the creation of a "wetland walking trail" at the West end of Snyder Park. Additionally we are supporting the efforts of the CCPD to continue to improve the rock climbing facility along the Mad River near the Masonic Home. The plans, if successfully implemented, will create a very attractive climbing facility that will serve climbers throughout our entire region.

Another focus of our group is to work closely with the Springfield Conservancy District as they support improvements along the Buck Creek and our bike trails. All of these organizations are working together to improve our community park system.

Downtown Development

John Landess, Chair

A flurry of development is bringing more activity to the core in 2022.  Early in the year a new restaurant opened in the parking garage storefronts on Fountain Ave. named Charlo’s Provisions and Eatery.  Across the street, a restored building at 28 -30 North Fountain Ave saw Firefly Women’s Boutique and Pretzelmaker open in April. 

2022 is seeing Center Street Townes near completion.  The final section of townhomes is under construction and should be complete in the spring.  To date 24 townhomes have been purchased and 4 are currently for sale. 

The Old Springfield Burying Grounds on Columbia Ave., sometimes called the Demint Cemetery is complete. The 2 year, $1.1 million project is Springfield’s first Cemetery and is the final resting place for our early community members, some of which fought in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812 and one who participated in the Boston Tea Party.

A new updated parking area fronting Hatch Artist Studios is now open and provides ample parking for Mother Stewart’s Brewery and other downtown businesses.  SpringForward took the lead on this project and is a valuable upgrade to the area.

Springfield’s newest storefront opening is Grandpa Joe’s Candy Store in the old Columbia Gas building at the corner of Center St. and High St.  Covering over 6,000 sq ft, its theme is pulled from a favorite childhood book and movie – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s been a huge hit for the downtown!

Corridors & Gateways

Bryan Heck & Mike McDorman, Co-Chairs

Preliminary design was completed for the South Limestone corridor from Leffel Lane to Singer Street. A Public Comment period was held from November to January of 2020, with detailed design to begin in the first quarter of 2021. 
The City of Springfield finalized a location for the western gateway sign, working with interested stakeholders on sign location. Construction to begin sometime in 2021. 

Jobs & Job Readiness

Jennifer Sirucek, Chair

Job/Job Readiness is an employer-lead collaboration between Clark County Business Leaders, Education Leaders and community entities that are focused on connecting employers with the current and future workforce.  The taskforce is committed to work on their two primary initiatives.  Short-term initiative is to continue to push awareness towards the Consider ClarkCounty.jobs website.  The branding effort connects Clark County residents and near-by communities to job opportunities, inclusive of all industries, within the county.  Long-term initiative remains focused on the collaboration of businesses and schools; making students aware of career opportunities inside Clark County and support them as they enter the workforce.  The taskforce continues to seek creative solutions to eliminate barriers to employment.  As a collective, the J/JR Taskforce serves as an ideation and design thinking laboratory, where business and education are equally represented at monthly meetings to continue to create and define best practices.

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Why Invest with the Partnership?

Greater Springfield Partnership 20 South Limestone Street Suite 100 Springfield, OH, 45502