Dan Kinney Family Center opens next week

A $5.2 million development named after the retired director of the Springfield-Greene County Parks Department is slated to open next week.

Park officials have scheduled a Jan. 12 grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Dan Kinney Family Center, 2701 S. Blackman Road, according to a news release.

The 35,279-square-foot facility on two levels includes a gymnasium, an indoor track, a fitness center and weight room, an aerobic room, a game room, childcare services and a community room.

The building was designed by Hood-Rich Inc. to meet Leadership in Energy & Design-Silver standards and constructed by Branco Enterprises Inc. of Neosho. The Park Board secured a long-term lease with City Utilities of Springfield for the development's land, the release said.

“We’re very proud to honor the legacy of Dan Kinney and his contributions to the Parks system with this beautiful facility and park,” Parks Director Bob Belote said in the release. “This family center is something residents in this area have wanted for a long time. It’s great to be able to deliver this facility to them.”

The facility was paid for through the county-wide, voter-approved parks sales tax, as well as bond arrangements via Greene County.

The center sits in the 18-acre Dan Kinney Park, which also is home to the Betty and Bobby Allison Miracle League Ball Field.[[In-content Ad]]