Springfield's Washington Park offers hiking trails, tennis courts and much more

A Walk in the Park is an ongoing series from The State Journal-Register photographer Thomas Turney, who plans to explore the Springfield area — one park at a time — to capture all of the beauty and recreation Springfield area parks have to offer. If you have a suggestion of a park he should visit, email him at [email protected].

One of the most heavily used parks in the Springfield area, Washington Park has rolling terrain, large trees and wooded areas, deep ravines and two man-made lagoons. Additional off-road trails are provided for hiking through some areas of the park. While the park offers passive recreational activities, the park has a complex of 12 tennis courts, paddle tennis courts and a pro-shop. There's also a large pavilion with ADA accessible restrooms. There's also a large duck pond and a botanical garden.

Founded: 1901

Address: 1501 S. Grand Ave. W., Springfield

Acres: 150

History: The park is named after President George Washington. The park was purchased for the city in 1900 and construction began in 1901.

For more: Visit springfieldparks.org or call 217-544-1751 ext. 1004.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: A Walk in the Park: See the beauty of Washington Park in Springfield