Hours
Business Hours:
Mon-Fri 8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Open to the Public for Programs, Ice Skating & Swimming (in season)
Times below are only when this facility opens for the day. Evening closure times may vary, please contact the Nelson Center at 217-753-2800 or check the Nelson Center's Facebook page @SPDNelsonCenter for the monthly calendar and facility closure times.
Monday: 5:45am
Tuesday: 5:45am
Wednesday 5:45am
Thursday 5:45am
Friday 5:45am
Saturday 5:45am
Sunday 1:00pm
There will be a Recreation Associate/Receptionist at the Front Desk Area from:
Monday-Thursday: 4:30pm-8:30pm
Friday: 4:30pm-6:00pm
Ice Schedule
Please Note:
The Nelson Center Ice Rink is currently closed as we begin a major upgrade project to enhance the facility and improve the skating experience. During this time, all ice-related programs and public skating are paused.
Stay informed: For updates and full project details, visit our Ice Rink Project tab.
Ice Rink Project
Cooler Days Ahead: The Future of Ice at the Nelson Center
A Refresh for the Rink - Improving Today for a Better Tomorrow!
About the Project
The Springfield Park District is investing in a complete upgrade to the Nelson Center Ice Rink, which includes:
- Refrigeration Plant Replacement: Installing a state-of-the-art refrigeration system with improved energy efficiency.
- Ice Floor Replacement: A complete overhaul of the ice floor and piping system.
- Upgraded Control System: New systems for more consistent ice temperatures and reduced downtime.
These improvements will enhance ice quality, safety, and the overall skating experience.
Timeline & Updates
Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025, with phased reopening of the rinks starting as early as late summer and continuing through the end of the year. System testing and performance benchmarking will follow into late 2025 and early 2026. During this time, the facility will be closed for all ice-related programs and public skating. We’ll keep you informed about any alternative options or schedule changes as the project progresses.
Watch and Learn
Phase 1 Project Update Video
FAQs
The Springfield Park District is investing in a complete upgrade to the Nelson Center Ice Rink, which includes:
- Refrigeration Plant Replacement: Installing a state-of-the-art refrigeration system with improved energy efficiency.
- Ice Floor Replacement: A complete overhaul of the ice floor and piping system.
- Upgraded Control Systems: New systems for more consistent ice temperatures and reduced downtime.
These improvements will enhance ice quality, safety, and the overall skating experience.
The current refrigeration system and ice floor have reached the end of their life cycle and need to be replaced. This project will ensure the long-term viability of the facility and continue to support programs like hockey, figure skating, and public skating for years to come.
Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025, with phased reopening of the rinks starting as early as late summer and continuing through the end of the year. System testing and performance benchmarking will follow into late 2025 and early 2026. During this time, the facility will be closed for all ice-related programs and public skating. We’ll keep you informed about any alternative options or schedule changes as the project progresses.
Construction is scheduled to begin in Spring 2025, with phased reopening of the rinks starting as early as late summer and continuing through the end of the year. System testing and performance benchmarking will follow into late 2025 and early 2026. During this time, the facility will be closed for all ice-related programs and public skating. We’ll keep you informed about any alternative options or schedule changes as the project progresses.
The new refrigeration system and ice floor will provide:
- Better ice quality and safety for all users
- More consistent ice temperatures, which will reduce interruptions or delays
- Improved energy efficiency, making the facility more environmentally sustainable
- Upgraded amenities and improved user experience for all programs
We will keep the community informed through:
- Social media updates (follow us on Facebook at @springfieldparkdistirct)
- Project section on our Nelson Center webpage
We will keep the community informed through:
- Social media updates (follow us on Facebook at @springfieldparkdistirct)
- Project section on our Nelson Center webpage
This project will:
- Ensure the rink remains a vibrant hub for recreation, hockey, and figure skating
- Support local economic development through regional tournaments and events
- Provide a sustainable and modernized facility for future generations of athletes
We encourage you to follow the progress of the project through our campaign, “Cooler Days Ahead: The Future of Ice at the Nelson Center.” You can also participate in community events and contests or share your excitement for the project on social media.
For any questions or further information, please contact:
George Tucker
Nelson Center General Manager
Phone: 217-753-2800 ext.2002
Email: gtucker@springfieldparks.org
Admission
Admission to our Lobby and Restroom areas are free. There is a cost to swim and to ice-skate. You will want to see our most up-to-date fees on our Online Registration portal. Click the link below to learn more:
LEARN MORE - Ice Activities
LEARN MORE - Public Skate Tickets
- Regular Skate Cost: $8
- Discount Skate Cost: $6
- Skate Rental Fee: $3
LEARN MORE - Swimming
Sensory Friendly Initiatives
The Springfield Park District Nelson Center is a certified Sensory Inclusive Venue through KultureCity. This means that our staff has undergone training on how to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs at our facility.
What is Sensory Friendly at the Nelson Center?
The Springfield Park District Nelson Center has partnered with KultureCity® to enhance our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our goal is to provide an inclusive experience for all guests who visit our facility. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing needs by suppling our staff with annual training and by offering resources and accommodations to our guests.
KultureCity® Sensory bags
KultureCity® Sensory bags containing special badges, fidget tools, sunglasses, communication card, and noise-canceling headphones are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our Guest Services Desk located at the Skate Rental Shop in Rink 2 and Welcome Desk in Rink 1.
Weighted Lap Pads
Weighted lap pads are available upon request (at no cost by leaving an ID) at the Skate Rental Shop in Rink 2 and Welcome Desk in Rink 1 or by speaking to a staff member.
Quiet Areas
Quiet areas are located throughout the facility and are marked by signage.
Social Story and KultureCity® App
Download the KultureCity® App to get your social story to help you further with your visit to the Springfield Park District Nelson Center.
Activities
For a list of activities held at the Nelson Center Ice Rink, please click the button below.
ACTIVITIES
Birthday Parties
For a list birthday parties held at the Nelson Center Ice Rink, please click the button below.
BIRTHDAY PARTIES