SPRINGFIELD – Kids’ laughter, a sing-along of “Baby Shark,” the hum of generators blowing up bounce houses, and a far-away goat’s bleat could be heard while walking through Island Park last Saturday. Willamalane kicked off the start of summer with its annual Children’s Celebration that began in the 1980s.
Jazmine Medrano, event coordinator for Willamalane, had been helping plan this day for about four months. This was Medrano’s fifth year coordinating the free event. “I love everything about it, but really it’s just about meeting the community exhibitors and the services that they offer and seeing the kids have fun,” Medrano said.
Sixty vendors spread out in the park. Activities like crafts, sports, dancing, a petting zoo, face painting, haircuts, train rides, balloon animals, and a sensory play area make up the “kids paradise,” said Kenny Weigandt, community and engagement coordinator. Community partners also offered essential services that support families, such as helping them access food.
Avi Kaopkept and her family have been coming to the function for four years now. “It seems pretty kid-friendly and safe, that’s probably what I like the most about it,” Kaopkept said. Kaopkept’s kids, Mila, 4, and Liam, 5, said their favorite part was winning candy and prizes.
Mill Street Reconstruction
The Mill Street Reconstruction Project began in September 2024. During most of the project, traffic will be restricted to one-way northbound on the route between Main Street and Centennial Boulevard. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
“We were a little concerned that the Mill Street construction might kind of shorten the crowd,” said Weigandt. The crowd average was about the same, though, according to Weigandt, around “a few thousand” people.
“The City of Springfield did a really good job,” Weigandt said. “They were very helpful to give us as many tips as we could to get people here safely … with the shuttle, and making sure people knew where to park to not to disrupt the neighbors.”
Whitney Hoshaw, marketing and communications manager for Willamalane, noted that most of the events at the district’s Island Park are still proceeding as planned, with the exception of the Light of Liberty Fourth of July celebration and fundraiser, which is held annually there, due to its size.
“As construction needs change, (the City and Willamalane is) sharing traffic updates on our website with additional options for attendees, including shuttles, public transportation options, accessible parking, and bike parking,” she said.
Last month, the City and ODOT completed new pavement, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, upgraded streetlights, and enhanced utilities on the east side of the street between Main Street and E Street.
Curb installation began last week, followed by three weeks of work on sidewalks and bike paths. The main roadway concrete pour is expected in mid-July.
People walking, biking, or rolling to West A and B Streets will be detoured south to Main Street, and those heading to West C, D, or E Streets will be directed north to West E Street.
Vehicle traffic will continue to travel northbound only on Mill Street. Access to Island Park and the Island Park Professional Center will remain available via West A Street or West B Street.
While both streets may not be open at the same time, at least one will stay open. E Street is the crossing point for all modes of transportation.
