Centennial Park

5751 Bunker Hill Road Springfield, IL 62711

Phone: 217-544-1751 ext. 1004

Hours: - CT

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Park Info

Hours

Open Dawn to Dusk

About

Established 1997
Acres: 190
The park is located on the far southwest side of Springfield where residential and commercial development has been expanding in recent years.
On the east side of the site, an entry road from Bunker Hill Road runs northerly and makes a loop, incorporating parking along its edge. To the west is a small lake, 4 acres in area.
Centennial Park was voted for and named for the Springfield Park Districts 100th anniversary. The park was the largest at the time and was funded by the help of a $800,000 grant called The Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The total project cost $1,425,000.00. The land for this park was acquired in 1921

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 and 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

Centennial Park offers a robust selection of recreational opportunities and amenities for families, outdoor enthusiasts, health & fitness, and even for our fur friends! Look below at all the great features at Centennial Park. Beyond that is a sledding hill, 100 feet high. A playground, 2 picnic shelters, and outdoor picnic areas lie to the north and east of the driveway. Four ball fields are east of the loop road. On the east side of the park off Lenhart Road, an entrance and parking area serve a new large skateboard facility and several bocce ball courts.

There is a playground area off Bunker Hill Road.

This park is known for one of the District's LARGEST sled hill!

There are two baseball fields!

The Sangamon Valley Trail runs through Centennial Park. It is a 38-mile trail that starts at Centennial Park and runs to Irwin Bridge Road near Sangamon County's northern border. Along the trail, you can stop at Stuart Park or stop over the bridge that overlooks the Sangamon River. It is a perfect trail to use throughout the seasons.

This park offers nature lovers and hikers the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors through nature and hiking-type trails. Trails are located to the west of Centennial Park across from the Sangamon Valley Trail and can be enjoyed from dawn to dusk. Keep an eye out as you might even see the native, Franklin's Ground Squirrel!

In early 2000, a Skate Park was built in Centennial Park. This Skate Park was designed by local skating enthusiasts and includes trick-orientated objects like; bowls, handrails, trick boxes, vert ramps, and banked ramps. Drop in and shred in one of the best vert skate parks in Central Illinois. You may be the next great Thrasher, but you'll never know if you don't visit... 'The Skate Park' at Centennial Park.

There are two tennis courts that are open each day from sunup to sundown.

There is ample green space that can be used for outdoor sports such as lacrosse.

Our NEW dog park is a must visit! It has two gated areas, one for small dogs and the other for larger dogs. Be sure to check out all of the amazing features for your four legged friends such as the splash pad hydrant! Also, there is a brand new picnic shelter next to the dog park which is perfect for your dog's next birthday party.

On the west side of the Sangamon Valley Trail near Centennial Park Place is another playground.

centennial park outdoor playground and adult fitness equipment

On the south side of Centennial Park Place is a hidden gem, as you head over the bike trail crossing. This green space boasts a walking path, playground, and great outdoor fitness equipment area where you can get a great workout in with push-ups, sit-ups, and body curls.

Don't forget to check out another perfect opportunity for your next family outing at our park shelter next to the playground area south of Centennial Park Place.

Centennial Park is home to the largest sled hill in the area. The park features a 100-foot man-made sled hill. The sled hill is open from dawn to dusk. Sledding is permitted when snow is present.

Athletic Field Use

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.

Centennial Park has the following Sports Fields:

Centennial Baseball Field 1

On the east side of the site, an entry road from Bunker Hill Road runs northerly and makes a loop, incorporating parking along its edge. Four ball fields are east of the loop road.

Centennial Baseball Field 2

On the east side of the site, an entry road from Bunker Hill Road runs northerly and makes a loop, incorporating parking along its edge. Four ball fields are east of the loop road.

Centennial Lacrosse Field 1 - 4

Centennial Soccer Field

To check time-blocks, pricing and availability go to our Online Registration portal:

CENTENNIAL 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.

Centennial Park Picnic Shelters

Shelter 1 - Basic
Small covered shelter with two picnic tables. No power, no water, and portable restrooms nearby.

Shelter 2 - Basic
Small covered shelter with two picnic tables. No power, no water, and portable restrooms nearby.

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.

Location Details