Woodland Heights, a neighborhood in North Springfield, is eager to welcome runners and walkers for the Habitat Home Run on Saturday, August 26, 2017. The change of race route allows race participants to run the 5k, 10k, and 1 mile fun through Habitat for Humanity’s targeted area of Neighborhood Revitalization.
Highlights Of Woodland Heights:
Woodland Heights is a neighborhood in Springfield’s Zone 1, an area of North Springfield identified by the City as needing significant resources to bring the neighborhood to its greatest potential. To introduce you to the area, here are some highlights you’ll see as you race through the neighborhood during the Habitat Home Run:
- Original brick sidewalks by Lafayette Park and beautiful, mature trees throughout the entire area.
- Lafayette Park was created as a public square with a bandstand for weekend and summer activities, encircled by a fence to keep cattle out.
- In 1907, the Jefferson Avenue footbridge was built, connecting Woodland Heights to the Commercial Street business district. Moon City Creative District envisions a park on the north side of the bridge with sculptures and benches.
- Moon City Creative District is a live/work community for artists within Woodland Heights. Runners will see public art along the race route, such as painted utility poles and an intersection mural. Moon City is dedicated to creating a destination for art and entertainment while providing affordable housing for artists.
- At its beginning, Woodland Heights was home to a number of merchants, railroad employees and business professionals. One of the early residences in the neighborhood was built by a Springfield attorney Azariah W. Lincoln and his wife, Jennie Margaret Adams, both descendants of former U.S. Presidents. Their stately Queen Anne Victorian home was constructed in 1887 and stands today at 2006 N. Douglas as a reminder of a grand era.
- The boundaries of Woodland Heights are Kansas Expressway to the west, W. Kearney St. to the north, N. Washington Ave. to the east and W. Chase St. to the south. It’s a neighborhood directly north of Commercial St., with about 3,100 calling it home.
Today, Woodland Heights has its challenges, but it’s a neighborhood on the move. Habitat for Humanity of Springfield, Missouri is partnering with Woodland Heights in Neighborhood Revitalization to improve the quality of life. We’re identifying goals, making a plan and bringing in partners.
The residents of Woodland Heights are committed to making their neighborhood a better place to live. Come see homes that Habitat has worked on while meeting some great new friends.
Habitat Home Run In Woodland Heights:
The 9th annual Habitat Home Run is a 5k, 10k, and 1 mile fun run. Start and finish at historic Lafayette Park (202 E. Atlantic) in Woodland Heights. A fast, flat, and shady route that have been revitalized by Habitat’s construction team and volunteers; see charming features the Moon City Creative District, and more!
- Saturday, August 26, 2017 – 7:00 a.m. race start
- Woodland Heights Neighborhood – Lafayette Park – 202 E. Atlantic
Register online here. All proceeds benefit Habitat’s Neighborhood Revitalization efforts in Woodland Heights & 40+ children’s charities of the Price Cutter Charity Championship presented by Dr Pepper.
For more more information, visit our Habitat Home Run: 5k, 10k, 1 mile fun run event on Facebook and on our website.