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Stuart Park

1800 Winch Lane Springfield, IL 62702

Phone: 217-544-1751 ext. 1004

Hours: - CT

Park Info

Hours

Open Dawn to Dusk

About

  • Established 1988
  • Acres: 38
  • Stuart Park in the northwest part of town near the airport consists of 38 acres and was added to the park district in 1988.
  • The land is leased from the Springfield Airport Authority at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport. It is located north of the intersection of Route 97 and Veteran's Parkway along Winch Road. Residential areas on the south and east surround the park, as well as 2 residences along Winch Road are directly adjacent to the park. The site is rolling and drains toward the south. Farmland is to the north and west.
  • A small pond is in the park's southwest corner.
  • Stuart Park contains 2 ball fields, a soccer field that overlaps one ball field, a picnic shelter, playground and a prairie planting.
  • Parking is provided in 4 paved lots bounded by wheel stops.
  • A trail and maintenance road leads from the southern parking area to the southwest where 2 dog park areas and a pond are located. A cinder pathway circles the pond. A paved trail connects the picnic area to the southeast corner of the park where a new city sidewalk extends south to Jefferson along the west side of Winch Road. Many trees have been planted around the parking lots and near the adjacent residences.
  • This park began as a new park near local subdivisions with a heavy population of children. The Springfield Airport Authority owns the land and the park is a cooperative effort between the Park District and the Airport Authority.

Rules & Regulations

Park Rules to Remember

  • Be courteous of others sharing your parks
  • Supervise children at all times
  • Playgrounds are “Kid Friendly Zones” where smoking is discouraged
  • Leave nature as you found it for others to enjoy & dispose of litter in proper receptacles
  • Vehicles watch your speed, stopping and signaling when driving around park zones
  • Vehicles left after park closing will be towed at owner’s expense

Code of Conduct

All park goers, facility patrons, and persons permitting park space for private events must adhere to the Springfield Park District’s Code of Conduct. For a complete list of this code, go to Gen_Use_Ord_Doc.pdf

Alcohol

Carry-in alcoholic beverages are prohibited in parks and facilities.
See Code of Conduct and Springfield Park District Ordinances for full outline.

Concealed Carry

Firearms are not allowed in Park District facilities or on Park District properties.

Parking

Drivers must use designated parking areas. However, if parking area is full, drivers are permitted to park along park district surface streets so long as at least two wheels remain on the paved street at all times.
Always be sure to lock your vehicle while in the park and keep your valuables stowed safely out of site!

Fishing

Through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, many of our ponds are stocked with bass and bluegill. Each year before the spring trout season, the Washington Park Upper Pond and the Southwind Park Pond are stocked with Rainbow Trout. A fishing license is required to fish in the State of Illinois. Additionally, an inland trout stamp is required to fish for trout.

Dogs

Be SAFE and Have Fun when you take your dog out to our parks! REMEMBER:

  • Owners are responsible and liable for the actions and behavior of their dogs at all times.
  • Dogs must remain on a leash at all times.  Failure to follow could result in a $75 fine.
  • Owners must pick up after their dog.
  • Maximum of three dogs per handler.
  • Dogs must be licensed and vaccinated. Proof of current rabies vaccination and license is required upon request of police or animal control officer. Tags may serve as proof.
  • Aggressive dogs are not allowed. If your dog becomes unruly or plays rough, leash it and leave immediately.

Warning of Risk

Recreational activities/programs are intended to challenge and engage the physical, mental, and emotional resources of each participant. Despite careful and proper preparation, instruction, medical advice, conditioning and equipment, there is still a risk of serious injury when participating in any recreational activity/program.

Understandably, not all hazards and dangers can be foreseen. Depending on the particular activity, participants must understand that certain risks, dangers, and injuries due to inclement weather, slipping, falling, poor skill  level or conditioning, carelessness, horseplay, unsportsmanlike conduct, premises defects, inadequate or defective equipment, inadequate supervision, instruction or officiating, and all other circumstances inherent to indoor and outdoor recreational activities/programs exist. In this regard, it must be recognized that it is impossible for the Springfield Park District to guarantee absolute safety.

Photo/Video Disclaimer

On occasion, Springfield Park District staff may photograph or video participants during Park District programs, classes and events at our facilities, parks or outside locations. These photos may be used in our seasonal brochures, on our website and additional uses as the Springfield Park District deems necessary. If you do not wish to be photographed, please step away from the camera or notify the photographer.

Vandalism Alert

The Springfield Park District has experienced vandalism within several of its parks and buildings. We need your eyes and your help to stop these criminal acts. If you witness the act of vandalism please call the police immediately and report it by calling 911. If you notice graffiti and property damage in the parks or district buildings please call the Springfield Park District Police at 217-698-6030.

You may also make a report on the comment area on the website at springfieldparks.org or in the “Report Issue” button on the FREE Springfield Park District app. Any assistance from our residents would be greatly appreciated in reporting and putting an end to these crimes. The Springfield Park District will prosecute these senseless acts to the full extent of the law.

Feature Details

stuart park bike path

Stuart Park has an access point from the park to the Sangamon Valley Trail.

stuart park dog park

There is a dog park.

stuart park playground.

This park has a playground.

Stuart park soccer field

There is a soccer field and lots of green space.

Athletic Fields

The Springfield Park District has a variety of sports fields to use for games and practices.

Community members are welcome to utilize Park District field and sport courts on a first come first serve basis. However, please be aware that priority will be given to permitted field usage. Individuals and/or teams interested in reserving a field or sport court should call for availability and guidelines for reservation.

If you are interested in requesting one of our fields, please review our available fields for this park below and complete the Sports Field Rental Online Form.

Stuart Park - No Athletic Fields

This park currently has no athletic fields.

Please Note:

Where available, use of lights or scoreboards for practices or games will be an additional charge. Site Supervisors are required for all game or practice requesting lights & will be charged an additional fee above the hourly rental fee.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our Athletic Manager via our Staff Directory.  Click on the Recreation & Marketing tab and toggle open Recreation | Athletics.

Shelter Info

Are you looking for a wonderful and affordable way to host your next outdoor celebration? Look no further...

The Springfield Park District has over thirty picnic areas and shelters throughout our parks located near playgrounds and ample green space. A permit is required for group picnics of 15 or more persons, so plan to get a permit for your next gathering, birthday party, picnic or family event!

Please review the available shelters for this park below.  Remember if you are planning an event, and inviting guests, you will want to check availability and permit the shelter for your specific date and times.

Stuart Park Picnic Shelter

stuart_park_shelter_basic

Shelter - Basic
The shelter at Stuart is large, but meets the basic shelter criteria in that it does not have power, electricity and only has portable restroom access.

While you may picnic at any of our parks for free, advanced reservations are strongly recommended to secure an area or shelter for your special occasions.  Click the button below to go to the Park & Picnic Rentals page for information on rental times, rules, fees and other important guidelines you'll need to permit a shelter or host a special event!

PICNIC RENTAL INFO

For a comprehensive list of all of the Parks and which ones host shelters, click on the Park Locations & Features "mini-guide" image below to download a PDF.

Picnic_FAQ_Info_graphic.png

Features