Springfield’s McDaniel Park is set to welcome an exciting new amenity aimed at cyclists, roller skaters, and outdoor enthusiasts according to an article by Springfield News-Leader. 

In partnership with the nonprofit Trailspring, the Springfield-Greene County Park Board has announced plans to construct a pump track within the park, adding another dimension to the city’s recreational offerings.

A pump track is a paved, circular loop featuring rollers and berms that enable riders to generate momentum through body movements, requiring minimal pedaling or pushing. 

The proposed track will be located in an open area north of the park’s parking lot and trailhead for the South Creek Greenway, while existing features like the playground, trailhead, and parking lot will remain untouched.

The community recently had the opportunity to participate in an open house held on Thursday, January 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Messiah Lutheran Church on 925 E. Seminole St. 

The event provided a platform for residents and stakeholders to learn about the project and offer input as the track design continues to evolve. Jenny Fillmer Edwards, chief spokesperson for the Park Board, emphasized the importance of this forum in addressing questions and ensuring community feedback is incorporated into the plans.

The pump track project marks the latest collaboration between the Park Board and Trailspring, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing outdoor recreation in the region. 

Trailspring, known for developing Two Rivers Bike Park and the Dirt 66 Trails at Fellows Lake, secured $555,000 in pledges to fund the design and construction of the pump track. The Park Board formally approved the proposal and funding during its January 10 meeting.

Alaina Grote, executive director of Trailspring, noted that the idea for the pump track was conceived roughly 18 months ago as a way to create accessible outdoor spaces in more urban areas.

“Fellows Lake is close but still a drive for many people,” Grote explained. “We wanted something centrally located to break down barriers and provide easier access to outdoor recreation. Pump tracks are booming across the country, and this is Springfield’s chance to join the movement.”

Pump tracks are becoming increasingly popular in parks nationwide, with one of the largest located in St. Charles, Missouri. Springfield’s interest in a pump track dates back to the 2014 McDaniel Park master plan, though funding constraints delayed its realization. 

The original plan envisioned development in both McDaniel Park and adjacent George Moore Park, but current plans focus exclusively on McDaniel Park, leaving George Moore’s wooded areas untouched.

Construction on the pump track is expected to begin later this year, with a targeted completion date in summer 2026. The project will be executed by Joplin-based American Ramp Company, a nationally renowned pump track builder. Additional proposed upgrades to McDaniel Park, including expanded parking, a picnic pavilion, restrooms, and enhanced lighting, remain unfunded for now.

The McDaniel Park pump track represents a significant step forward in promoting outdoor activities within urban settings. By reducing barriers to outdoor recreation and providing a centrally located amenity, the project aligns with the growing demand for innovative and accessible outdoor spaces. 

Its completion will not only enrich Springfield’s park system but also serve as a model for how urban areas can integrate outdoor recreation into community development, fostering healthier and more active lifestyles.