Springfield City Symbol

The Springfield Citizenry passed an ordinance in the March 16, 1985 election designating the McKenzie River Drift Boat the official City symbol.

John D. Lively, the Mayor of Springfield at the time, proclaimed the symbol was approved as Special Ordinance No. 5284. The ordinance stated that the City of Springfield shall, where appropriate, make use of the Symbol in its emblem and in its efforts to promote tourism, its natural resources, economic development, a positive image and historical preservation.

The representation of the McKenzie River Boat to be used in the official City Symbol was selected by the Common Council of the City of Springfield from entries submitted by the public to the Springfield McKenzie Drift Boat Project, Inc. Six finalists were chosen from the entries. David Rodriguez of the Springfield McKenzie Drift Boat Committee submitted the representation selected.

Most of the evolution of the McKenzie River Drift Boat occurred on the river after which it was named. That beautiful McKenzie River borders the city of Springfield. Originally a product of our City and State, the drift boat is now used throughout the world.

A model of the McKenzie River drift boat is located just outside the Springfield City Library door inside a glass case. The inscriptions near the boat read: