| Washington Park | |
| Nrhp Type: | hd |
| Nocat: | yes |
| Location: | Bounded by Fayette Ave., Williams Blvd., Walnut St., MacArthur Blvd., S. Grand Ave. and Chatham Rd., Springfield, Illinois |
| Built: | 1901 |
| Architect: | Simonds, Ossian Cole |
| Architecture: | Bungalow/craftsman |
| Added: | May 22, 1992 |
| Refnum: | 92000483 |
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.
The Washington Park 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).[1]
See main article: article and 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.[2]
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.[3] It is the home venue for the UIS Prairie Stars men's and women's tennis teams.