Ozark Empire Fairgrounds make progress on expansions, new arena nears completion
Springfield City Council approved an updated master plan for the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds on Monday evening. The plan includes multiple projects for improvement including a new arena that is set to be complete this September with about 70% of the construction complete.
This approval was needed after an Amended and Restated Lease was negotiated between the city and the Greene County Agricultural and Mechanical Society of Springfield, Missouri, last year.
Submitted by the society, the master plan spans more than 30 years and includes a new barn, additional camping grounds and an expansion of the Smokehouse. The new plan includes eight phases rather than the previous three, adding more improvements to make the space more hospitable to more people.
According to council documents, the existing arena is being replaced with a larger arena still able to host both agricultural and athletic events. The new arena will have a seating capacity of approximately 6,000 and a learning center in the lower level. The arena will not be open for the Ozark Empire Fair that starts this week on July 27-Aug. 5.
The plan also outlines the addition of 400 new camping spots and the addition of showers to the restrooms in the south parking area.
Mayor Ken McClure said he toured the fairgrounds on Monday and was very impressed with the progress made with the construction.
More: Neighbors, Planning and Zoning have mixed response to proposed townhomes in Midtown
The council also unanimously approved rezoning a planned development for 72-unit townhomes in North Springfield. The bill rezones 2.3 acres of single-family residential and urban conservation districts two blocks south of Commercial Street in the Midtown neighborhood to planned development.
The proposed bill initially received a 4-4 tie vote at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting May 11. However, after being postponed until the June 8 public hearing, P& Z passed it unanimously.
“The applicants intend to redevelop these underutilized properties to improve the neighborhood’s existing housing stock and enhance the existing aesthetics of the block,” the council documents stated.
A council bill amending the city’s Citizen Participation Plan was moved for public hearing to the council's Aug. 7 meeting to allow more time for staff to correct some language and further discuss the item. One of the amendments include allowing meetings to proceed even if the Community Advisory Committee for Community Development does not have a quorum. Two committee members had previously submitted comments against this amendment. Other edits include updates and adjustments for clarity.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Springfield City Council OKs Ozark Empire Fairgrounds improvement plan
