October Lantern Walk

Shine a Light on Pedestrian Safety

October is national Pedestrian Safety Month. In 2021, Springfield started holding annual Lantern Walks to draw attention to our most vulnerable road users - in fun and educational way.   

Organized through the pedestrian safety program SGF Yields, the City of Springfield partners with neighborhoods to organize the Lantern Walks. Neighbors, schools and families are encouraged to build and decorate luminaries ahead of the event. On the first Saturday in October, starting at sunset, residents stroll with their illuminated lanterns along a designated route. Along the way, there are stations where children learn about safe walking habits, drivers learn about crosswalk laws and parents are encouraged to actively practice safe street crossings with their children. Residents along the route can help make the autumn walk especially beautiful by placing lights along the sidewalks and greeting the children parading with their beautiful lanterns.    

The event has grown in popularity and multiple Lantern Walk events will take place on Saturday October 7th when the sun sets:

1. The main event will take place at Phelps Grove Park where families have the opportunity to play games, join the 0.3 mile parade and learn about pedestrian safety along the way. You may park near Phelps Grove Park. If you wish to walk further away for a longer stroll, you may JOIN ONE OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD LANTERN TRAINLS that start at nearby elementary schools and lead to Phelps Grove Park (Sunshine School, Delaware School, Rountree School). 
2. Simultaneously, another Lantern Walk takes place on the north side of Springfield passing through Commercial Street, led by the Woodland Heights and Robberson Neighborhoods. 
3. The same night, these neighborhoods will each hold Lantern Walks also: West Central, Galloway, Midtown and Brentwood Neighborhood.  

Lanterns can easily be crafted. If you need ideas or want to participate in a lantern-making workshop ahead of event, click here.

If you are interested to host a lantern walk next year, you can learn more about here.