Lake Springfield

(217) 757-8660 ext. 1011
www.cwlp.com/LakesParksHome/LakesParksInformation/LakeActivities.aspx

Lake Springfield, which borders the city to the east and south, is a major recreational resource for central Illinois, welcoming more than 600,000 visitors each year. City Water, Power and Light owns and manages Lake Springfield and its 57 miles of shoreline, which includes eight public parks and several public boat docks and launches. Also located along the lake are the Henson Robinson Zoo, Springfield Municipal Opera, Lincoln Memorial Garden and Lincoln Greens Golf Course.

Accessible facilities in the lake parks are limited at present, but Springfield's ADA Transition Plan targets numerous improvements and additions in the next few years including a new accessible fishing pier, boat launch, dock, boat slips and restrooms in Center Park. Other parks will also get accessible walkways, restrooms, playground equipment and picnic areas and shelters.

Currently there are accessible restrooms, parking spots and pathways in East and West Forest Parks and a footbridge between the two where people using wheelchairs or scooters can fish. In Center Park the upper level and terrace of the Beach House have wheelchair access as does the boat launch to the immediate north, with designated parking nearby. The public swimming beach, however, is not accessible. In Beach Park the boat launches south of the Lindsay Bridge are accessible by wheelchair and there is designated parking. At the southern end of the lake, the Bridgeview Park Building is accessible and, like Beach House, can be rented for private parties.