Park Board secures $1M donation for McDaniel Park work

A planned three-phase improvement project at McDaniel Park has received a shot in the arm from the Springfield-based Hatch Foundation.

The Hatch Foundation, which supports community betterment initiatives, is donating up to $1 million to the Springfield-Greene County Park Board for the second phase of the McDaniel Park work, according to a news release. The Park Board entered into the donation agreement during its Oct. 10 meeting.

The second phase includes lighting for a previously announced bicycle pump track, as well as a new pavilion with restrooms. A pump track allows people to traverse the asphalt track with banked corners by using a pumping motion.

“Phase 2 of the McDaniel Park project immediately caught our attention because it perfectly aligns with Hatch’s mission to build a stronger sense of community,” said Erin Danastasio, executive director of the Hatch Foundation, in the release. “Lighting the pump track will make the space safer and more accessible, while the addition of a pavilion and restrooms will make it more welcoming – especially for families.”

Designs are expected to be completed by January for the first two phases, with construction expected to start by summer 2026, according to the release. Phase 1 comprises the pump track, a new vehicle entrance, driveway and parking lot, and it has received $550,000 from the nonprofit TrailSpring and $234,000 in funding from the city of Springfield.

The third phase, which would add an accessible playground, paved walkways, picnic shelters and additional park lighting, is currently not funded, according to the release.

“There are over $1.5 million of private donations going into this project to make improvements, to not only bring new amenities, but exciting amenities, and redevelop a park that’s on a key, major corridor along National Avenue as well as South Creek Trail,” Park Board Director Ron Schneider said in the release. “I see this as really a transformative project.”

Located at 2405 S. National Ave., the 15-acre McDaniel Park opened in 1998.