
Hessel Park
A vibrant community hub with a free splash pad, sports courts, diverse trees, and event spaces.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for play

Hessel Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, ideal for play

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant community hub with a free splash pad, sports courts, diverse trees, and event spaces.
"Best park in town. The very best part is non-restrictive hours!"

Splash Pad Ready! :woman_water_wave:
Bring swimsuits and towels for the free splash pad – a must-do for kids in summer!
Court Reservations? :tennis_racquet_and_ball:
Courts are first-come, first-served. Arrive early for popular times, especially for pickleball.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Splash Pad Fun
Playground Area
Beat the summer heat with this free, public splash pad – a hit with kids and families.

Sports Courts Galore
Various Locations
Challenge friends to a game on well-maintained tennis, pickleball, or volleyball courts.

Scenic Walking Path
Park Perimeter
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a brisk run on the park's perimeter path, surrounded by diverse tree species.

Community Events
Amphitheater/Open Fields
Experience live music, festivals, and community gatherings held throughout the year.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Park Perks & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Splash Pad Ready! :woman_water_wave:
Bring swimsuits and towels for the free splash pad – a must-do for kids in summer!
Court Reservations? :tennis_racquet_and_ball:
Courts are first-come, first-served. Arrive early for popular times, especially for pickleball.
Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
Plenty of shelters and open space make Hessel Park perfect for a picnic lunch or dinner.
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog2:
Leashed dogs are welcome, and the annual Puppy Parade is a highlight for pet owners!
Tips
from all over the internet
Splash Pad Ready! :woman_water_wave:
Bring swimsuits and towels for the free splash pad – a must-do for kids in summer!
Court Reservations? :tennis_racquet_and_ball:
Courts are first-come, first-served. Arrive early for popular times, especially for pickleball.
Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
Plenty of shelters and open space make Hessel Park perfect for a picnic lunch or dinner.
Dog-Friendly Fun :dog2:
Leashed dogs are welcome, and the annual Puppy Parade is a highlight for pet owners!
Event Schedule Check :calendar:
Look up event schedules for concerts and festivals – they add a special vibe!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hessel Park is widely praised as a top community park, especially for its free splash pad and well-maintained sports courts. Visitors appreciate the ample space, diverse tree species, and non-restrictive hours. Some minor drawbacks include limited seating near the splash pad and occasional challenges with accessibility from certain neighborhoods.
"A great park to spend the day, with free access to well-kept tennis and pickleball courts."
Omar Khaled
"We enjoy this park for the playground and the splash pad. It's mostly a clean park. It attracts a lot of people so my kids always have someone to play with. I wish there was more parent seating next to splash pad."
Deanna Polaczek
"Best park in town. The very best part is non-restrictive hours! Actually open long enough that working people can enjoy it. Not sure how a park "closes" but anyway.
Perfect running loop. Jot down the hill to Mattis Park and back for a 5k.
Splash pad. Picnics. Pickleball, tennis and volleyball. Water fountains. Art. It's all good here."
Derrick Clark (DC)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Hessel Park is located at 1400 N Neil St, Champaign, IL 61820. It's accessible by car with ample parking. For those coming from neighborhoods across Kirby Avenue, walking or biking can be a bit challenging due to the park's location.
While specific bus routes aren't detailed in the provided content, checking local Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) schedules would be the best way to determine public transit options.
The park generally offers parking facilities, though specific details on capacity or designated areas are not provided. It's advisable to arrive early during peak times or events to secure a spot.
Yes, you can bike to Hessel Park. However, some users note that accessing it by bike from certain neighborhoods, like those across Kirby Avenue, can be less convenient.
The park features a walking path, and amenities like the splash pad and sports courts are generally accessible. Specific accessibility details for all areas can be confirmed with the Champaign Park District.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Hessel Park offers free access to all its amenities, including the splash pad, playgrounds, and sports courts.
Hessel Park is known for its non-restrictive hours, meaning it's open long enough for working individuals to enjoy it. Specific closing times are not detailed, but it's generally accessible for extended periods.
The splash pad at Hessel Park is free and open to the public during summer months, with no tickets or reservations required.
The tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts at Hessel Park are free to use. It's recommended to arrive early as they are on a first-come, first-served basis.
While the park has picnic shelters, information on reservation policies or fees is not provided. It's best to contact the Champaign Park District directly for details on shelter rentals.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Hessel Park offers a wide range of activities including a playground, a free splash pad, tennis courts, pickleball courts, volleyball courts, a walking path, picnic shelters, and open spaces for recreation.
Absolutely! Hessel Park is a top choice for families with its popular playground and free splash pad, ensuring plenty of fun for children.
Yes, Hessel Park features a scenic walking path around its perimeter, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a 5k run, especially when combined with a loop to Mattis Park.
Hessel Park boasts 50 different tree species, offering a beautiful natural setting. It also hosts various community events, including concerts and festivals.
The park has a lively and community-oriented atmosphere, attracting many people, especially families. It's a great place to meet others and enjoy outdoor activities.
🎫 🌳 Nature & Scenery
Hessel Park is home to an impressive collection of 50 different tree species, contributing to its scenic beauty and providing a diverse natural environment.
Yes, the park's walking path winds through areas with 50 tree species, making it a pleasant spot for nature walks and enjoying the outdoors.
Visitors have noted the distinct sound of locusts in the park, adding to the natural ambiance.
The park's walking path offers scenic views, and the diverse tree species create a visually appealing landscape throughout the seasons.
Reviews generally describe Hessel Park as a clean and well-kept park, with well-maintained courts and facilities.
🎫 🐶 Pets & Animals
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome in Hessel Park. It's a popular spot for pet owners, and the park even hosts an annual Puppy Parade.
The provided information does not specify a dedicated dog park area within Hessel Park. However, dogs are permitted on leashes throughout the park.
The Annual Puppy Parade is a community event held at Hessel Park where pet owners can bring their dogs, often in costume, for a fun and social gathering.
The primary restriction mentioned is that dogs must be on a leash. Specific rules regarding pet waste disposal should also be followed.
While some events might have specific pet policies, generally, leashed pets are welcome in the park. The Puppy Parade is a prime example of a pet-centric event.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main attractions, the park's open fields are perfect for games, and the numerous picnic shelters make it easy to enjoy a family meal outdoors. Keep an eye out for special events like 'Toddler Time' which are specifically designed for younger visitors.
🏃♀️ Active Individuals & Sports Fans
The park's generous hours mean you can fit in a workout before or after work. With its variety of sports options and recreational paths, Hessel Park is a great spot to get your exercise in a beautiful, community-focused environment.
🐶 Pet Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Family Fun at Hessel Park
The playground offers a variety of equipment for different age groups, ensuring that younger and older children alike can find something to enjoy. The park's open spaces are also perfect for running around, playing games, or simply enjoying a family picnic. With its welcoming atmosphere and abundance of kid-friendly activities, Hessel Park consistently ranks as a top choice for family outings in Champaign.
Beyond the playground and splash pad, the park frequently hosts family-oriented events, such as 'Toddler Time' sessions and community celebrations, adding extra value and entertainment for visitors.
Sports and Recreation Hub
The park also features a dedicated walking path that circles the perimeter, making it an ideal location for runners and walkers. This path offers a pleasant route for exercise, with the added benefit of being surrounded by the park's diverse collection of 50 tree species. Some visitors have even mapped out a 5k route by combining the park's path with a short excursion to Mattis Park.
Beyond the courts and paths, Hessel Park provides ample picnic shelters and open green spaces, making it a versatile location for both organized sports and casual recreational activities. The park's non-restrictive hours further enhance its appeal, allowing ample time for everyone to engage in their favorite outdoor pursuits.
Nature and Community Events
Beyond its natural beauty, Hessel Park serves as a vibrant hub for community events. It has hosted a variety of performances, including symphony concerts under the stars and lively music festivals. These events transform the park into a cultural gathering space, drawing in residents and visitors to share in unique experiences.
The park also plays host to other community celebrations, such as Juneteenth festivities and even a 'May Day Protest' that highlighted messages of hope. The annual Puppy Parade is another beloved event that brings together pet owners and their furry companions for a day of fun and community spirit.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit