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Riverside Park

4700 Peoria Road Springfield, IL 62702

Phone: 217-753-0630

Hours: - CT

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Park Info

Hours

Open Dawn to Dusk

About

  • Established 1965
  • Acres: 470
  • Riverside Park is located on the far north side of town, west of Business Route 55 (Peoria Road).
  • The park is bordered by the Sangamon River and Carpenter Park to its north and the railroad to the west. Mixed commercial, industrial and residential uses surround the park on the south and east sides.
  • This park was managed by the City of Springfield before its transfer to the park district in 2002. Part of the agreement included the potential use of part of the park for wetland mitigation if required of the city.
  • Riverside Park consists of some upland forest and a great deal of lowland forest.
  • This park has a dog run that allows dogs to be off leash only in the dog run area.
  • Access to the park is off Sand Hill and Peoria Road from the east.
  • A public campground is situated on the park's southeast side. It offers 13 campsites with sewer, water and electric hook-ups, 87 campsites with water and electric hook-ups, and areas for primitive camping. Two shower houses with restrooms are provided.
  • Northeast of the campground is a BMX Club track and associated sheds for storage.
  • Eight baseball fields are located in the flood plain near the river. Bank fishing and hiking are available along the mile-long road adjacent to the river.
  • Riverside Park began development in 1965 and was heavily pushed by the mayor of the time, Nelson Howarth. The land was supplied and agreed upon by John Hunter who was the commissioner of public properties. The land was part of the local Waterworks area on the Sangamon River. The park officially opened to the public in March of 1966. Plans to extend the park and develop an additional campground in began in 1969 and cost an additional $150,000.

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

Riverside Campground

Riverside Park is home to Riverside campground that is open from May 1st to November 1st each year.

Riverside Campground_Sangamon River

This park runs alongside the Sangamon River.

Riverside Park Entrance

There are 470 acres of land.

Riverside BMX Track

There is a BMX track.

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Horseback Riding Trails.  See private vendor, Riverside Stables for this activity.

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.

Riverside Park - No Athletic Fields

This park currently has no athletic fields, just on half basketball sports court.

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?

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!

This particular park DOES NOT have shelters to permit. Click the button below to go to the Park & Picnic Rentals page for comprehensive list of all parks and which ones host shelters. 

In addition you will find important information on rental times, rules, fees and other important guidelines you'll need to permit a shelter or host a special event! but for a comprehensive list of all parks and which ones host shelters, click the button below:

PICNIC RENTAL INFO

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Features