Southwind Park

Where Everyone Belongs

Southwind Park (officially Edwin Watts Southwind Park) is an 80-acre green space in Springfield, Illinois with a focus on inclusive design. Opened in 2010, this isn't just your average park - it's a place that genuinely welcomes everyone. Going well beyond basic ADA requirements, the designers created a space where visitors of all abilities can enjoy nature and recreation side by side.

The park features an eco-friendly setup. There's a wind turbine spinning away, solar panels dotting the landscape (including a cool solar flower that doubles as a calendar and clock), geothermal systems working quietly underground, and natural wetlands that all work together to make this a sustainable little ecosystem.

The Heart of the Park

Erin's Pavilion is the park's centerpiece - a Platinum LEED-certified building that functions as both visitor hub and event space. It's where you'll discover educational programs happening all year long, and locals often book it for weddings and community gatherings. And yes, there are clean indoor restrooms here when nature calls!

The surrounding gardens are a treat for the senses - literally. The sensory gardens engage all five senses, while the butterfly garden attracts colorful visitors on warm days. The fragrant garden offers delightful scents that change with the seasons. These gardens are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring raised planters for wheelchair users, quiet spaces for Alzheimer's patients, and interactive areas where kids can learn about plants. Throughout the year, the landscaping shifts with the seasons, always offering something new to discover.

Get Moving

2.5 miles of paved urban trails wind through the park, wide enough for comfortable passage and equipped with navigation aids and emergency call stations for peace of mind. No matter if you're taking a solo morning walk, pushing a stroller, or rolling along in a wheelchair, these paths make exploring the park easy and enjoyable.

The park offers a variety of activities. Try your luck at the fishing piers by the stocked lake, let the kids loose on the ADA-accessible playgrounds, discover the unique barrier-free treehouse, or make some noise on the outdoor musical instruments. For those who enjoy friendly competition, there are bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, shuffleboard, and even a life-size chess game to challenge your strategic thinking. And on breezy days, the Great Lawn becomes a fantastic spot for flying kites - especially during the annual kite festival when the sky fills with color.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Families with children have options here. Two distinct playground areas sit at opposite ends of the park, catering to different age groups. The larger playground near the parking lot features modern equipment set on rubber surfacing that's safer for inevitable tumbles.

During the summer heat (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day), the splash pad next to the main playground becomes a magnet for giggling, dripping-wet kids cooling off. It's a simple pleasure that makes hot Illinois summer days much more bearable.

And yes, you can bring your four-legged family members too - many visitors enjoy walking the paths with their leashed dogs, giving both human and canine a chance to stretch their legs.

Amenities That Matter

Planning a gathering? The park offers five picnic shelters complete with fans and electrical outlets - practical touches that make outdoor events much more comfortable. These shelters, surrounded by spacious green lawns, can be reserved for parties and special occasions.

Art is also woven within the park experience, from sculptural pieces to a Japanese-inspired fountain. History buffs might appreciate the Selvaggio Historic Arches that once featured coordinated light and music displays.

Southwind Park functions as a place for recreation, education, quiet contemplation, and community connection. Its inclusive design makes nature and outdoor activities accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.