Erin's Pavilion

Southwind Park is located in southern Springfield. From I-55, take Toronto Rd. (Exit 90) to Second St., then turn north and travel 1 mile to Southwind Rd.

Southwind Park, Springfield's most inclusive attraction, sets a new national standard not just for accessibility, but also for environmental excellence. Every area and feature of the 80-acre park exceeds ADA accessibility requirements. Erin's Pavilion is a Platinum LEED certified building. Other eco-friendly features include wetlands, a wind turbine, solar panels and a geothermal system. In the near future, the park will also be the site of KIDZEUM, Springfield's first children's museum.

One of the most compelling features of Southwind Park is its complete accesibility for all ages and abilities with special emphasis and attention given to those with physical and cognitive disabilities. It provides a new dimension of inclusion for all people "without boundaries" in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Southwind Park is an all-people park, serving cognitive, emotional, physical and social needs in a diverse, safe and fun setting without physical and social barriers.

Fishing Piers
Three completely accessible fishing piers on the lake allow anglers to try their luck at catching bluegill, bass and catfish.

Gazebo
The gazebo offers a panoramic view of the lake and Erin's Pavilion, all surrounded by beautiful native landscaping. It is an area for tranquil reflection and quiet conversation.

Playground
One of the city's largest playgrounds is barrier-free and includes accessible swings and outdoor musical instruments. For safety and comfort, there is pour-in play surface.

Picnic Shelters
Five picnic shelters, equipped with ceiling fans and electric outlets, are scattered throughout the park. A large familiy picnic shelter is located near the great lawn and sports courts.

Sports Courts
Bocce ball, horseshoe pits and shuffleboard courts offer group fun at the park. Individual and league play is available.

The Great Lawn
This 8-acre grassy area is ideal for kite flying, Frisbee and just hanging out with friends and family.

Sensory Gardens
One unique feature of Southwind Park is its five sensory gardens. The Enabling Garden has raised planters for seated gardening. The Tranquility Garden, for persons with Alzheimer's or dementia, has seating areas and a grove of white birches. The Fragrant Garden features a waterfall and sensory plants in easy reach. The Children's Garden includes a vegetable garden, native plant area, bird attracting garden and many different paths and whimsical items. The Butterfly Garden has interpretive signage, seating and a water feature.

Urban Trail & Navigation System
Navigating the park is easy with a 2 1/2 mile concrete trail that has built-in directional guides and a color-coded wayfinding system for individuals with cognitive disabilities.

Southwind Park Tram
The park's exclusively designed tram is accessible and carries up to 8 people, providing either a complete tour or a ride to a specific park location.

Erin's Pavilion, the Park District's newest addition, opened its doors in May of 2010 as a fully accessible multi-use facility. It is the welcome and visitors center for Southwind Park. Erin's Pavilion is a 15,000 square foot indoor building which facilitates recreational, interpretive and educational programs, services and special events. It has quickly become Springfield's newest premiere rental facility for weddings, banquets, social galas, business meetings and expos. It has been built with environmentally conscious features with sustainability at the forefront and has achieved the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED Platinum status!

Erin's Pavilion
4965 S. Second St.
(217) 753-0702 | (217) 529-5668 fax
Conveniently located at the corner of S. Second Street and Southwind Road in Springfield. We are easily accessible from I-55 South on Exit 90 at Toronto Road.

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