| Dodds Park | |
| Photo Width: | 275 |
| Map Width: | 272 |
| Location: | Champaign, Illinois |
| Coords: | 40.1314°N -88.2828°W |
| Operator: | Champaign Park District |
| Publictransit: | MTD |
| Status: | Open all year |
Dodds Park is located in northwestern Champaign, Illinois near Parkland College. This 110acres park (roughly one fifth of the total Park District holdings) is noted for the "Tribute to Olympic Athletes Monument" on its grounds. The park was purchased in 1969 for the sum of $298,495.
The park has 7 lighted baseball fields and 12 soccer fields on its grounds.[1] Additionally, it features a small playground and picnic tables.
See also: List of historical sites related to the Illinois labor movement. The memorial was dedicated on Labor Day September 2, 2002, and serves as a memorial to those workers who had lost their lives while working on the job. The memorial consists of two tablets which bear the names of those who have died working in Champaign County.[2]
The "Tribute to Olympic Athletes" was created to honor those residents of Champaign County who have competed in the Olympics. To date 41 athletes are commemorated on the monument since the tribute's dedication on July 4, 1991.[3] The monument consists of several rising plateaus forming a walkway leading to a large granite gateway. Beyond the gateway a pedestal overlooking the playing fields in Dodds Park is inscribed with the names of those who have represented Champaign County in the Olympics.