Easy Access Springfield

1501 S. Grand Ave. West (Cross Streets: Chatham Rd. and Fayette Ave.)
Springfield, IL 62704
217-753-6219
www.carillon-rees.org

Washington Park's historic bell tower, the third largest in the world, is the site each June of the International Carillon Festival, complete with fireworks display. Other annual events which take place on the level grassy area around the tower include a fashion show, juried art and crafts fair, jack o' lantern spectacular and Christmas caroling. While the tower's elevator is too small to accommodate wheelchairs, others with limited mobility can take the elevator to the second and third levels to see the carillonneur's keyboard and some of the tower's 67 bells. The top level is reached only by a circular staircase. Concerts are performed each Sunday afternoon throughout the year as well as on Wednesday evenings in summer. Please call ahead before visiting.

Hours

• Memorial Day to Labor Day
  • Wed-Sun: noon-dusk
  • Closed Mon and Tues
• Spring and Fall
  • Sat-Sun: noon-dusk, as weather permits
  • Closed Mon-Fri

Admission

• Adults $2.50, Children $2.00

Parking/Loading Zone

• Private parking lot—designated accessible spaces
  • Closest lot in Washington Park is off Fayette Ave.

Educational Programs

• Type—Docent-led tours only
• Ages served—All
• Disabilities served—No targeted programming. Carillon is not wheelchair accessible.

Features for People with Service Animals

• Natural surface/grassy dog relief area
  • Location—Throughout Washington Park

Features for People with Hearing Loss

• Print Information
  • Brochures on carillon history and festival

Features for People with Vision Loss

• Guiding/orientation during tour
• Note: Structural supports reduce overhead clearance on upper stories of bell tower.

Accessible Entrance

• Level entry
• Door has at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• Note: Door is kept open during tour hours

Assistive Equipment for Guests with Physical Disabilities

• None

Interior Access

• Corridor/path of travel at least 36" wide
• Note: Wheelchair access to ground floor gift shop only.

Elevator

• No wheelchair access
• Note: Small elevator is designed to accommodate just the carillonneur but can carry the docent and one or two ambulatory passengers. The top level of the bell tower is reached only by a circular staircase.

Exterior Access

• Sidewalk/path of travel at least 36" wide
• Stable/non-slip surface
• Surface material—concrete
• Slope steep in some areas—behind carillon toward Rose Garden
• Note: Level access from parking area on Fayette Ave. Grassy area surrounding the bell tower is also level.

Accessible Facilities/Amenities

• Ticketing/Box Office—36" max. counter
• Brochure rack
• Gift Shop
  • Sales counter/section 36" max
  • Space to turn/maneuver

Exhibits

• None

Performance Space—Outdoor Listening Area

• Herndon Plaza
  • Location—Top of the Rose Garden
• Fixed seating—benches
• Note: New walkway provides wheelchair access

Accessible Public Restroom

• None
• Note: An accessible restroom is located in the Washington Park Botanical Garden to the west of the bell tower