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Children playing on a playground located at Washington Park in Springfield, IL.

Serving Our Community for Over 100 Years!

The Springfield Park District prides itself on our Mission: to provide accessible, memorable recreational opportunities that enrich the community and improve the quality of life for generations as well as conserving our natural resources.

We are a municipal government agency, organized on February 8, 1900, and sometimes we're mistaken as part of City of Springfield governing body. The Springfield Park District is the second Park District organized in the state of Illinois. The District is governed by a publicly elected board.  The governing board is comprised of an elected President and six elected Trustees all serving four-year terms.  Board Meetings are held twice each month in the evenings, and the public is welcome to attend.  See Park Board Meetings for complete dates and details.

Play Your Way Every Day!

The Springfield Park District is Your Place to Play! We strive to deliver exceptional value to our community. Less than six percent of the average Springfield resident's total tax bill is attributed to the Springfield Park District, making it possible for us to provide the parks, facilities, programs, and events that "create opportunities for a healthy community." You will find your FUN and find your smile with us! 

This is accomplished daily through the dedication and hard work of our staff maintaining our parks, playgrounds, and natural areas where you and your family can play, gather, celebrate, learn and enjoy the outdoors.  In addition, we have 20+ robust recreation facilities and a large array of rental space for gathering.

The Front side of the Bunn Administrative Office building.

Bunn Administrative Office

2500 S 11th St, Springfield IL 62703
Our Park District Administrative Office is located inside our Bunn Golf Course property.  Park offices sit to the right, by the course lagoon, and the Bunn Golf Course Pro Shop is just off to the left.  Park Board Meetings take place each month at this facility.  Our executive staff, human resources, and finance department operate here.  We are open to the public and provide services during the week but are closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Hours:   Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Phone:  217-544-1751
Email:    parks@springfieldparks.org

Pie Chart of how the Springfield Park District is funded: 77% Tax Levies, 2% Contributions, Interest & Other, 4% Other Taxes, 17% Guest Fees.

How the Park District is Funded

The District is tax-supported, with a small six percent portion of property taxes which provides about seventy-seven percent of the funding for staffing, and operating expenses to maintain our parks and provide recreational services.  The remainder of our annual operating funds come from other taxes, contributions, interest, and from admission and program fees when patrons golf, swim, ice-skate, go to the Zoo, buy membership passes, and sign up for our annual recreation programs.  Your participation in programs helps pay for all the materials, supplies, utilities, and other resources required to keep your public assets functional, attractive, and safe.  Additional information, financial overviews and documents can be found under Park Board & Business.

Responsibilities -

Closeup of a pink flower at the Prairie Fields in Centennial Park, Springfield IL.

The Springfield Park District is responsible for acquiring, developing, and maintaining natural areas, parks, and leisure time facilities for area residents.  

The District serves approximately 135,000 residents and its boundaries encompass the greater portion of the Springfield metropolitan area, covering approximately 60 square miles, 2,500 acres of parkland, 322 acres of Nature Preserve, 36 parks, 23 miles of bike trails, and over 20+ unique recreation facilities and outdoor amenities.  The District also plans, develops, and implements a wide range of recreational programs and activities that reflect the interests of all age groups in and around our community.

You can read about parks, facilities, membership passes & programs within our quarterly Activity Guides, and when you search from the menu bar at the top of this website.

Strategic Initiatives -

A Ribbon Cutting at a playground in Duncan Park with Park District employees holding the ribbon while a group of children cut it.

The Springfield Park District has been actively engaging in, and dedicating resources to Strategic Planning and Master Planning since 2015.  We have recently renewed our focus, outlined areas of importance, and the strategic initiatives that will take us to 2026.

  • Maintain long-term financial stability
  • Support our infrastructure through our budget, capital improvements, and grants
  • Continue updating technology and equipment rotation
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • World-class customer service
  • Develop and implement engaging programming
  • Disseminate effective marketing throughout the District
  • Grow community partnerships

Master Plan -

In late 2015, the Springfield Park District began the process to develop a Comprehensive Master Plan for the agency. The last time the district completed a master plan was in 2005 with the assistance of a local consulting firm. The previous plan truly focused on improvements to the various parks and facilities with an overview in the other key areas. This plan provides the framework for an in-depth development of goals and objectives as well as recommendations that will assist in the decision making process on parks & facilities, recreation programs as well as administrative and operations functions. The planning process has allowed for significant participation and discussion on the future of the district and the need to advance improvements in all areas of the agency which will provide enhanced connections to parks and recreation services.

2017-2021 Springfield Park District Master Plan