Springfield adds new position, cleanup crew to combat discarded needles in parks

Director of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management Thomas Ashe highlights the expanded partnership for park safety and clean-up with the Hampden Sheriff’s Department at Johnny Appleseed Park on Thursday morning. Oct. 2, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas HookSPRINGFIELD — The city will create a new coordinator and the Hampden Sheriff’s Department will provide a regular cleanup crew to combat the scourge of needles and drug paraphernalia discarded in parks, playgrounds and churches. The initiatives announced Thursday are part of a multi-pronged battle city councilors, the Parks Department and others have been waging since the summer to make the city safer.