Neighborhood Events
| Site: | OpenLearn Create |
| Course: | Neighborhood Association Board Member Onboarding |
| Book: | Neighborhood Events |
| Printed by: | Guest user |
| Date: | Saturday, 22 November 2025, 8:52 AM |
1. Neighborhood Clean-Up
Image provided by Community Partnership
The neighborhood clean-up program is an annual program available to registered neighborhoods in the City of Springfield. The City accepts applications for participation in the program on an annual basis, typically in July. The program is intended to reduce neighborhood clutter and nuisances and create a renewed sense of pride by providing dumpsters for neighborhood residents to dispose of items not typically allowed in routine trash disposal. These events currently run throughout the Spring & Fall seasons on Saturday mornings. They are coordinated by Community Partnership of the Ozarks in partnership with neighborhood clean-up coordinators.
Each neighborhood association appoints a designated Clean-Up Coordinator. The neighborhood Clean-Up Coordinator is responsible for securing an event location, such as a church parking lot, school parking lot or a local business, finding volunteers to work the event, and being present at the event.
2. Leadership Summit
The annual Leadership Summit, typically hosted in March, is put together by Community Partnership of the Ozarks. This is an educational event that offers professional development opportunities for neighborhood leaders through a variety of speakers and topics.
3. Bass Pro Cheering Challenge
Bass Pro hosts an annual marathon, typically held the first Sunday of November in which they invite neighborhoods to cheer on the runners. This event is an excellent way for neighborhoods to raise additional discretionary funds for their association.
Image by Community Partnership
Process
Bass Pro will gather contact information for neighborhood associations through the City’s Planning and Neighborhoods Team who will then reach out to determine which neighborhoods will be participating. Each neighborhood association is assigned a location along the route to be stationed and cheer along the runners. Neighborhoods are encouraged to choose a “theme” to decorate their station and dress up as.
Awards
Neighborhoods compete for the highest place in the cheering competition. Neighborhoods are then awarded a cash prize based upon their placement. While the amount differs every year based on the amount of prize money allocated and the number of neighborhoods participating, each neighborhood that participates receives a minimum amount of a $250 prize.
4. Neighborhood Night Out
Neighborhood Night Out is an annual event that takes place each fall, typically held in August or September, that is designed to heighten crime prevention awareness while strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. Neighborhood associations can plan activities for the residents to enjoy a night of family fun and community. Activities typically include cookout, visits from police officers and fire fighters, informational booths, children's games and activities, live music, etc.
5. National Night Out
Image by Community Partnership
Held the first Tuesday of August, National Night Out promotes safety through police and community partnerships. Neighborhood associations have the opportunity to host a free table as a vendor at this event to promote their neighborhood and connect with neighbors.
6. Lantern Walk
Image by City of Springfield MO
Organized through the pedestrian safety program SGF Yields, the City of Springfield partners with neighborhoods to organize the Lantern Walks. Neighbors, schools and families are encouraged to build and decorate luminaries ahead of the event. On the first Saturday in October, starting at sunset, residents stroll with their illuminated lanterns along a designated route. Along the way, there are stations where children learn about safe walking habits, drivers learn about crosswalk laws and parents are encouraged to actively practice safe street crossings with their children. Residents along the route can help make the autumn walk especially beautiful by placing lights along the sidewalks and greeting the children parading with their beautiful lanterns.
Learn more about how to participate on the City of Springfield website:
7. Neighborhood Organization Volunteer Awards (NOVAs)
Hosted by Community Partnership of the Ozarks, the NOVAs is an annual banquet that
recognizes neighborhood volunteers. Typically held in December,
this banquet honors neighborhood members who faithfully serve our
community. Each neighborhood association gets to nominate a member for
an award to be recognized. Additional awards are given to outstanding
neighborhood organizations.
