Better Block SGF

03/16/2026

We’re excited to share some big news for Better Block SGF!

Rachael Walsh has been named our first Executive Director, stepping into the role on March 9. Many in our community may already know Rachael through her work with Care to Learn, United Way of the Ozarks, and her recent service on the Better Block SGF Board of Directors.

Rachael brings a passion for community connection and a strong background in nonprofit leadership. She will help guide the next chapter of Better Block SGF’s work supporting vibrant neighborhoods, people-centered places, and community-driven placemaking across Springfield.

We’re grateful for the support of our partners, volunteers, and neighbors who continue to help make this work possible.

Read the full announcement: https://mailchi.mp/betterblocksgf.org/exciting_news

12/02/2025

💛 We want to say thank you for support in 2025.

This year, Better Block SGF didn’t just run events — we helped build connections, create gathering spaces, and turn ideas into action.

From local events to placemaking efforts… everything we do is possible because of you. Our volunteers. Our sponsors. Our partners. Our community.

Today is Giving Tuesday — You can help us to continue creating space for people, place, and possibility in Springfield.

Please consider a donation if you are able.
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PRJGYMQ7Y2GJJ

12/01/2025

This year, Better Block SGF did more than host events — we built connections, created gathering places, and turned good ideas into real change.

From Primrose Park to Park(ing) Day, Overlay, and Celebrate Springfield, everything we do is powered by one thing: our community.

Better Block SGF creates hands-on, short-term projects that show what else is possible for Springfield’s streets, spaces, neighborhoods, and businesses.
Temporary projects. Lasting impact.

Thank you to every volunteer, donor, sponsor, and neighbor who made this year possible. 💛

Looking for ways to give for GivingTuesday?
Feel free to get started now by donating to Better Block SGF.

Click the link to Donate:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=PRJGYMQ7Y2GJJ

09/30/2025

🚧✨ Let’s Build Something Amazing Together! ✨🚧
Better Block SGF is getting ready for our installations at Overlay Art & Culture Festival, and we need your creativity, energy, and hands-on help to bring the vision to life.

This is your chance to roll up your sleeves, get creative, and help shape a one-of-a-kind community experience. Tomorrow kicks off the first of our two volunteer build days — come be part of this exciting community placemaking effort!

1️⃣ VOLUNTEER BUILD, PAINT, & PREP | DAY 1 – Test runs of new structures, light construction work, painting, and some maintenance on existing seating and activations to ensure everything is ready for the big day.

2️⃣ VOLUNTEER BUILD DAY | EVENT SETUP – Assembly, construction, and placement of structures and activations, plus a little gardening to bring the festival footprint to life.
These builds won’t just make Overlay Fest amazing — they’ll also become lasting pieces of the Better Block SGF toolkit for years to come. 🌱

💛 Come be part of bringing this vision to life!
Please dress to get a little dirty and bring work gloves if you have them.

09/24/2025

🚨🚧 Help Us Build Something Great! 🚧🚨

Better Block SGF is gearing up for our installations for Overlay Art & Culture Festival and we need your hands and energy to make it happen!

We have two Volunteer Build Days coming up:

1️⃣ VOLUNTEER BUILD, PAINT, & PREP | DAY 1 – Test runs of new structures, light construction work, painting, and some maintenance on existing seating and activations to ensure everything is ready for the big day.
2️⃣ VOLUNTEER BUILD DAY | EVENT SETUP – Assembly, construction, and placement of structures and activations, plus a little gardening to bring the festival footprint to life.

These builds won’t just make Overlay Fest amazing — they’ll also become lasting pieces of the Better Block SGF toolkit for years to come. 🌱

💛 Come be part of bringing this vision to life!

Please dress to get a little dirty and bring work gloves if you have them.

09/22/2025

Did you locate a Fund Friends 417 figure when you visited us for Park(ing) Day or while perusing the Ozarks Farm Stop this weekend?

If you did, 📸 Snap a pic + send it their way. Every Friend found = a $1 donation to various local nonprofits and organizations throughout the year!

09/19/2025

Come by and check out our reimagined parking space!While you are here, check out Ozarks Farm Stop who is celebrating their Grand Opening today!

September 19 is Park(ing) Day, a global movement that aims to reimagine cities and make them more green and pedestrian-friendly.

09/18/2025

Join us for Park(ing) Day! 🚗➡️🌳

On Friday, September 19, we’re transforming a downtown parking space near the new Ozarks Farm Stop!

📍 Where: Downtown Springfield (South Ave. & Walnut St.)
🕙 When: All day Friday, with food + fun starting at 11 AM
🏞 We can't wait to bring this rendering to reality!

Park(ing) Day is celebrated around the world, and here in Springfield, Better Block SGF brings it to life by reimagining how these spaces can lead to social connection. 💛

Ozarks Farm Stop Ribbon Cutting and Better Block Event!

09/07/2025

We are setup at Celebrate Springfield!

Find us near the main gate of Hammons Field to play jenga, roll some yard dice, and make a chalk masterpiece!