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Dodds Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 383 Google reviews · Running trail in Champaign, Illinois · Dawn to dusk
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Dawn to dusk
Confirmed from Dodds Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Community facility with a modern, lighted softball complex, playground, disc-golf course & gardens.
What runners say about Dodds Park
“The park is nice overall, with multiple ball fields that are well maintained.”
Fresh air wide open space for jolly walk, place to play and watch games. Nice place to spend some time to get fresh air. The first Champaign county balloon 🎈 festival was held here.
A great sports park. Large open areas for soccer, multiple softball fields, and a disc golf course. A wonderful park for watching or participating in sports. Located next to Parkland Community college so parking is never an issue. A nice walking path connects this park to another park and onto Kaufman Lake.
Great place to stretch your legs, run or jog, bring out your bikes, or throw around the ball or frizbee with the dogs! Take in the freshair, beautiful green grass, & even some of the hidden gems designed to wow your imagination. Ive seen a few golfers out here too, and a couple having wedding pictures taken.
This is a very clean and nice park. We enjoyed watching the Cross Country team run at the Sectional Meet today at Dodds Park. They have nice indoor bathrooms located in several different sections of the park.
Trail conditions & character
“Make sure to use the restroom ahead of time-came here once with the dogs and the bathrooms were locked!”
“Located next to Parkland Community college so parking is never an issue.”
“The only real downside I noticed was dog waste left in common areas where kids play and teams warm up, which definitely needs to be addressed.”
Plan your run at Dodds Park
The practical stuff
- AccessDawn to dusk — the gates close, so do not plan a run that finishes after dark
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitechampaignparks.org
- Phone+1 217-398-2550
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Tuesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Wednesday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Thursday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Friday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Saturday | 7 am–9 pm |
| Sunday | 7 am–9 pm |
Running trails near Champaign
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Heritage Park
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Kaufman Park
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Relaxed nature space with a paved trail running around Lake Kaufman for walking and jogging.
Sunset Ridge Park
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Johnston Park
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Playground featuring swings and slides, as well as trails for walking and running.
Toalson Park
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Family-friendly outdoor space featuring picnic tables, a playground and a basketball hook.