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Springfield ‘Y Block’ park project
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the City of Springfield are engaged in a joint initiative to develop a public park and venue space on long-vacant property in the city’s downtown.
Locally known as the “Y Block” – a reference to one of the site’s former occupants, the YWCA – the property has been the home of the popular Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series since 2019. The Illinois Governor’s Mansion is directly south and overlooks the site.
Conceptual – not final – designs for the park include landscaping featuring all native Illinois plants. The focal point is a natural stone amphitheater with seating for 500 people, plus open lawn seating for an additional 1,000 to 1,300 people, enabling the site to continue hosting the popular Levitt AMP Springfield Music Series. Additional features include open lawn seating, shaded gathering areas, ADA accessible walking paths and a natural play space for children.
The park layout will be aligned with the Governor’s Mansion to enhance the visual connection between the adjacent blocks and will incorporate design elements inspired by the residence’s historic oval lawn. Interpretive signage will share the history of the park site, including information about the former YWCA building. Plans also call for a dedicated “Community Row” space for vendor tents, mobile restrooms and a food truck plaza along the closed Jackson Street area to support concerts and other events.
The State of Illinois has dedicated $4 million from infrastructure redevelopment funds for the project, which will help attract visitors to the capital city’s downtown.
Transfer of the property to IDNR from the City of Springfield appeared on first reading before the Springfield City Council on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, with a final vote expected on Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
Conceptual drawing
This drawing is a conceptual plan. Final plans and drawings will be done at a later date.
