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NEW GENERATION
THRIVE IN SPI • SPRINGFIELD SANGAMON GROWTH ALLIANCE
Enjoy the Area’s Natural Beauty If you enjoy outdoor recreation, Springfield is the place to be. Not only do we have a plethora of opportunities for outdoor exercise — from local races to numerous bike trails — but Illinois has an abundance of natural and cultural resources. On any given day and in any season, you can explore the natural prairies, wetlands and forests found in our beautiful state. In Sangamon County, there are a variety of natural gems to enjoy. Hike the trails of Lincoln Memorial Garden, set out on a camping excursion at Sangchris Lake State Park, try fishing on Lake Springfield, or take on the horse trails at Jim Edgar Wildlife Reserve. And since transportation to and from the Springfield area is so easy, it’s easy to pack a picnic and take a short drive to any number of state parks within a day’s reach. There are endless options to appreciate and steward the natural wonders of Illinois.
Professional Associations & Philanthropic Groups
Springfield hosts more than 150 associations representing a wide range of professions, causes and trades. From law to finance to engineering, these organizations provide the county with business opportunities and economic stability. Below you’ll find a list of general professional and philanthropic organizations, but there are many more – including a plethora of niche trade organizations our residents can get involved in. • American Business Club • Central Illinois Customer Service Association • Citizens Club of Springfield • Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln • Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln giving circles: Young Philanthropists and Women for Women • Downtown Springfield Inc. • Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce • Illinois Women in Leadership • Innovate Springfield • Junior League • Knights of Columbus • Mid-Illinois Communications Association • Local First Springfield • RISE Springfield • Rotary Club • SheFactor • Women Entrepreneurs Central Illinois
Levitt AMP Music Series
Vibrant Downtown Life Springfield’s downtown district is a mix of modern and historical, packed with music festivals, shopping opportunities, art fairs and community events. Thanks to the ongoing vision of our local leaders, downtown Springfield and surrounding areas are also seeing innovative retail, commercial, government and residential projects. For those who want to be in the center of the action, it’s easy and convenient to live downtown. Downtown housing is walkable to many shops, restaurants and historical attractions. And a jaunt through the downtown district enables you to take in rich architecture constructed hundreds of years ago. Local eateries attract residents from across Central Illinois, and breweries are flourishing downtown, such as Anvil & Forge and Obed & Issac’s. In the mornings, grab a freshly roasted fair trade coffee at Custom Cup or Wm. Van’s to start your day. Music festivals, concerts, art events and social activities are a constant in downtown Springfield as well, so take your pick on any given weekend! Be a Positive Change Springfield and nearby towns offer many opportunities to affect change in your community. Whether you’re passionate about youth literacy, the arts or mental health, we welcome your volunteerism and investment in the community for social good. Locally, we have many nonprofits who are impacting crucial short-term and long-term needs of the community, offering volunteer jobs and openings to serve on the board of directors.
Additionally, the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln’s giving circle called Young Philanthropists enables young people in the community to give a modest annual donation and combine donations with the group, building an endowment fund that will continue to give locally for generations. The circle also gives a substantial grant each year to a local children’s cause selected by committee. The Community Foundation is also a proud sponsor of The Next 10, a community visioning project for the Greater Springfield Area to define how we take bold steps together for the region’s future. Its work helped inform the Master Plan that is serving as the blueprint for revitalizing Downtown Springfield and the Mid-Illinois Medical District including Land Use & Reinvestment, Placemaking - Public Realm Activation & Streetscape, and Active Transportation & Parking. Innovate Springfield hosts a Business Incubation program to accelerate the growth and success of startup and early-stage companies by offering access to services and support. Springfield’s business-friendly infrastructure cultivates innovation, entrepreneurship and philanthropy for residents of all ages. And as part of our forward-looking commitment to young professionals, RISE Springfield is a networking group of The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, designed to engage emerging business leaders ages 21-39.
With entertainment, recreation and cultural events, it’s no wonder the Capital City greets more than one million visitors per year.
Washington Park
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