The Connection

I moved to Springfield from Falls Church in 2005 when I was in second grade. Even though I was just a kid at the time, my family and I were immediately welcomed by our neighbors and by students and teachers at my school at the time, Crestwood Elementary. My family and I remain on good terms with our neighbors and on many occasions, they have helped us in cases when my mother’s car wouldn’t start or helping us shovel our sidewalk when snow falls. The hospitality of Springfield is a testament to the kindness the community fosters.

One of my favorite things about Springfield is its great diversity that permeates into all aspects of the city. I’m happy to say my high school had one of the most diverse student bodies, representing more than 60 countries — and this was something which was always embraced and made my high school more welcoming and enriching as everyone came from different walks of life.

In terms of its cuisine and dining options, Springfield has all sort of foods and flavors from numerous different countries and cultures. From Afghan kabob to Greek cuisine to Japanese Sushi, Springfield caters to any and every craving you could possibly have.

Having lived in Springfield since I was little, I watched the city grow as I grew up in it. I watched Springfield Mall grow to become Springfield Town Center, I watched new businesses spring to life, and have made good friends along the way. I’m still best friends with my friends from high school and often run into them as well anytime I go someplace in the city.

Here are places I enjoy in Springfield that I recommend visiting:

• Lake Accotink: The park is a beautiful piece of nature with its rushing water and beautiful lake to go canoeing or water pedaling. When the weather’s nice, it’s a great place to have a picnic or bring your bike and go on its nature trail. The park also has a carousel and a place to buy snacks and concessions.
• Springfield Town Center: Formerly known as Springfield Mall, the recently opened and renovated Springfield Town Center is a bustling place to shop and dine. Featuring stores like Topshop, Michael Kors and, even a store for vinyl, Records & Rarities, the town center is bound to be a fun and vibrant place to go shopping. I’d also recommend catching a movie at the movie theater located inside the mall since its reclining seats make the movie-going experience much more comfortable.
• Hidden Pond Nature Center: Woodland trails, picnic and play area, ponds, and live animal displays — the center is a great place to spend in nature and also learn more about it.
  
• Flight Trampoline Park: Flight is an indoor trampoline park where kids and adults can enter and spend the day bouncing around. Flight has more than 50 trampolines, two dodgeball areas, a basketball “slam dunk” area, and occasionally holds “Club Flight DJ Nights.”
• Dave & Busters: Great place for games, drinks and food. Located at Springfield Town Center.
• ShadowLand: A fun place to get a group of friends together to go laser tagging. On Fridays between 8 p.m. to midnight, for $15 per person, they offer unlimited games of laser tag.
  
• Go Ape Treetop Adventure Course: South Run Park in Springfield has a zipline and obstacle course treetop adventure to embark on. You can make a reservation at goape.com.
• Smart Markets: Starting in May, this farmers market is open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features the best from local vendors and organic fruits and vegetables.
• Richard Byrd Library: One of the best hubs of Springfield’s thriving community, is its Richard Byrd library. A place for community events and gatherings, families, and free books.

Basma Humadi was an intern/reporter for The Connection this summer. She is a student at George Mason University.