Phelps Grove Cleanup Day
May 18 2019 marks the annual Neighborhood Cleanup Event for Phelps Grove Neighborhood. The motto of the Phelps Grove Neighborhood Association is to “… make our neighborhood a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable place to live, a neighborhood of friends working together for the benefit of all residents,” (PGA). The City of Springfield and Community Partnership’s motto is to “… facilitate and promote the building of resilient children, healthy families, and strong neighborhoods & communities through collaboration, programming and resource development,” (CPO). To make this impactful event possible, the two teamed up to provide an opportunity for those in the neighborhood to recycle, discard unwanted and unused items and clean their streets. After hosting the successful event last spring, residents of Phelps Grove wanted to do more to help the environment and their homes.
On the neighborhood website residents can find information on what to throw away, donate, how to recycle and where to volunteer. Residents can throw away most anything, including furniture, debris and appliances. There is even a separate space for yard waste such as limbs, brush and leaves. Metal, electronics, furniture and appliances can all be recycled; mattresses and TV’s are given a special location where people can recycle their used items and the recycling cost is automatically covered (CU).
Like any landfill, certain items are prohibited. Hazardous chemicals, paint, tires or any other potentially dangerous items are not allowed to be thrown away or recycled, but to avoid any confusion, volunteers are available to answer any questions (CU).
The Neighborhood Association has made it their duty to clean their neighborhood and benefit their community. The residents of Phelps Grove believe it is their duty to put on the event for health issues, raising awareness, improving quality of life and instilling pride in the neighborhood (CU).
Yard Ethic: Helping the Community through Lawn Care
The City of Springfield recently partnered with Yard Ethic, a free certification program focused on informing residents about environmentally friendly yard care. The organization’s goal is to answer all questions yard owners have, such as when to fertilize, how much to water and what to plant. It is an opportunity to encourage the city of Springfield to conserve water, save money, reduce pollution and beautify their yards.
“The Yard Ethic program centers around proper practices and connecting our community to a collection of resources and available assistance opportunities,” said Water Quality Compliance Officer Carrie Lamb. “Implementing these practices can be beneficial not just to the resident, but to the entire community.”
Becoming certified through the Yard Ethic program is simple and free. Residents must only complete three to five modules to gain their certification. From there, they are given a free Yard Ethic plaque and the knowledge to help their own lawn, as well as their neighborhoods.
The different modules consist of learning how to test soil, plant native plant, plant a tree and composting organic waste.
This program is a useful tool to any and all yard owners all across Springfield to help grow and maintain beautiful lawns in the local community. The Phelps Grove Neighborhood, for example, can benefit hugely from this initiative. The streets of Phelps Grove are already lined with large trees and a variety of different plants. Offering this free program to residents is an easy and accessible way to ensure neighborhoods can continue to grow healthy plants and help the environment.
For now, only those within Springfield city limits are eligible to gain their certification. However, they hope to grow the program and make it available to a wider community soon.
You can learn more about the program and what Springfield is doing to help at yardethic.com and sgfneighborhoodnews.com.
Sources:
https://yardethic.com/ https://sgfneighborhoodnews.com/city-launches-yard-ethic-certification-program-to-connect-residents-with-yard-care-resources/
https://www.phelpsgrove.com/what-we-do
A Profile: Springfield Art Museum
The Springfield Art Museum started in 1926 when a group of women, led by Deborah D. Weisel, started an Art Club. Immediately, the group organized the appearance of traveling exhibits from all over the country, such as New York and Philadelphia. Two decades after the start of the club, the group signed the establishment over to the city. The club has grown into what is known today as the Springfield Art Museum in Phelps Grove Park and has instituted a moto for the organization: “The Springfield Art Museum is dedicated to enhancing the education and documenting the cultural heritage of the people of southwest Missouri through the collection, preservation and exhibition of art objects.” The museum celebrated its 90th anniversary in the year 2018. It has grown exponentially over the years and earned itself a steady audience. The museum is home to many exhibits and collections, organizes a number of classes and workshops, and hosts field trips and events. (SGF).
The museum made its home in the middle of Phelps Grove. It is located on Brookside Dr., directly across from the massive trees that line the neighborhood streets and the centrally located park for all residents and visitors. The close proximity of the museum to the neighborhood allows for easy access to all Phelps Grove residents. The neighborhood is very united and active in the community, organizing multiple events throughout the year to promote art events, clean-up days, nature preservation. While Springfield Museum of Art is not officially a part of Phelps Grove Neighborhood, the two organizations have partnered together on many occasions (Neighborhood).
The museum is not only centrally located, it is also a highly rated experience. Museum visitor Wayne Dallman raves about his experience: “The Springfield Art Museum is always full of awesome new art that is created with a spirit of excellence. I highly encourage enjoying life and visiting this place frequently. It’s also wonderful that it is free to the general public. Take time out to smell the roses.” However, Dallman is not the only one with a positive view of the institution. Trip Advisor reviewees have nothing but satisfactory things to say. Out of all the reviews, 60% of customers define Springfield Museum of Art as Excellent and 26% as Very Good (Trip Advisor).
The Springfield Art Museum is the place to be. It serves as a wonderful asset to both Phelps Grove Neighborhood and the community at large.
Phelps Grove Factoids
Phelps Grove is a neighborhood located in the central Springfield area. Developed in the early 1900’s, Phelps Grove has grown and established itself as a well-cared for and popular neighborhood. It’s picturesque streets are lined with ancient trees and 100 year old homes.
On first visiting the neighborhood, it seems very old, rustic, and welcoming. In the fall, the streets are often lined a thick layer of leaves and people walking their dogs. Despite the age of the neighborhood, the houses are well maintained and each are very unique.
The neighborhood is home to both the Phelps Grove Park and the Springfield Art Museum. This allows plenty of opportunity for the neighborhood to experience cultural and recreational activities close to home, as well as bring in outside visitors to the area. Phelps Grove park offers a walking trail, tennis courts, playground equipment, and a covered pavilion for people to have a party, work on homework, or relax. Often, people are seen walking their dogs, hanging a hammock, or sitting underneath one of the huge trees. The Springfield Art Museum is also a great resource to the residents of Phelps Grove Neighborhood. The museum is a free experience where visitors can view a wide variety of pieces, including various textiles, pottery, paintings, or sculptures.
Phelps Grove Neighborhood houses over 1,700 people, averaging almost 50/50 men and women. While the trees and homes in the neighborhood are well along in age, the residents are closer to mid to upper-20’s in age.
Whether or not one lives in Phelps Grove, the neighborhood is one all would enjoy. The beautiful view, local art museum, and charming park offer something for everyone.
Evangel News Reporting 