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Southwind Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,260 Google reviews · Running trail in Springfield, Illinois · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Southwind 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.
Accessible 80-acre park with a lake, 5 sensory gardens, a children's playground & sports facilities.
What runners say about Southwind Park
“We love this park bc it has 2 well maintained playgrounds, a splashpad and a nice paved path around the park where our daughter can safely ride her scooter.”
“The views surrounding the lake are simply beautiful – perfect for a peaceful moment or a scenic backdrop for a picnic.”
“The playgrounds are great for all ages.”
Great, big ,organized park. Many places for kids to play(grass and playgrounds) many pathways for walking. Very family friendly and safe place.
Big and beautiful park. We didn't get a chance to explore the entire thing, but we very much enjoyed what we did see. The 2 playgrounds were nice and well maintained, although they could maybe use a few more benches around for parents to sit on. The walk around the pond was relaxing, and we loved the docks.
Nice park keep adding new stuff but don't seem to be maintaining the existing. Good place for a walk fly a kite take the kids not good for running or biking.
Hands down my favorite park to go to! It’s huge, and has lots to do for everyone. It’s handicap accessible, and there’s lots of paths to walk, run, or bike throughout the park. There’s a couple small playgrounds around the park, along with areas with picnic tables, etc. They have water fountains for people (and dogs!!
Trail conditions & character
“The views surrounding the lake are simply beautiful – perfect for a peaceful moment or a scenic backdrop for a picnic.”
“It’s handicap accessible, and there’s lots of paths to walk, run, or bike throughout the park.”
“Several pavilions offer space to gather and there are bathrooms that are clean and accessible.”
“This is a nice place to take your dog and just go for a stroll with friends.”
“We love this park bc it has 2 well maintained playgrounds, a splashpad and a nice paved path around the park where our daughter can safely ride her scooter.”
“I love the fact that they have water fountains designed for your pet as well.”
Plan your run at Southwind Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- 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.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitespringfieldparks.org
- Phone+1 217-585-2941
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 am–10:30 pm |
Running trails near Springfield
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
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