Washington Park (Springfield, Illinois)

Washington Park is a park in Springfield, Illinois, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located at 1400 Williams Boulevard, the park features walking trails, a botanical garden, large duck pond, rose garden, carillon, and carillon concerts. The park was purchased for city use in 1900, and construction began in 1901. Substantial drainage and dredging were required to turn the wetland portions of the future park into ponds and grassy space. Washington Park is operated by the Springfield Park District.

Washington Park
LocationBounded by Fayette Ave., Williams Blvd., Walnut St., MacArthur Blvd., S. Grand Ave. and Chatham Rd., Springfield, Illinois
Area150.3 acres (60.8 ha)
Built1901
ArchitectSimonds, Ossian Cole
Architectural styleBungalow/craftsman
NRHP reference No.92000483[1]
Added to NRHPMay 22, 1992
Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

Components of park

Washington Park Botanical Garden

The botanical garden includes a conservatory and botanical garden. It is open daily during the afternoons; admission is free.

The garden consists of outdoor plantings, a greenhouse (9,000 square feet), and a conservatory. In all it contains over 1200 species, including over 150 species of tropical plants. Outdoor gardens include a cactus garden, iris garden, rock garden, and a rose garden (5,000 plants).[2]

Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon
Main article: Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon

The carillon, operated by the Springfield Park District, contains 67 bells built by Petit & Fritsen. Concerts are held year round every Sunday and on Wednesday evenings during summer months. Tower tours are available daily.[3]

Velasco Tennis Center

The Velasco Tennis Center is a tennis facility located in the park. The facility contains 12 courts with six being lighted and a pro shop.[4] It is the home venue for the UIS Prairie Stars men's and women's tennis teams.

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. Springfield Park District: Botanical Garden
  3. Rees Memorial Carillon site
  4. "Tennis Facilities". uisprairiestars.com. Retrieved 2018-04-27.


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