Park board approves outdoor classroom plans

Plans for the Rotary Centennial Outdoor Classroom in Jordan Valley Park have been approved by the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. The classroom is a project of four Rotary groups in recognition of Rotary International’s 100th anniversary: Rotary Club of Springfield, Rotary Club of Springfield Sunrise, Rotary Club of Springfield North and Rotaract of Springfield.

The outdoor classroom will be located next to the Creamery Arts Center and managed by the Springfield Regional Arts Council.

According to a news release from the arts council, plans include a plaza area and amphitheater-style seating to accommodate about 30 children in a classroom setting. Additional structures will be on site to be used as tables or additional seating. Springfield firm Butler, Rosenbury & Partners Inc. developed the plans in conjunction with the Springfield Regional Arts Council and the Jordan Valley Park Advisory Committee, with final approval by the park board.

Local Rotary clubs became involved with the project after Rotary International recommended that local clubs provide meaningful gifts or projects that would benefit the community and provide a lasting tribute to Rotary.

Leaders of the four Springfield clubs felt that the classroom, called the Rotary Centennial Outdoor Classroom, fit the bill because it benefits the community, particularly youth; it contributes to the development of Jordan Valley Park and the continued redevelopment of center city; it complements the Vision 20/20 Cultural Plan, which specifies the need to develop the Creamery Arts Center; and it provides a lasting and significant tribute to Rotary.

The $42,000 budget for the project will be provided through fundraising efforts of the four Rotary clubs. Work on the outdoor classroom will start in the spring.

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