×

City of Springfield and IDNR Announce Plans for New Downtown Park and Outdoor Venue Space

By Mike Wennmacher Jul 8, 2026 | 1:13 PM
The Illinois Capitol, as seen from the lawn of the governor’s mansion a few blocks away in late May 2025. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)

Less than 24 hours after receiving its first reading at the Springfield City Council, the City of Springfield and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced Wednesday plans for a new Downtown Park and Venue Space on the Y-Block.

The final vote on the transfer of the property from the City of Springfield to the IDNR is expected on July 21st.

An IDNR representative is expected to present details to the city council during Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting.

The new project will feature native landscapes, a natural limestone amphitheater, shade and a play area for children.

The State of Illinois has dedicated $4 million from infrastructure redevelopment funds for the project.