Celebrating 125 Years of Enriching Lives

Join Us in Honoring a Legacy of Parks, People, and Possibilities!

Springfield Park District 125th Anniversary Celebration

Honoring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Envisioning Our Future

The Springfield Park District was officially established on February 8, 1900, making it the second park district organized in the state of Illinois. Its creation marked a pivotal step in providing the Springfield community with spaces dedicated to recreation, leisure, and the preservation of natural resources.

The District's inception was driven by a growing recognition of the importance of public parks to improve quality of life, promote health, and enhance the community's natural beauty. From its earliest days, the Springfield Park District has been committed to creating and maintaining vibrant, accessible spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Over the decades, the District has grown to encompass a diverse array of parks, facilities, and programs, reflecting the evolving needs and interests of the community. Guided by a publicly elected board, consisting of a President and six Trustees serving four-year terms, the Springfield Park District continues to thrive as an independent municipal agency dedicated to enriching lives through parks, people, and possibilities.

Upcoming Events & Activities

March 2026

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat

1 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Springfield Park District Special Recreation Sports GroupWinter Group Swim Lessons	2 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Learn to Dive	3 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Springfield Park District Special Recreation Social ClubFunshop: Tiny Tumblers!Ace Tennis Academy at Velasco Tennis Center	4 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Springfield Park District Special Recreation Social ClubLearn to DiveSpecial Recreation Bingo Night	5 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Springfield Park District Special Recreation Social ClubFunshop: Little Chefs!	6 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Funshop Kids Club!	7 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Learn to Play HockeyWeekend Play & Stay at Funshop!
8 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Winter Group Swim Lessons	9 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Lifeguard Pre-TestExpress Yourself! Acting & Improv by Springfield Park District Special RecreationLearn to DiveAce Tennis Academy – March Session	10 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Lifeguard Pre-TestFunshop: Tiny Tumblers!	11 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Lifeguard Pre-TestLearn to DiveSpecial Recreation Cooking Class	12 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Lifeguard Pre-TestAce Tennis Academy – March SessionFunshop: Little Chefs!	13 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Lifeguard Pre-TestSpringfield Park District Special Recreation Sports GroupFunshop Kids Club!	14 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Learn to Play HockeyWeekend Play & Stay at Funshop!Ace Tennis Academy – March Session
15 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Winter Group Swim Lessons	16 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Learn to DiveAce Tennis Academy – March SessionSpecial Recreation's Spring Break Social Club!	17 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!St. Patrick's Day Park Scavenger Hunt!Special Recreation's Spring Break Social Club!Funshop: Tiny Tumblers!	18 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Learn to DiveSpecial Recreation Bingo NightSpecial Recreation's Spring Break Social Club!	19 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Ace Tennis Academy – March SessionSpecial Recreation's Spring Break Social Club!Funshop: Little Chefs!	20 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Funshop Kids Club!Special Recreation's Spring Break Social Club!Ice Jamz: Shamrock Skate!	21 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Learn to Play HockeyWeekend Play & Stay at Funshop!Ace Tennis Academy – March SessionWashington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show
22 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Winter Group Swim LessonsWashington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show	23 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Express Yourself! Acting & Improv by Springfield Park District Special RecreationLearn to DiveAce Tennis Academy – March SessionWashington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show	24 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Funshop: Tiny Tumblers!Washington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show	25 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Learn to DiveSpecial Recreation Cooking ClassWashington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show	26 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Ace Tennis Academy – March SessionFunshop: Little Chefs!Washington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show	27 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Funshop Kids Club!Washington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show	28 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Weekend Play & Stay at Funshop!Ace Tennis Academy – March SessionWashington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral ShowTennis Tournament L7 – Spring 2026 Kick OffWTN Adult Spring Cup #1
29 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Winter Group Swim LessonsWashington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show	30 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Learn to DiveAce Tennis Academy – March SessionSpringfield Park District Special Recreation's Spring Break Camp!Washington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show	31 Funshop: Where Kids Create FUN!Springfield Park District Special Recreation's Spring Break Camp!Washington Park Botanical Garden Spring Floral Show

Celebrate With Us!

Join the celebration! Volunteer for the Springfield Park District's 125th Anniversary events and be part of history in the making. From fun activities to special programs, your time and talents can help us make this milestone year unforgettable. Sign up today and create memorable moments with your community!

Volunteer

Celebrate 125 years of enriching lives through parks, people, and possibilities by making a donation to the Springfield Park District. Your support helps us preserve our parks, enhance programs, and create unforgettable experiences for generations to come. Be a part of this historic milestone—donate today and leave a lasting legacy!

Donation Options

Be a part of history by sponsoring the Springfield Park District’s 125th Anniversary celebration! Showcase your support for parks, recreation, and community enrichment while gaining valuable exposure for your business. Join us in creating unforgettable events, programs, and memories that will inspire generations. Partner with us today and celebrate 125 years of possibilities!

Sponsor an Event

History Timeline

125 Years of Growth and Impact

The Springfield Park District has proudly served the community for 125 years, enriching lives through the creation, preservation, and enhancement of parks, recreational facilities, and natural spaces. Since its establishment in 1900, the Park District has grown to encompass over 36 parks and facilities, each with its own unique story and contribution to the community's vitality.

From the historic founding of Washington Park to the development of modern attractions like the Henson Robinson Zoo, the timeline of the Springfield Park District reflects a steadfast commitment to providing spaces for recreation, conservation, and connection. Take a look at the timeline below to explore the rich history of the Springfield Park District and its legacy of serving the community for a century and a quarter.

Lanphier Park formally Reservoir Park 1920's

Community Appreciation

Thank You, Springfield!

For 125 years, the Springfield Park District has been a cornerstone of recreation and natural beauty in the Springfield community. This milestone is a testament to the dedication and unwavering support of the individuals, families, businesses, and organizations that have made these years of success possible. From preserving open spaces to fostering lifelong memories, the commitment of the community has shaped what the Springfield Park District is today - a vibrant network of parks, programs, and facilities designed to enrich lives.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to all who have contributed over the years: volunteers, staff, board members, and visitors who have participated in programs, enjoyed facilities, and shared in events. The collective efforts are partnerships forged within the community continue to inspire growth and innovation. This celebration is a moment to reflect on how far this district has come and to honor the role it plays in bringing people together through recreation and conservation.

Looking Ahead: Building a Thriving Future

The Springfield Park District is dedicated to continuing its mission to provide accessible, inclusive, and innovative recreational opportunities for all. In the years to come, a focus on sustainability will guide the enhancement of green spaces and the preservation of natural resources. Facility improvement, expanding programming, and adaptive technologies will ensure that everyone, regardless of ability or background, can enjoy the benefits of recreation and connection.

A vision for the future also includes fostering new partnerships and strengthening existing ones to build a resilient and resourceful district. By embracing the changing needs of the community and investing in education and wellness, the Springfield Park District will remain a pillar of engagement, enrichment, and enjoyment for generations to come. The journey continues, and the next 125 years promise even greater opportunities to create memories, inspire dreams, and connect lives.

Click Here to Learn More About Volunteer Opportunities

Memorable Moments Gallery

Share the Memories!

CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR PARK PICTURES

Taste of the Past

Missed Taste of the Past this year? Don’t worry—you can still get a glimpse of all the fun, flavors, and festivities! Take a look through our event photo gallery to see the incredible moments, delicious dishes, and community spirit that made this year’s celebration so memorable. From historic displays to mouthwatering bites, it’s all captured in the pictures—check them out and relive the experience!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE TASTE OF THE PAST PHOTOS

Springfield Park District Map: 125th Anniversary

125th Anniversary Celebration