City News Releases

On June 29, 2024, Downtown Springfield, Oregon will be buzzing with excitement as we host the prestigious US Olympic Team Trials – 20km Race Walk event. This is a can’t-miss celebration for our Springfield community, bringing the thrill of world-class athletic competition right to our doorstep! The City and local organizing committee TrackTown USA, along with Team Springfield partners Willamalane Park and Recreation District, Springfield Public Schools, and Springfield Utility Board are excited to welcome visitors and residents alike to this world event set in the heart of our community. Our key partner, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, joins us in the excitement and opportunity to welcome all to Springfield, Oregon. Athletes will race the official course along 5th Street and Main Street in Downtown Springfield. The City is suspending parking enforcement activities in Downtown Springfield to better accommodate event goers. Community members and visitors are invited to join the event starting at roughly 7:00 a.m., Saturday June 29 at the Springfield City Hall Plaza, 225 Fifth Street in Downtown Springfield, Oregon. A short welcoming ceremony will precede the 20km Race Walk trials, which begin at 7:30 a.m. for athletes in the men’s race and 7:31 a.m. for athletes competing in the women’s race. An awards ceremony will be held at the Springfield City Hall Plaza immediately following the race. “I am excited that Springfield is hosting the Olympic Trials Race Walk event,” said Springfield Mayor Sean VanGordon. “Downtown Springfield is the perfect backdrop for this event. It will give us an opportunity to cheer on these world class athletes from a truly distinctive part of our city. Thank you to both the Team Springfield partners and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce for the additional work to make this a special community event.” There’s even more fun to be had during the event as the City and Willamalane host a Community Hospitality Courtyard with kids’ activities, fun giveaways, and the opportunity for residents and visitors to take home a FREE commemorative Race Walk poster while supplies last.   There’s even more! Fan-ee Packs Thanks to Willamalane, community members may pick up a FREE “fan-ee pack” kit to cheer on the competitors. “Fan-ee packs” are available while supplies last at the Willamalane Cheer Headquarters tent located in the Community Hospitality Courtyard.   SPD Bike Patrol In addition to helping keep the event safe for everyone, Springfield Police Department will have their popular Bike Patrol Officers on scene in support of the event and to connect with community members and visitors!   Willamalane Children’s Celebration Following the Race Walk, join Willamalane Park and Recreation District at Island Park, at 200 West B Street, Springfield for a special celebration and fun for the entire family. You’ll find resources and fun interactive activities, including live performances and the Willamalane train from Willamalane, community partners, and exhibitors. You and your leashed pets can roam the PetFest section to explore pet-friendly resources and organizations.   For more information: Download the Race Walk Map Visit TrackTown [...]

The Springfield Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) will convene on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. This meeting provides an opportunity for committee members and community participants to engage in discussions about bicycle and pedestrian issues within the city. Participants can attend the meeting either in person at Springfield City Hall’s Jesse Maine Room, located at 225 5th Street, or virtually via Zoom using the following link: Zoom Meeting (Meeting ID: 840 2676 7538). Alternatively, participants can join by phone by dialing +19712471195 and entering the meeting ID 84026767538#. In efforts to be inclusive, the meeting location is fully accessible to persons with disabilities. Those requiring an interpreter for the hearing impaired or other accommodations should contact Andrew Larson at alarson@springfield-or.gov or 541-726-3661 prior to the meeting. City TTY users can dial Oregon Relay Services at 711 for assistance. For more details and full meeting materials, visit Springfield Oregon Speaks.