Springfield--first section of "The Link" opens Sunday

Ralph Rognstad of Springfield passed along this bit of good news:

This Sunday, May 15, there will be a ribbon cutting for the first section of The Link between JQH Arena and Hammons Field. The ribbon cutting will be in front of the Performing Arts Center on JQH Parkway between Elm and Cherry. It will start at 4:15 and end about 4:45 when we will ride through the ribbon to Hammons Field. At 5:10, we will ride around the inside of the ball field before the Cards game. That evening is Springbike Day at the game.  

More about The Link from the Springfield, Missouri, web site:

The Link is a planned bicycle and pedestrian route through Springfield’s core that will connect existing and planned greenways. The route will be primarily on existing streets with minimal vehicular traffic. The experiences of walkers and bicyclists on The Link will vary along different routes; however, the ultimate goal is to develop a system of shared-use routes that creates an experience of comfort and safety. While the experience will not be the same as walking or riding on a greenway trail, the landscaping, fixtures, and materials along The Link are planned to be better than along a typical city street.

The Link will connect more than just greenways. By routing The Linkthrough the core of Springfield, it will connect neighborhoods; other modes of travel; and retail, services and employment activity centers. The centers include:

http://www.springfieldmo.gov/images/global/dot_red.gif); line-height: 1.3em; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; ">
• Commercial Street
• Drury University
• Ozarks Technical Community College
• the IDEA Commons
• Jordan Valley
• Hammons Field (Cardinal’s minor league team)
• Downtown
• Missouri State University
• St. John’s Hospital
• Battlefield Mall
• Cox South Hospital.

The initial routes are in north and central Springfield where many of the City's low- and moderate-income neighborhoods are located. These routes will provide alternative transportation for residents that need it the most.

Where routes intersect a greenway or a transit route, Link Stations are planned. Link Stations are shelters with amenities such as benches, water fountains and bike racks and lockers. This will allow residents to ride a bus to The Link and continue their trips on foot or by bicycle. All City Utilities’ buses have bicycle racks. There are also plans to demonstrate innovative storm water solutions to reduce localized drainage issues and improve the environment along The Link.

The Link, like the greenway system, will take a number of years to complete. All of the funding is not available to complete The Link. A Concept Plan is being developed for the routes shown on the concept map to provide designs for signage along all routes and infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, pavement markings, traffic signal modifications, lighting, storm water improvements, link stations, and landscaping along the entire north-south corridor.