New developments enhance travel to Springfield

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New and improved really means something in Spring-field. In the last week of August, several major projects were completed and new projects announced. |ret||ret||tab|

"That was a historic week for Springfield," said Tracy Kim-berlin, executive director of the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. "These projects will make traveling to Springfield easier, safer and more interesting. We're excited about what's happening here." |ret||ret||tab|

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The projects |ret||ret||tab|

Springfield was selected Aug. 28 as the site for a proposed $120 million flight museum. Legacy of Flight would feature virtual-reality flight simulators, amusement park rides and $20 million in vintage aircraft. The project that includes a 420,000-square-feet building could open as early as 2003, the 100th anniversary of powered flight. |ret||ret||tab|

"People like something new and different, and the city will have that," Kimberlin said. "The combination of Legacy of Flight, the Wonders of Wildlife museum and Jordan Valley Park and other existing attractions will give people more reasons to visit the city and spend the night. That means positive economic impact." |ret||ret||tab|

The city announced Aug. 28 new developments at Jordan Valley Park, including an exposition center and arena set to open in 2003 or 2004. Devel-oper John Q. Hammons is expected to begin construction on a baseball stadium near Jordan Valley Park this fall with completion set for 2003. |ret||ret||tab|

The Jordan Valley Recrea-tional Ice Facility opens Sept. 22. A green space area with a unique, interactive water feature opens in May 2002, and a parking deck should be completed by fall 2002. Springfield needs more space for trade shows and conferences in order to remain competitive, Kimberlin said. |ret||ret||tab|

Springfield has only 204,000 square feet of meeting space. Compare that to Bartel Hall in Kansas City and The America's Center in St. Louis, which have more than double that under one roof. |ret||ret||tab|

Wonders of Wildlife, the Am-erican National Fish and Wild-life Museum, announced Aug. 27 that retired Army Maj. Gen. Fred Marty is now executive director at the 92,000-square-feet, $52 million wildlife museum set to open Nov. 2. |ret||ret||tab|

Marty, who has 30 years military experience and most recently served as chancellor of Southwest Missouri State Uni-versity's West Plains Campus, began his new position Sept. 10. |ret||ret||tab|

The museum will feature 500,000 gallons in aquaria, 160 live animal species, a 30-foot waterfall, limestone bluffs, a walk through the Ozarks woods area, hunting and fishing displays and videos, and numerous interactive exhibits. |ret||ret||tab|

Highway improvements wi-dened U.S. 65 from two to four lanes between Springfield and Branson, reducing driving time and accidents. A ribbon-cutting ceremony Aug. 30 officially completed the project. |ret||ret||tab|

Springfield-Branson Regional Airport's new intermodal facility allows indoor transfer of passengers and baggage from the plane directly to motor coach or rental car. The facility is the first of its kind in the United States. It is part of a $10 million airport improvement project that includes a major baggage claim expansion, more parking and runway expansion. The facility opened Aug. 27. |ret||ret||tab|

"An improved airport also is important to attracting visitors to the area," Kimberlin said. "Sometimes the worst part of traveling is getting there. Any-thing that makes a trip more pleasant will help leave a good impression of the area." |ret||ret||tab|

(Susan Wade is public relations manager for the Spring-field Convention & Visitors Bureau.)[[In-content Ad]]