Springfield in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Edwin Watts Southwind Park
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026
1. Edwin Watts Southwind Park Marker
Eighty acres of donated farmland have been transformed into a national model of accessibility that encourages people of all abilities to enjoy leisure time without boundaries. The universal design of our "all people park" began as a small group's vision that expanded to a community, state and nationwide team of hundreds of individuals, organizations and businesses dedicated to our "Let's Build this Park" campaign!
Our state of the art park offers many unique features including a stocked lake and three accessible fishing piers, a gazebo on the lake, an eight acre grass lawn, four themed gardens, boundless play areas, a two and a half mile trailway, an accessible treehouse, historical arch/entertainment gateway, leisure sport gaming areas and picnic shelters.
Bioswales, wetlands, pervious concrete and recycled irrigation features highlight the environmental leadership and practices pioneered throughout the park.
Welcome to Southwind Park!
Erected by Springfield Park District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Civil Rights • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 39° 43.934′ N, 89° 39.331′ W.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Selvaggio Historic Arches (within shouting distance of this marker); Rotary Centennial Sundial Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cozy Dog Drive In (approx. 2.1 miles away); Cozy Dog Drive In, Springfield, Illinois (approx. 2.1 miles away); Springfield, Illinois (approx. 2.1 miles away); Springfield Home for the Friendless / Family Service Center (approx. 3.8 miles away); The Architect and the Founder (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Historic Route 66 Illinois (was approx. 2.1 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding Edwin Watts Southwind Park. Although detailed historical information is lacking, the marker notes that "Eighty acres of donated farmland have been transformed into a national model of accessibility...." and "features highlight the environmental leadership and practices pioneered throughout the park." The changing interaction of environment and humanity
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026
2. Edwin Watts Southwind Park and Marker
The park website states that "Southwind Park, Springfield's most inclusive attraction, sets a new national standard not just for accessibility, but also for environmental excellence. Every area and feature of the 80-acre park exceeds ADA accessibility requirements. Erin's Pavilion is a Platinum LEED certified building. Other eco-friendly features include wetlands, a wind turbine, solar panels and a geothermal system."
"One of the most compelling features of Southwind Park is its complete accessibility for all ages and abilities with special emphasis and attention given to those with physical and cognitive disabilities. It provides a new dimension of inclusion for all people "without boundaries" in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Southwind Park is an all-people park, serving cognitive, emotional, physical and social needs in a diverse, safe and fun setting without physical and social barriers."
Also see . . . Southwind Park. (Submitted on June 13, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026
3. Edwin Watts Southwind Park Stormwater Runoff Marker
Located near the Veterans Memorial
Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026
4. Edwin Watts Southwind Park Stormwater Runoff Marker
Park lake in background
Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 13, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 13, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 3, 4. submitted on June 14, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
