The $225,000 project was made possible through a generous donation from an anonymous donor, matched by the Springfield Park District, and was identified as a key priority in the 2017-2021 Comprehensive Master Plan for improving park infrastructure. Bergen's Park new playground features a double zip line, swing bay, interactive musical chimes, refreshing landscaping, and concrete access paths for improved accessibility. Additional parking, including expanded ADA spaces, has also been added to better serve visitors. 

The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon now features a newly installed lighting system that beautifully illuminates the iconic structure throughout the year. This enhancement, generously supported by the Rees Carillon Society, highlights the architectural elegance of the carillon and enhances its visibility during evening hours and performances. The lighting not only elevates the experience of seasonal concerts but also marks the carillon as a year-round visual landmark within Washington Park. This significant improvement deepens the carillon's role as a cultural centerpiece and brings added vibrancy to the Springfield community-especially during the holiday season, when a special lighting surprise will help usher in festive celebrations. 

Pump Track

Thanks to a generous donation from the Betty Smith Estate. Dedicated to enhancing recreational opportunities for local youth, this project quickly gained momentum as the Springfield Park District formed a community focus group to help shape the design. While the final plans were underway, the Park District's Maintenance Department partnered with Spohn Ranch, a leading designer of action sports facilities, to bring the project to life. This exciting new addition will serve as a dynamic space for biking and outdoor play and will play a vital role in supporting and uplifting at-risk youth in the Springfield community.

Fitness Court

The Springfield Park District, in partnership with the City of Springfield and the National Fitness Campaign, maintains the Fitness Court at Comer Cox Park—an outdoor exercise area featuring a variety of bodyweight workout stations designed to support health and wellness for all ages and fitness levels. This accessible space offers opportunities for strength training, cardio, and flexibility exercises, encouraging community members to stay active while enjoying the park’s natural surroundings. The Fitness Court exemplifies a shared commitment to providing inclusive, healthy spaces that enhance the well-being of Springfield residents.

Climbing Feature

A dynamic climbing structure at Comer Cox Park promotes active play, balance, and coordination for children of various ages. This engaging feature encourages physical activity and imaginative exploration in a safe, outdoor environment, supporting the Springfield Park District’s goal of creating fun and inclusive recreational spaces for the community.

LED Lighting Project

Comer Cox Park is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, enhancing visibility and safety throughout the park during evening hours. These lights support extended use of park amenities while promoting sustainability through reduced energy consumption. The upgraded lighting system reflects the Springfield Park District's ongoing commitment to creating safe, accessible, and welcoming spaces for all members of the community.

The Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon now features a newly installed lighting system that beautifully illuminates the iconic structure throughout the year. This enhancement, generously supported by the Rees Carillon Society, highlights the architectural elegance of the carillon and enhances its visibility during evening hours and performances. The lighting not only elevates the experience of seasonal concerts but also marks the carillon as a year-round visual landmark within Washington Park. This significant improvement deepens the carillon's role as a cultural centerpiece and brings added vibrancy to the Springfield community-especially during the holiday season, when a special lighting surprise will help usher in festive celebrations. 

The playground at Indian Hills Park provides a fun and active space for children to explore, play, and build lasting memories. With a variety of play structures designed to encourage climbing, sliding, and imaginative adventures, the playground supports physical development and outdoor engagement for kids of all ages. Surrounded by open green space and conveniently located within the neighborhood, it serves as a vibrant gathering spot for families in the community.

The Nelson Center is undergoing significant rink improvements to enhance the skating experience for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Upgrades include resurfacing the ice rink, installing energy-efficient lighting, and improving the HVAC system to maintain optimal ice quality and comfort. Additional enhancements to seating areas and locker rooms aim to provide a more enjoyable and accessible environment for skaters and spectators alike.

Ice Rink Project

The Washington Park Botanical Garden is undergoing a significant dome redevelopment to enhance both the visitor experience and long-term sustainability of this cherished community space. The project focuses on replacing the existing conservatory dome structure with modern materials that improve energy efficiency, climate control, and structural integrity—ensuring optimal growing conditions for the Garden’s diverse plant collections. This redevelopment supports the Springfield Park District’s continued efforts to preserve and elevate one of the region’s most iconic and educational horticultural attractions, providing a more resilient and welcoming environment for generations to come.

The Springfield Park District is actively transforming Gietl Park with the support of a $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) through the OSLAD program. Located at 1900 Stanhope Road, the former Veterans’ Memorial Pool site is being redeveloped into a modern, ADA-accessible splash pad designed to serve visitors of all ages and abilities.

The project began with the demolition of the pool and bathhouse, clearing the way for new, inclusive amenities. The upcoming splash pad will include age-appropriate water features and a variety of enhancements to elevate the park experience. Planned improvements include a family-friendly shelter, concrete plazas and walkways for improved accessibility, enhanced lighting, updated site furnishings such as benches and a hammock area, and thoughtfully designed landscaping.

Construction is underway and scheduled for completion by April 30, 2026. Once finished, Gietl Park will offer a vibrant, safe, and inclusive space for families and neighbors to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors. This redevelopment is part of the Springfield Park District’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing community spaces and expanding recreational access for all.

Gehrmann Park has received key improvements that enhance both recreation and accessibility for the surrounding neighborhood. The upgraded playground features modern equipment designed to encourage active play and support children of various ages and abilities. In addition, the park’s walking paths have been resurfaced and widened, providing a smoother, safer experience for walkers, joggers, and families with strollers.

Lindbergh Park offers a neighborhood playground designed to inspire creativity, movement, and outdoor fun for children of all ages. The play area features a variety of equipment that supports climbing, sliding, and imaginative play in a safe and welcoming environment. Surrounded by green space and conveniently located within the community, the playground serves as a gathering place for families

Iles Park has undergone a thoughtful redevelopment to better serve a wide range of recreational interests within the Springfield community. Upgrades include a newly redesigned skate park, offering improved features and flow for skaters of all skill levels, and enhanced pickleball courts to meet the growing demand for this popular sport. The park’s redevelopment also includes general site improvements that elevate the overall experience for visitors, reinforcing Iles Park’s role as a multi-use hub for active recreation.

Beyond routine maintenance, the Park District has made numerous facility upgrades in recent years to enhance safety, accessibility, and the overall experience for visitors. These improvements include new air conditioning units, backstop netting, field tarp, and LED lighting upgrades in the concourse. Infrastructure updates such as new water heaters and roofs on various buildings were completed to improve efficiency and longevity. Athletic field enhancements feature a new infield Dura-Edge ballfield mix, reconstructed pitching mound and batter’s box with a clay base, new foul poles, and a newly installed warning track. Accessibility was also prioritized with the addition of an accessible ramp for the north parking lot. Further enhancements include upgraded shower heads and clubhouse shower facilities, and a partnership with the local school district to increase parking availability on the tennis courts.

Jaycee Park offers a network of walking paths that provide a safe and scenic route for exercise, leisure, and community connection. The paths have been improved to ensure better accessibility, smoother surfaces, and a more enjoyable experience for walkers, joggers, and families. Surrounded by open green space and park amenities.

Duncan Park underwent a series of exciting improvements that have enhanced the park for visitors of all ages. The updates include a brand-new playground, upgraded pickleball courts, improved walking paths, updated signage for the disc golf course, and the addition of a modern restroom facility.