Easy Access Springfield

2301 E. Lake Dr. (Cross Street: Pawnee Rd.)
Springfield, IL 62712
217-529-1111
www.lincolnmemorialgarden.org

A living memorial to Abraham Lincoln, this woodland and prairie garden occupies a 100-acre site along the east side of Lake Springfield. The garden, which dates from the 1930s and represents the landscape that Lincoln would have known, has six miles of interconnected trails. Along the way, one can rest on benches that have inspirational quotes from Mr. Lincoln. Aside from the paved pathway between parking and the modern Nature Center, most trails are not wheelchair accessible, especially in wetter months. However, at the garden's Ostermeier Prairie Center, there is an accessible half-mile trail that winds around a small pond and through restored prairies. Accessible parking and restrooms are located at both sites. The Nature Center also has educational exhibits, program space and a gift shop.

Hours

• Nature Center:
  • Tues-Sat: 10am-4pm
  • Sun: 1pm-4pm
  • Closed Mon
• Garden:
  • Daily: Sunrise to sunset

Admission

• Free except for special events

Parking/Loading Zone

• Private parking lots—designated accessible spaces
  • At main entrance and next to Nature Center via the back drive
  • At Ostermeier Prairie Center

Educational Programs

• Type—Weekend programs for children and adults, School programs, Teacher education workshops, Ecology Camp, Junior Naturalist program
• Ages served—All
• Disabilities served—All, no targeted programming

Features for People with Service Animals

• Natural surface/grassy dog relief area
  • Location—throughout garden

Features for People with Hearing Loss

• Printed information—brochure with trail map
• Sign language interpretation—on request
• Advance notice required
• Strobes in public areas and restrooms

Features for People with Vision Loss

• Orientation to nature center—on request
• Tactile exhibits
• Exhibit labels—large print, high contrast, non-glare
• Braille/Tactile Signage—restrooms
• Interior Signage—large print, high contrast, non-glare
• Height clearance at least 80”
• No undetectable protruding objects in path of travel

Accessible Entrance

• Level entry
• Door has at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• Easy grasp/lever handle or none

Assistive Equipment for Guests with Physical Disabilities

• None

Interior Access

• Corridor/path of travel at least 36" wide

Elevator

• None
• All facilities on one level

Exterior Access

• Pathway from parking lot to Nature Center
  • Sidewalk/path of travel at least 36" wide
  • Stable/non-slip surface
  • Surface material—concrete
• Ostermeier Prairie Center
  • Half-mile wheelchair accessible trail
  • Path of travel at least 36" wide
  • Surface material—medium gravel, hard packed earth, grass
  • Route includes—wooden bridge, boardwalk, viewing platform
  • Level changes of 1/2"-1" due to erosion
• Trails in Main Garden
  • Limited wheelchair access
  • Path of travel at least 36" wide
  • Surface material—wood chips, grass
    • Trails may be soft/unstable when wet
  • Route includes—wooden footbridges
    • North and south ends of garden
• Slope steep in some areas
• Note: Accessible trails/pathways identified by wheelchair symbol on map

Accessible Facilities/Amenities

• Nature Center
• Brochure rack
• Seating—chairs without arms; benches throughout garden
• Gift Shop
  • Space to turn/maneuver
• Drinking Fountain
• Vending Machines
• Covered Picnic Tables—Ostermeier Prairie Center
• Note: Information/sales counter not lowered

Exhibits

• On accessible route
• Space to approach/view/maneuver
• Freestanding cases 36"-39" max.
• Wall hung cases 36-39" max. bottom level
• Wall hung displays 54" to center line
• Interactive displays have easy to use controls
• Labels are viewable from seated position

Performance Space

• None

Café/Restaurant

• None

Accessible Public Restroom

• Men's and Women's
• Location
  • Nature Center
• Access symbol identifies facility
• Entry door at least 32" clearance
• Threshold less than 1/2" beveled
• Space in restroom to maneuver—5' by 5' or T-shaped space to turn
• Wheelchair stall 60" by 58"/60" minimum
• Stall door at least 32" clearance
• Stall door swings out
• Grab bar behind and alongside toilet
• Lateral transfer space at least 30" wide
• Toilet height 17" to 19"
• Roll under sink with knee clearance at least 27" high and 30" wide
• Insulated sink pipes
• Mirror 40" or less from floor or tilted
• Towels/soap/vending within reach—48" or less from floor
• Faucet controls automatic or lever type
• Latch operable with closed fist
• Easy grasp/lever handle or none
• Note: Ostermeier Prairie Center also has wheelchair accessible restrooms but they were not audited during the site visit