Tyson Park Upgrades Planned, Nearly $700,000 in Grants Secured

Willamalane Park and Recreation District finalized plans for a multi element upgrade to Tyson Park in Springfield on December 13, 2025 and announced a virtual neighborhood meeting for December 16, 2025 to review designs and timelines. The district said grants totaling nearly $700,000 will cover the improvements, which include a new playground, a picnic shelter and a community garden. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 with completion late in the year.

The district will present the final design and project schedule during the virtual meeting, which includes a public question and answer session and is open to neighbors and other interested residents. The meeting is a formal step in the district process to solicit community input prior to construction and to explain how the project will be staged and funded.

The planned additions target both active and passive recreation needs in the neighborhood. A new playground will update play surfaces and equipment for a wider age range, while a covered picnic shelter is intended to support family gatherings and small community events. The community garden component is designed to increase opportunities for local food production and neighborhood stewardship on park property.

Securing nearly $700,000 in grant funding reduces the immediate fiscal impact on the district operating budget and on local taxpayers, while enabling the district to move forward with capital improvements that might otherwise have waited for bond measures or future budget cycles. For residents, the project will change daily use of the park during construction windows and then expand amenities once complete. Neighbors should expect staging and temporary closures during construction in 2026, with final completion projected late in the year.

The scheduled virtual meeting offers the primary public venue to raise questions about construction timing, traffic and access impacts, and ongoing maintenance responsibilities. Residents who cannot attend the meeting will need to follow Willamalane communications for post meeting materials and any subsequent public comment opportunities as the district advances into the construction phase.