Friendly competition is coming to the ballfields this spring—and local neighborhoods are being called to step up, form teams, and claim bragging rights in the 2026 SGF Kickball Neighborhood Championship . The annual event will take place on Sunday, April 19 at the Meador Park Baseball Fields (2600 S. Fremont Ave.) , with registration beginning at 12:00 p.m. and games kicking off at 1:00 p.m. The tournament is free to participate in and open to ages 8 and up. Organizers say this isn’t just about kickball—it’s about building stronger neighborhoods through shared experiences and a little healthy rivalry. “We want to see neighborhoods show up, not just individuals,” said Ray Coleman, 2026 Tournament Coordinator. “There’s something powerful about playing alongside the people you live near. It turns streets into teams and neighbors into teammates.” Teams can include 8–13 players , with at least five youth ages 8–13 on the field. Games will be played in a fast-paced format—either 35...

In a world that often feels increasingly disconnected, these six Missouri cities are proving that neighborliness isn’t a thing of the past—it’s alive, thriving, and transforming communities across the state. Using a comprehensive “Participation Index” that considered everything from city size and acts of neighboring to proclamations, business engagement, and community campaigns, the 2025 Top Six Most Neighborly Cities have been announced. Here’s a deeper look into the cities that are setting the standard for community spirit in Missouri this year: 1. Springfield (Greene County): The Neighboring Capital of Missouri Once again, Springfield leads the way in statewide neighborliness. This vibrant city topped the charts in nearly every category: number of acts of neighboring, engaged neighbor nominations, pledge participation, and city-wide campaigns. What sets Springfield apart is its community-wide embrace of the neighboring movement. Volunteer-led block parties were held across multiple ...

Keren Levine had never been to Springfield, Missouri. She didn’t know anyone in town and had no family close. But in 2019, while living in a small town outside of Portland, Oregon, she sent an email that would change her life.  The email was addressed to David Burton, a community development specialist with the University of Missouri Extension. Keren had been reading his digital newsletter, The Engaged Neighbor , which encouraged readers to celebrate National Good Neighbor Day by reaching out to those nearby. Keren took the advice to heart—but from a distance.  “It made a real difference in my life,” Keren said.  That small idea of connecting with neighbors would soon lead her to a new city, new friendships, and a new life. A Brave Decision At the time, Keren was caring for her husband, who had serious health issues. Staying in Oregon no longer seemed like an option.  “To get out from under our growing debts,” she said, “we had to sell our home.”  Keren began re...