Opinion: Cooper, Hammons donations attract newcomers

With this in mind, our city needs facilities and programs attractive to people considering a move. A time may come when we want to discourage population growth – but that time is likely far in the future. For now, first impressions are important.

To me, a powerful Springfield attraction is the Cooper Tennis Complex and its accompanying soccer fields and baseball diamonds spread out over 184 acres. The existing tennis facilities include 12 indoor and 16 outdoor courts providing top-notch facilities for local tennis players, good enough to be the home of professional tennis team Springfield Lasers.

I’m not a tennis player, but as a grandfather with soccer-playing grandchildren, my wife and I have spent a lot of time there cheering them on. The venues are situated far enough apart that the entire complex is quite spacious.

With so many sports of all ages so comfortably accommodated, the Cooper complex is well-used by locals and should have great eye appeal for newcomers.

The facility is named for Springfield businessman Harry Cooper, who made land and money available for the project. The Cooper family was recognized recently for the more than $1 million it donated to the facility. Of course, tax dollars have merged with donations to create and maintain this facility. However, had it not been for Cooper, it wouldn’t be here.

There are many other local facilities that are likely to attract new residents. Like the Cooper complex, many are made possible by individuals with the wherewithal to fund all or part of undertakings that may never have otherwise become realities.

Any time the subject of Springfield philanthropists arises, the name of John Q. Hammons automatically comes to mind. He has lent his name and money to commercial ventures and a huge number of charitable contributions to facilities that greatly add to the local ambiance. We may never know how many new Springfield residents were at least partially attracted due to his contributions. Virtually every facet of life is represented by some John Q. Hammons facility.

Because of the visibility of their contributions to displaying Springfield as a good place to live, Cooper and Hammons have been singled out. I don’t mean to ignore the scores of other generous donors who contributed to places and programs that enhance the quality of life in the community. Major chapters of the Springfield story have been written by taxpayers and donors joining together to present an attractive future home to outsiders.

In previous columns, I have bragged on efforts the community is making in the renovation of downtown Springfield and the Jordan Valley Park project. The attraction speaks volumes about the spirit of a city that refuses to stand by while its historic downtown area crumbles away.

The great variety of health care facilities may be taken for granted by some locals; visitors I have talked to are amazed when they realize how many facilities we have. It is a given that people looking for a new hometown demand good health care.

Equally important is the availability of high-quality educational opportunities. Springfield’s offerings from kindergarten through graduate school are impressive.

Public and private elementary through secondary schools have not only sound curricula, but for the most part are housed in well-maintained, attractive facilities.

The array of local colleges and universities are housed on attractive campuses and offer varied courses of study that should satisfy virtually every potential higher educational need.

Springfield is a fine city, but it isn’t Camelot. Like all cities, there are problems. Historically, when problems became acute, taxpayers and individual donors have stepped up to keep the city moving forward.

It is a safe bet that a lot of visitors looking for a home will find that Springfield is where they want to be.

Joe McAdoo is former chairman of the communication department at Drury University.