How to Get Outside and Safely Enjoy Local Trails

Editor's note: This article was updated with new information Wednesday, May 13, 2020. 

To help curb the spread of COVID-19, all Springfield-Greene County Park Board playgrounds and buildings were closed for an extended period of time, but will reopen with limitations Thursday, May 14. Outdoor parks and trail systems, including the Ozark Greenways, remain open for use while adhering to physical distancing requirements as defined in Springfield's Road to Recovery Phase 1 order, including following proper personal hygiene and maintaining a distance of at least six feet between persons at all times. It is more important than ever to keep your distance to ensure everyone's health and safety. Getting out for a walk, run or bike ride with those you are sheltering in place with is a great way to enjoy some fresh air and shake off that cabin fever.

Maintain Distance and Follow Proper Safety Guidelines

• Do not leave home if you are ill or exhibiting symptoms.

• Follow the CDC's recommendation for personal hygiene before leaving your home. 

• Be prepared for limited access to public restrooms or water fountains. Plan to keep any and all trash on your person, and take it home to dispose of properly.

• Walk, run or bike ride only with those you are living with and maintain at least six feet distance from anyone else at all times, including people in vehicles. Take extra care when crossing bridges or traveling through tunnels and let others pass safely before entering.

• Slow down and announce when passing ("On your left!"), giving plenty of space while doing so to maintain your six foot distance.

• Bicyclists may consider using trails during off-peak times.

• If riding on the road, bicyclists must obey traffic laws. Check out this Smart Cycling Quick Guide from The League of American Bicyclists for more information.

• For a full map of Springfield's trails and bike routes, download Ozark Greenways' map here.

Trails and Bike Routes Around Town

Galloway Creek Greenway

Beginning at Pershing Middle School and traveling south toward Sequiota Park and Galloway Village, the Galloway Creek Greenway is a mostly flat, easy trail that's great for families.
Trail Connections: Continue south toward the James River and pick up a section of the James River Greenway that will loop you underneath Highway 60 and onto an on-street route that crosses over Highway 65 and back to Sequiota Park. 

South Creek Greenway

The South Creek Greenway is a slightly longer trail that begins in McDaniel Park at the corner of National Avenue and Sunset Street and travels west toward Nathanael Greene/Close Memorial Park. Watch for the horses at the Darr Agricultural Center after you ride over Kansas Expressway on the pedestrian bridge
Trail Connections: Continue west past Carver Middle School and you can pick up the Wilson's Creek Greenway by way of a bike lane or sidewalk on Battlefield Road that crosses West Bypass. Take the trail south for a hilly challenge, or head north toward Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park. Access to The Link, an on-street bike route, is available at Jefferson Street close to the trailhead.

The Link

For those comfortable riding on the road, The Link runs north and south through a central corridor of Springfield and passes through Phelps Grove Park, Missouri State University, OTC, Drury University and Doling Park.
Trail Connections: The Link offers direct access to South Creek Greenway and a section of the Jordan Creek Greenway, and offers close access to Fassnight Creek Greenway. It also offers access to many other on-street bike routes that run throughout Springfield.

Bike Shops Listed as Essential Business

Local bike shops are open. If your bike needs repair, or you're looking to make a purchase, support our local small businesses.  

• A&B Cycle will help you pick out a bike with no contact and free delivery, as well as make repairs.

• Adventure Bicycle Company offers curb-side pick-up and delivery services with touchless payment options. Free delivery for anyone within 90 miles of Springfield.

• Bicycle Outlet remains open and available to help you with your purchasing needs.

• Frisco Bicycle Rental and Sales will continue to rent bikes, but only once per day to allow for proper sanitization afterwards. Bikes brought in for maintenance will also be thoroughly sanitized. 

• Sunshine Bike Shop has closed momentarily to regroup and consider their plan for the next 30 days, but will likely return to work with a light staff and new protocol. A decision should be made by Monday, March 30.

• Queen City Cycles is open by appointment only for purchases and repairs. Message them on Facebook or call to set your appointment.