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Celebrating 125 Years of Enriching Lives
Join Us in Honoring a Legacy of Parks, People, and Possibilities!
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
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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.
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
Park Quest
Celebrating 125 Years of Parks, People, and Possibilities!
Starting May 1, 2025, join the Springfield Park District’s Park Quest and discover the beauty of local parks! Whether you're strolling through the scenic landscapes of Dreamland Park or exploring the features at Lincoln Park, each visit provides a unique opportunity to capture a special moment.
Simply download the Park Quest Card, visit any of our parks, and take a photo with one of the park’s unique features. From Bergen and Bunn to Washington and Westchester, there's a park waiting for exploration.
Once you’ve taken your photo, submit it to Share your Park Pics, and you'll be entered for a chance to win one of five grand prize season passes to the Henson Robinson Zoo! Remember, all photos must be family-friendly and showcase the park’s beauty—no foul language, please. Let’s start exploring!
Parks within the Springfield Park District:
Bergen, Bunn, Carpenter, Centennial, Comer Cox, Duncan, Dreamland, Eisenhower, Enos, Fairview, Gehrmann, Gietl, Gurgens, Hobbs, Iles, Indian Hills, Jaycee, Jefferson, Kennedy, Kiwanis, Lake Victoria, Lanphier, Lawless, Lincoln, Lindbergh, Cadigan, Barker, Rotary, Riverside, Schlitt, Southwind, Stuart, Timberbrooke, Vredenburgh, Washington, Westchester
How to Play
Download Your Park Quest Pass: Park Quest Pass
Visit Parks: Travel to a Springfield Park District park between May 1 and July 31, 2025, and complete the featured activity to join in the 125th Anniversary fun!
Take a photo with one unique feature within the park.
Submit Your Photo: Share Your Park Pics
Note: Must be appropriate, family fun. No foul language.
Note: When submitting photos, please make sure to add your name, park, and feature image.
Incentives and Prizes
5 winners to be entered into a grand prize drawing for individual season passes to the Henson Robinson Zoo!
Memorable Moments Gallery
Share the Memories!
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CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR PARK PICTURES
