Center Park

Park Overview

Center Park is a public recreational area located in Springfield, Illinois. This park is part of the Springfield Park District, which was established in 1900 as the second park district organized in the state of Illinois.

Accessibility Features

One of the park's notable features is the Beach House, which has wheelchair-accessible upper levels and terraces. Adjacent to the Beach House is a boat launch that is also accessible to individuals with mobility challenges, complete with designated parking nearby.

Center Park Harbor, situated behind the main play and picnic area, offers docks that are accessible by wheelchair and fishing piers that accommodate anglers with mobility limitations.

Playground and Recreation

Center Park is home to the Bounties of Nature playground, a unique woodland and water-themed play area that opened in March 2015. This ADA-compliant playground was designed to be accessible to children and caregivers regardless of physical ability, promoting inclusive recreation for the community.

The park also includes several sports facilities, including five softball diamonds and a volleyball sand pit.

Water Activities

For water enthusiasts, there is a boat launch particularly suited for sailboats, though it is open to all types of watercraft. This launch is wheelchair accessible and located just north of the Beach House.

Picnic Areas

For gatherings and events, Center Park provides various picnic areas and pavilions. These include two small pavilions near the Beach House, each accommodating 10-15 people, and a specially designed pavilion adjacent to accessible restrooms that caters to individuals using wheelchairs or with other mobility restrictions.