Explore More
Browse Activity Guide
Page through the sections of the full guide and take advantage of the click thru links to sign up for your favorite programs!
View Full Guide
Events
News
Volunteer Opportunities
The Springfield community has a great tradition of having involved residents. The Park District has benefited from thousands of community members who help with parks, programs, and events every year. Our volunteers donate their time and talents to maintaining our natural areas, coaching youth sports, keeping runners on course, and making special events like the Carillon Art Spectacular even more special for family, friends, and neighbors.
If you would like to be part of the Springfield Park District's mission to provide outstanding parks and recreational services please consider volunteering your time. Numerous volunteer programs provide educational opportunities for cub scouts, church groups, fulfillment of school curriculums, and much more.
Zoo
Want to Help at the Zoo?
For information on volunteering as a docent at the Henson Robinson Zoo please contact the Learning Facilitator.
Jessica Prumm
Learning Facilitator
HENSON ROBINSON ZOO
1100 E Lake Shore Dr, Spfld IL 62712
Botanical Garden
Want to Help at the Botanical Garden?
Join our Botanical Garden Volunteer Program and help preserve and enhance the beauty of nature! Volunteers participate in a variety of activities, including planting, weeding, pruning, seed collection, and maintaining garden beds. Opportunities extend to supporting educational programs, special events, and conservation projects like invasive species removal and habitat restoration. Whether you're an experienced gardener or new to horticulture, your time and passion will help keep our gardens thriving and accessible for all to enjoy. Be part of our mission to promote environmental stewardship and beautify our community!
Alexa Bryan Potts
Botanical General Manager
BOTANICAL GARDENS
1740 W Fayette Ave, Spfld IL 62704
Charli Swain
Facility Program Supervisor
BOTANICAL GARDENS
1740 W Fayette Ave, Spfld IL 62704
General Volunteering
Help in our parks and on trails, tree planting projects throughout the year including seed collection, cleaning, planting, invasive species clearing, mulching, and other conservation activities.
Contact the Park District's volunteer coordinator, Chuck Smith, Park District Arborist, and Volunteer Coordinator for a list of projects and services that we are looking for assistance to complete.
Chuck Smith
Park District Arborist
MAINTENANCE/PARKS -
NATURAL RESOURCES
301 Eastdale Ave, Spfld IL 62703
Southwind Park
There's always plenty to be done at Southwind Park!
For information on volunteering as a docent at Southwind Park please contact staff at Erin's Pavilion.
Tammy Naumovich
General Manager
ERINS PAVILION
4965 S 2nd St, Spfld, IL 62703
April McClintock
Administrative Assistant
ERINS PAVILION
4965 S 2nd St, Spfld IL 62703
Special Events
Lend a hand during one of our seasonal special events!
Henson Robinson Zoo Events
May - Dr. Dolittle Day at the
Henson Robinson Zoo
October - Zoolie Ghoulie at the
Henson Robinson Zoo
December - Holiday Zoo Lights at the
Henson Robinson Zoo
EMAIL ZOO EVENTS
General Recreation Events
May - August - Summer Movies in the Park
June - August - Springfield Park District FUN Zone at Levitt AMP Music Festival
June - FUR-Ever FUN-Fest
EMAIL REC EVENTS
Washington Park Botanical & Carillon Events
June - International Carillon Festival
September - Carillon Art Spectacular
October - Carve for the Carillon and Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular
December - Caroling at the Carillon
EMAIL CARILLON BELLES
Pollinator Gardens
The Springfield Park Foundation is looking for volunteers to help with their "Parks for Pollinators" programs. Help us build pollinator gardens throughout Springfield. Here are some upcoming ways that you can help us!
What is a pollinator garden?
Pollinator gardens attract pollinators such as bees, some birds, bats, and other insects. These play a crucial role in the flowering plant reproduction of most fruits and vegetables. These flowering plants are an important part of food production. It is estimated that pollinators are responsible for one in three of the bites of food we eat!
They are also important habitats for monarch butterflies. Monarch butterfly habits have been declining and so has the population of butterflies. Pollinator gardens can offer an important habitat to help repopulate our Illinois state insect, the monarch butterfly.
Why in the Springfield parks?
Springfield area parks have space and access to natural resources to support pollinator gardens. They not only provide crucial support for pollinators like bees, but they will be a beautiful addition to the park's overall appeal.
How can you help support the Pollinator Garden Project?
There are two major ways that you can help make this project a reality.
You can volunteer with us. Each spring we prep existing gardens and prepare the ground for any new gardens that are to be installed. And we will need help planting the gardens and refurbishing the grounds with new starts into existing gardens.
Volunteer and help us add these pollinator gardens to the Springfield parks. EMAIL the PARKS FOUNDATION
Don't have time to volunteer? Donate to the project and help us to plant pollinator gardens at your Springfield area parks!
Did You Know?
Springfield area parks have space and access to natural resources to support pollinator gardens. They not only provide crucial support for pollinators like bees, but they will be a beautiful addition to the park's overall appeal.
Get Involved!
VOLUNTEER - Go to the Parks Foundation Website for a list of opportunities.
LEARN MORE
DONATE
Pollinator Garden Locations:
Bunn Golf Course
Comer Cox Park
Enos Park
Jaycee Park
Kennedy Park
Stuart Park
Southwind Park
Washington Park
Vredenburg Park
