UnGap The Map

Forward SGF supports The City and Park Board in their partnership with Ozark Greenways to champion the “UnGap The Map” campaign. This multi-year initiative is underway to close gaps in the planned trail system, creating a comprehensive, highly connected system of trails across the region. The planned system contains over 200 miles of trails, 140 of those in the city, building on the 77 miles already existing in the city. This initiative aims to connect residents to nature, improve public health, and create connections to community destinations.

The City has entered into a contract with a consulting firm to facilitate and draft an update to the Zoning and Development Code, which will provide the City with the regulatory framework essential to implement many of the recommendations outlined in the Comprehensive Plan that will initiate and require trail improvements as part of new development, where planned gaps in the system have been identified.

2024 RAISE Grant

The City of Springfield was notified by the U.S. Department of Transportation June 26 that it was selected to receive a fiscal year 2024 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant in the amount of $24.8 million. The “UnGap the Map” project will construct approximately 3.14 miles of greenway trails connecting neighborhoods on the west side of Springfield. The project will eliminate at-grade crossings, install approximately four pedestrian bridges, remove abandoned culverts, install traffic calming and green infrastructure, construct ADA-accessible sidewalks and provide dedicated bicycle paths. 

These 3.14 miles are critical gaps that provide exponential connectivity to an area of the city that has been isolated by vehicle dominated transportation investments. These connections provide meaningful access to transit, provide micro-mobility, reduce reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, and expand transportation choices for residents. By providing a direct connection to the only mass transit station in the city, the project will facilitate vital connections between different modes of transportation, making it easier for residents to access employment centers, educational institutions, health care facilities, and other essential destinations.

Ozark Greenways and partners are leading the way in planning and coordinating numerous other trail and greenway connection projects, including the following:

Chadwick Flyer Trail

3.2 miles of the planned 12-mile trail has been constructed and an additional 3.2 miles of the trail are funded.

Galloway Creek Greenway

A trail connection at the intersection of Battlefield Road and Lone Pine Avenue has been constructed.

Grant Avenue Parkway Trail

Construction is underway to connect Wonders of Wildlife and Bass Pro Shops on Sunshine Street to Downtown and the Renew Jordan Creek Project on Boonville Avenue and Mill Street.

Jordan Creek Greenway

An extension of the trail in Smith Park to the Division Street Trail has been funded.

South Creek Greenway

An extension from National Avenue east to the Fremont Trail and Meador Park has been funded.

Ward Branch Greenway

An extension from its current terminus east to Fremont Avenue and the future Fremont Trail is currently in the planning phase.