SPARC - Schools, Parks Are Reaching Communities

10/21/2026

We’re excited to celebrate Lights On Afterschool Week, a nationwide recognition of the incredible impact afterschool programs have on youth and their communities. Our dedicated teams work every day to provide enriching activities, supportive relationships, and safe spaces for students to learn and grow.👍🫶

This year, several of our Afterschool Programs are joining in with a fun Lights On Banner Contest! Each program created a unique banner, and the one that receives the most likes will win a prize. Take a moment to scroll through, check out their creativity, and show your support by liking your favorite banner!🥳🏆

Thank you to our staff, partners, and families for helping us keep the lights on for learning, growth, and opportunity.😍

10/09/2026

This weeks Athlete of the Week is Isla Hoing, who plays basketball in our SPARC league. Isla consistently demonstrates exceptional traits that make her a perfect Athlete of the Week! Maximum effort during practice, an always positive attitude and encouraging everyone around her are just a few. Her dedication to creating a positive, supportive and inclusive environment, along with her passion and enthusiasm for basketball is contagious to all around.
Congratulations to the this weeks, Athlete of the Week, Isla Hoing! 🤩🙌🏆

In partnership with Children's Mercy and Mercy Hospital Springfield, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, is excited to bring a new, bi-weekly campaign that highlights local youth athletes in Parks!

This weeks Athlete of the Week is Isla Hoing, who plays basketball in our SPARC league. Isla consistently demonstrates exceptional traits that make her a perfect Athlete of the Week! Maximum effort during practice, an always positive attitude and encouraging everyone around her are just a few. Her dedication to creating a positive, supportive and inclusive environment, along with her passion and enthusiasm for basketball is contagious to all around.

Congratulations to the this weeks, Athlete of the Week, Isla Hoing! 🤩🙌🏆

09/24/2026

The Sept. 2026–March 2027 edition of Park Bench magazine is now available online! 🍂📖
Dive into your go-to guide for fall and winter with the Springfield-Greene County Park Board. From seasonal programs and special events to fitness classes, recreation opportunities, facility information and more, there’s something for everyone!
View the latest edition at ParkBoard.org/ParkBench 🔗 or pick up a FREE physical copy at several Parks locations.

🍂✨ The Sept. 2026–March 2027 edition of Park Bench program guide is here! 📖

Start planning your fall and winter fun with Parks. From special events and seasonal activities to ongoing classes, recreation programs and more! 🎃⛸️🏀🌳

Explore the new edition online now at: ParkBoard.org/ParkBench 🔗

Prefer a printed copy? 📰 Pick up one for FREE at:
🌸 Springfield Botanical Gardens – Botanical Center
🌊 Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse
🐮 Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
💪 Chesterfield, Doling and Dan Kinney Family Centers
🏠 Northview and Oak Grove Community Centers
🧳 Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (I Love Springfield, MO!) – 318 Park Central E.
📚 SPARC Office – 300 E. Harrison St.
🌳 Springfield-Greene County Park Board Administration – 1923 N. Weller Ave.
🏛️ Historic Timmons Hall at Silver Springs Park
⛸️ Brightspeed Ice Park
🏀 Fieldhouse Sports Center
AND MORE!

There’s plenty to look forward to this season. Start planning your next Parks adventure today! 🍁🎶👟

09/24/2026

🎨 October ART-C: Monster Mansion! 👻

Come make a little monster magic with SPARC and ART-C Painting this October! 🎃🖌️👻

👇Visit the link below for locations, dates, and registration information.
https://parkboard.org/751/Clubs-Programs

09/23/2026

TRY. LEARN. PLAY. 🏐

Every serve is a chance to try.
Every rep is a chance to learn.
Every point is a chance to play.

Build skills. Build confidence. Build each other up. 💪

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 🎉
Come learn the game, have fun, and PLAY! 🏐
TRY. LEARN. PLAY. REPEAT.

👉Click here for more info and to register

Recreational sports leagues designed to help youth develop positive character traits such as teamwork and sportsmanship.

09/08/2026

🗑️🏀 Try. Learn. Play.🏀🗑️

Youth basketball is about more than the game, it’s about building confidence, learning new skills, making friends, and having fun along the way. Come get on the court, give it a try, and see what you can do!

Register here 👉https://parkboard.org/346/SPARC-Sports

Try it. Learn it. Play it. 🏀

09/03/2026

SPARC’s Elite Feet Afterschool Club is getting ready to begin! This program gives kids a chance to move, play, train, and have fun while working toward the excitement of race day. 🏃‍♂️💨

🎃 Race Day: October 17 at 10 a.m.
🏃 Location: Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park
👟 Elite Feet: Afterschool training leading up to race day

Whether your child is already a little runner or just loves to be active, Elite Feet is a great way to get moving, make friends, and build confidence! 💪😊

📍 Locations & registration: Check out the link below for all the details!

👉 Register here: https://parkboard.org/751/Clubs-Programs

05/11/2026

🚨 Summer plans = handled. 🚨

Looking for a camp your kids will be excited about? SPARC’s Summer Adventure Day Camp is packed with field trips, swimming, crafts, gym games, and nonstop fun with friends. 🚌🏊🎨

Every day brings something different and plenty of chances to explore, play, and make memories all summer long.

Check out the details and register here! 👇
https://parkboard.org/813/Summer-Adventure