Kennedy Park

Location and History

Situated on Springfield's north side, Kennedy Park spreads across 27 acres of green space right next to Walnut Valley and not far from IL Route 29.

The park came to life in 1988, named after President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy. The park was designed with accessibility in mind, accommodating everyone from solo visitors to entire families.

Sports and Recreation

If you're into outdoor sports, you'll feel right at home here. The park features fields for baseball, soccer, and rugby that cleverly overlap in places, making the most of the available space.

Local photographers often capture action shots here, and rugby teams have been making memories on these fields for years. While the maintenance can be hit-or-miss depending on the season (especially after heavy rains), local teams still show up faithfully to play on these grounds.

Playground Area

A notable feature of Kennedy Park is the spaceship playground structure that has been a favorite of children since the early 1990s. There's something special about watching children play on the same equipment that entertained their parents a generation ago.

The playground caters to kids between 2-12 years old, but some of the non-spaceship equipment could use a little TLC. You'll also find pleasant walking paths winding through the park, ideal for a peaceful stroll or a morning jog through the natural landscape.

Amenities and Features

Planning a get-together? The park offers picnic areas and shelters with plenty of benches for group gatherings. Just be aware that water fountains are somewhat limited across the grounds.

Restrooms are seasonal affairs - during warmer months, you can find portable toilets available. One of the park's more recent additions is a lovely pollinator garden, which adds both ecological value and a splash of color to your visit.

What makes Kennedy Park special is how it balances active recreation with quiet reflection. You can join a rugby match or simply sit beneath a tree with a good book. For longtime Springfield residents, there's comfort in how little the park has changed over the decades - it remains a familiar green space in an ever-changing world.