Iles Park

Iles Park, located on South 6th Street between Oak and Ash streets in Springfield, Illinois, is one of the city's oldest and most historic parks. Spanning 10.5 acres, with an additional 2.75 acres annexed after a 2006 tornado, this park is named after Elijah Iles, one of Springfield's early settlers. The land was donated by his heirs and became a part of the Springfield Park District in 1903. The park is centrally located, surrounded by residential areas to the north and west and commercial establishments to the east and south.

This park offers a serene environment with mature, towering trees that provide ample shade. The stone picnic shelter, constructed around the 1930s, is a centerpiece of the park, though it has seen some modifications over the years. It is complemented by another small picnic shelter and restrooms located on Oak Street. For recreation, the park features a lighted softball field, which was a significant attraction in the 1940s, drawing up to 3,000 spectators for games. Additionally, there are lighted pickleball courts, horseshoe courts, and a playground that combines new and older equipment. Two diagonal walkways make the park accessible and pedestrian-friendly. On-street parking is available, and city sidewalks connect the park to nearby neighborhoods.