Springfield Park District

Bunn Park
2500 S. Eleventh St. (Cross St.: Stanford Ave.)
Springfield, IL
217-544-1751
www.springfieldparks.org

The Springfield Park District, which encompasses the 60-square mile metropolitan area, is committed to making its recreational facilities and programs accessible to all. The District has 31 parks, the newest being the fully inclusive Southwind Park. It also has 4 golf courses, 3 aquatic facilities and 6 specialty venues including Henson Robinson Zoo, Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon and Washington Park Botanical Garden. Other facilities include 3 bike trails and 2 stadiums, one of which is home to the Springfield Sliders.

All city pools—1 indoor (Eisenhower) and 2 outdoor (Nelson Center and Veterans)—have pool lifts. The Washington Park Tennis Complex and the tennis courts at the Nelson Center are wheelchair accessible. Playground equipment at many of the district parks, including Washington, Lincoln and Rotary, has ramps, transfer decks and play panels usable by all. Some parks also have accessible picnic pavilions. In Washington Park a new level-entry boardwalk with built-in seating overlooks a small stream. There's even has an accessible campground in Riverside Park on the city's far north side.

For individuals with disabilities, the District offers many adaptive programs including, a year-round bowling program; Camp L.E.A.P., a 10-week, summer day camp for ages 5 and up; and Monster Mash, a costume Halloween party. The Springfield Park District also provides sports for Special Olympians by hosting athletic programs for track and field, golf, softball/T-ball, basketball, snowshoe, bocce, power lifting, swimming, and basketball.

To learn more, contact the Special Recreation Supervisor, Annette Rothgery, who oversees the Park District's accessible programs. He can be reached at 217-503-4576 or by email: ahawkins@springfieldparks.org.