Explore More

Duncan Park

500 N. MacArthur Springfield, IL 62702

Phone: 217-544-1751 ext. 1004

Hours: - CT

Park Info

Hours

Open from Dawn to 10:30pm

About

  • Established in the park system in 1920. In November 2020, the park was renamed after Col. Otis B. Duncan (1873-1937), a Springfield native who was the highest-ranking black officer to serve in the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe in World War I.
  • Acres: 26
  • It is located at the intersection of Mason Street and MacArthur Boulevard in central Springfield northwest of the downtown business area. It is bounded by Salome Avenue to the east and a commercial establishment to the north. A mix of mostly commercial with some residences surround the park.

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

The park has three parking lots, one along MacArthur Boulevard accommodating about 55 vehicles, one along Mason Street for about 90 vehicles, and one along Salome for 50+ vehicles. There is no vehicular circulation through the park. A pedestrian path, however, extends from the MacArthur parking lot and brick shelter, past the band shell, to the Mason Street parking lot. The trail spurs south to the restrooms, newly renovated in 2019 - modern playground system, three picnic shelters, and eight pickleball courts. A new disc golf course winds through the park. A sledding hill is located in the northern part of the park.

The Senior Citizen Center and parking lot are located in the southeast corner of the park near the Walnut and Mason intersection.

The park has a playground that will keep you coming back for more FUN. It has a zip line, teeter-totter, musical instruments, and so much more!  

Perched in the middle of Duncan Park, the bandshell offers scenic views of beautiful Duncan Park for your next special event.

Duncan park offers three different picnic shelters available for rent for your next special occasion. 

There are four pickleball courts are available for play from dawn to dusk.

There is an 18-hole Disc Golf course full of challenging obstacles and scenic views. This was the first Disc Golf Course in Springfield, built in 2000, and is great for beginners being only 4,136 linear feet. Come visit and see what the 'Buzz' is all about. Novice or Pro, this course is good to go!

Duncan_Park_fitness_equipment.jpg

Located next to the Senior Services of Central Illinois building is a fitness court that is open to the public from dawn to dusk.

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.

Duncan Park has the following Sports Fields:

Duncan Pickleball Courts 1-6

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

DUNCAN SPORTS COURTS

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.

Duncan Park Picnic Shelters

duncan_park_shelter_1_amenity

Shelter 1 - Amenity
Amenity Shelters are defined as larger covered picnic shelters having more than 2+ tables, power, restrooms and/or water access close at hand. 

duncan_shelter_2_basic

Shelter 2 - Basic
Larger than most basic shelters.  It's a covered shelter with six picnic tables.  No power, no water, and portable restrooms nearby.

duncan_park_shelter_3_amenity

Shelter 3 - Amenity
Amenity Shelters are defined as larger covered picnic shelters having more than 2+ tables, power, restrooms and/or water access close at hand.

This Amenity Shelter is the largest at Duncan park.  It sits next to the main parking lot and across from the new largest playground.

duncan_park_bandshell_rental_location

Duncan Park Bandshell Event Rental Space
Perched in the middle of Duncan Park, the bandshell offers scenic views of beautiful Duncan Park for your next special event. Please see the fees listed to find your rental price point.

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

Pickleball Info

Duncan Park has eight regulation sized Pickleball Courts

DUNCAN PARK PICKLEBALL COURTS

Features