Center Park

Center Park is 30.96 acres. It is located just off East Lake Shore Drive, on Long Bay Drive, across the street from Henson Robinson Zoo. This park is the site of the Beach House, which is available for rent to the public. Center Park has a large amount of playground equipment, horseshoe pits, and a volleyball sand pit. It also contains five softball diamonds and a large, open grassy area. The park has two small pavilions near The Beach House, each accommodating 10-15 people, and four uncovered picnic areas, each accommodating 75 people. A boat launch, particularly suited for sailboats but open to all watercraft, is located on the shore of Center Park, just north of The Beach House. This launch is wheelchair accessible. North of the launch is a multi-slip boat dock and fishing area, which is also wheelchair accessible. Permanent restroom facilities are available year-round in the Center Park playground area, and temporary handicap-accessible restrooms are available in other areas of the park from April through mid-October.

Directions to Center Park

(1) Go east on Stevenson Drive, if from the interstate, take exit 94 off I-55 (East Lake Shore Drive exit) and turn left at the top of the off-ramp. Cross Spaulding Dam to East Lake Shore Drive and continue past Lincoln Greens Golf Course and through the curve that sweeps along the shore of the lake. After the curve, the road straightens out. A short way ahead, you'll see a sign for Henson Robinson Zoo on your right. At this sign, turn right onto Long Bay Drive. The park will be on your right. Multiple turnoffs, providing access to different areas of the park, are located along Long Bay Drive.

(2) Take West Lake Shore Drive south from Stevenson Drive and follow the road for about 4.5 miles. After rounding a sharp turn, West Lake Shore Drive will run into Long Bay Drive (West Lake Shore will veer off to the right). Continue straight onto Long Bay and cross Vachel Lindsay Bridge. You will see the first entrance into the park (and The Beach House parking area) immediately to your left upon crossing the bridge. Entrances into other areas of the park are located further east on Long Bay Drive.

Open the Lake Parks Map.