City
of Springfield Tours
City of Springfield, Oregon
The City of Springfield
offers several informational tours to the public. These tours are geared
toward a variety of age groups.
Library
Library tours are given
in the Children’s Department at the Springfield Public Library. The
library holds an assortment of wonderful resources for children of all ages:
books, audio and videotapes, story hours, computer time, puppet shows, and
performances by guest artists and entertainers. Each tour includes a story
or book talk and, depending on the age of the tour group, a "Stump
the Librarian" or "Mother Goose" game. Library tours are
available Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday during regular school hours and
Wednesday afternoon. Tours last about 40 minutes and need to be scheduled
ahead of time throughout the school year. By waiting until spring, a "bottleneck"
is created and we might not be able to accommodate your request. We encourage
you to plan ahead so we can welcome your group. For more information
or to make an appointment please contact Judy Harold, Children’s Librarian,
at 726-2237.
Museum
Springfield Museum
tours are an excellent chance for you to experience a bit of Springfield
history. The materials for each tour are adjusted to age level and content
needs. Museum tours are primarily designed for kindergarten through fourth
grade levels. Each kindergarten through second grade tour ranges from 30
to 45 minutes. Third and fourth grade tours run approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Tours can be scheduled any weekday, morning only. No tours are given after
May 20th through the end of the school year for school groups,
unless the instructor accompanies the class during Museum open hours, Wednesday
through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We look forward to seeing your group at
the Museum. For more information or to make an appointment, please contact
Deb Gruell, Museum Director, at 726-3677.
City Hall
City Hall tours are
a fun, interactive opportunity to learn about city government. The tour
includes a walk through City Hall and around its exterior to learn about
the community, the building, and the public art in and around City Hall,
225 Fifth Street. City Hall tours include an opportunity to meet with the
Mayor or a member of the City Council to participate in a brief discussion
about Springfield's form of government. Tour participants are invited to
sit in the Mayor and Councilors' chairs in the Council Chamber, and to talk
about the kinds of decisions the Mayor and Council make on behalf of the
community. Tours last 30-40 minutes and must be arranged in advance. For
more information or to arrange a tour, please contact Jan Jamison, Human
Resources, 726-3788.
Police Department
Here’s your chance
to go behind the scenes of Springfield’s police department and observe
the daily activities of uniformed patrol officers. The Springfield Police
Department offers informal tours to the public weekdays, Monday through
Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are tailored to the needs or interests
of the group and are given by Community Service Officers. Length of tours
and information provided varies, starting at 30 minutes. The Police Department
also provides an opportunity to ride in a patrol vehicle. During the "Ride-Along,"
we encourage people to talk with officers and ask questions. All rides last
approximately four hours. Advance authorization is required before you can
participate. For more information regarding the "Ride-Along" program
please call 726-3714. For more information or to make an appointment
please contact Tana Steers, Community Service Officer, at 726-3731.
Public Works
Maintenance
Public Works Maintenance
Divisions tours are given at 201 South 18th Street. The tour
offers a look at the machines Public Works uses to keep the city clean and
beautiful. You’ll hear a description of the types of work done by city
maintenance staff, and receive tips for keeping Springfield beautiful. The
tour also includes a look at the main offices, sign & signal shop, fleet
shop and various maintenance machines and vehicles used by maintenance staff,
such as a signal truck and TV van. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. Where
possible a demonstration of equipment is included. Tours can be requested
throughout the year; however, summer is a busy season and it may not be
possible to honor all requests. For more information or to schedule a
tour, please call the Maintenance Division at 726-3761.
Fire and
Life Safety Department
The Springfield Fire
and Life Safety Department offers fire station tours Friday mornings at
9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Fire Department tours are a fun, interactive glimpse
at a community fire department. Please request your tour at least two weeks
before the desired tour date. We encourage you to schedule morning tours,
but afternoon tours are possible. Evening tours are a challenge, but we
try our best. Tours last approximately 30 minutes and groups should not
be larger than 25 people. Groups of children should be accompanied by approximately
one adult for every 5 children. For more information or to schedule a
tour, please contact Rebecca Hollenbeck at 726-3737. |
