"They’re really kind of a wildlife management success story."

“Downtown Springfield is in a resurgence phase, and we’re here to share fresh ideas with all our friends,” says Andrew Lazear, of Hi-Hat, a new restaurant that will feature  contemporary Asian-American cuisine, classic craft cocktails, notable music and a listening lounge in downtown Springfield.

The trumpeter swan is one of many things to celebrate in the coming weeks when it comes to birds, wildlife officials say.

“To my mind, this is the best and deepest lineup we’ve ever had,” says Chris Schutte, vice president of destination marketing and communications for the Greater Springfield Partnership. He's talking about IndieCraft 2024, coming up May 24-25 downtown. 

The Artful Play program at the Springfield Museum of Art welcomes about 150 individual preschoolers to the museum for a series of repeat visits each school year. The visits often mark a child’s first time visiting an art museum.

Funds dedicated to local parks are earmarked for specific purposes, making them in short supply for many projects desired by residents and community groups.

The community came together recently to raise more than $40,000 to conquer hunger locally, as part of the 29th annual Empty Bowl fundraiser.  

Bus routes will be phased out and replaced with an on-demand ride service as Springfield responds to the needs to employers, workers, and other transit riders.