“When we look at public art and when we look at pocket parks, I think what they do is they just really enhance the quality of life for the community,” Chris Schutte, vice president of destination marketing and communications for The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) said.
The pocket park is part of the CVB wayfinding plan - raising community perception and helping visitors navigate Springfield.
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Originally, the CVB was planning to add a kiosk and a few benches to the area, but after the mural was completed they decided they wanted to highlight the mural and use the space that was there, Schutte explained.
The “alley” where the pocket park is under construction is owned by Jim Lagos, a Springfield attorney and developer. He owns the ground of the “alley” where there was once a building, Schutte said.
The pocket park project is funded through the CVB and is “give or take a $16,000 project,” Schutte said.
Gilliam Lawncare & Landscaping LLC has designed and installed the park and the CVB is planning to add lighting and landscaping elements by early Spring.
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Additionally, three C. Cole Phillips murals added to the wall of Sip & Dipity Paint Bar overlooking Stella Bleu Bistro’s patio.
Schutte said they are entering phase two of the wayfinding plan and residents can expect more directional signage on Spring Street, specific location signage, and gateway signage throughout the city.
“At the end of the day it is a perception changer,” Schutte said. “That’s what we are trying to do with the wayfinding plan and the pocket park. It just lets people know it is an alive, vibrant place.”
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