Evening sunlight at Hessel park - Champaign
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Hessel Park

4.7
·2k reviews·Champaign, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for play

CrowdLow
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Evening sunlight at Hessel park - Champaign

Hessel Park

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.7
(2k reviews)

"Best park in town. The very best part is non-restrictive hours!"

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Splash Pad Fun

Splash Pad Fun

Playground Area

Beat the summer heat with this free, public splash pad – a hit with kids and families.

InstagramReddit
Sports Courts Galore

Sports Courts Galore

Various Locations

Challenge friends to a game on well-maintained tennis, pickleball, or volleyball courts.

Reddit
Scenic Walking Path

Scenic Walking Path

Park Perimeter

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

Reddit
Community Events

Community Events

Amphitheater/Open Fields

Experience live music, festivals, and community gatherings held throughout the year.

Instagram+2
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Hessel Park is a popular spot, especially for families and sports enthusiasts. To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for weekdays outside of peak summer hours. The splash pad and playgrounds are big draws, so early mornings or late afternoons can offer a more relaxed experience. Instagram

Park Perks & Access

Enjoy free access to a variety of amenities, including tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts, as well as picnic shelters. The park's non-restrictive hours are a major plus, allowing visitors to enjoy it well into the evening. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for play
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon Weekdays
Why
Cooler temps, good for sports
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer Evenings
Why
Enjoy events & cooler air
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We here now…. Hessel park session today. Had a blast with the boys. Until next time. #Boxing #phonehomeboxingacademy #akosaacademy
phonehomeboxingacademy
8 likes • 208 views

Splash Pad Ready! :woman_water_wave:

Bring swimsuits and towels for the free splash pad – a must-do for kids in summer! InstagramReddit

Court Reservations? :tennis_racquet_and_ball:

Courts are first-come, first-served. Arrive early for popular times, especially for pickleball. Reddit

Visiting Illinois - walking Hessel Park, Champaign. Locusts sound incredible! What sounds do you love? #HesselPark #Champaign #illinoisvisit #naturesound #momvisit
theunzicker
38 likes • 2.2K views
Imagine this: relaxing in a cozy lawn chair in beautiful Hessel Park under the night sky as you’re serenaded by a 60-piece symphony, surrounded by the buzzing energy of fellow music lovers in attendance 🎻 ✨ Performing last night in the park was a dream come true! Thank you @thisispygmalion and @champaignparkdist for inviting us to headline T H E I L L I A C in the heart of Champaign 🎵 🌳 #orch...
sinfoniauiuc
35 likes • 860 views

Pack a Picnic :sandwich:

Plenty of shelters and open space make Hessel Park perfect for a picnic lunch or dinner. Reddit

Dog-Friendly Fun :dog2:

Leashed dogs are welcome, and the annual Puppy Parade is a highlight for pet owners! Instagram+1

Thanks to everyone who came out on Tuesday for Toddler Time at Hessel Park! We had so much fun splish-splashing with you 🤗 Huge shout out to @christieclinic for presenting our Toddler Time events this summer! 🩵 Thanks also to our secondary sponsors: 🎪 @herriottsrte 🧋 @tomscoffeechampaign 🌳 @champaignparkdist Mark your calendars for our next Toddler Time: 📍 July 8 📍 10-11:30am ⚽️ Soccer Pla...
chambanamoms
43 likes • 1.9K views

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! InstagramReddit

Court Reservations? :tennis_racquet_and_ball:

Courts are first-come, first-served. Arrive early for popular times, especially for pickleball. Reddit

Pack a Picnic :sandwich:

Plenty of shelters and open space make Hessel Park perfect for a picnic lunch or dinner. Reddit

Dog-Friendly Fun :dog2:

Leashed dogs are welcome, and the annual Puppy Parade is a highlight for pet owners! Instagram+1

Event Schedule Check :calendar:

Look up event schedules for concerts and festivals – they add a special vibe! Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.7
(2k reviews)

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

Free splash pad
Well-kept sports courts
Generous park hours

What People Dislike

Limited splash pad seating
Access from some neighborhoods

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Hessel Park offers free access to all its amenities, including the splash pad, playgrounds, and sports courts. Reddit

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. Reddit

The splash pad at Hessel Park is free and open to the public during summer months, with no tickets or reservations required. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Hessel Park is a top choice for families with its popular playground and free splash pad, ensuring plenty of fun for children. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Hessel Park boasts 50 different tree species, offering a beautiful natural setting. It also hosts various community events, including concerts and festivals. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

🎫 🌳 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. TikTok

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. TikTokReddit

Visitors have noted the distinct sound of locusts in the park, adding to the natural ambiance. TikTok

The park's walking path offers scenic views, and the diverse tree species create a visually appealing landscape throughout the seasons. TikTokReddit

Reviews generally describe Hessel Park as a clean and well-kept park, with well-maintained courts and facilities. Reddit

🎫 🐶 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. Instagram+1

The provided information does not specify a dedicated dog park area within Hessel Park. However, dogs are permitted on leashes throughout the park. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

The primary restriction mentioned is that dogs must be on a leash. Specific rules regarding pet waste disposal should also be followed. Instagram

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. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hessel Park is a top-tier destination for families. The free splash pad is a massive hit during warmer months, providing endless fun for children to cool off. InstagramReddit Complementing this is a well-equipped playground with various structures to keep kids entertained. While parents love the accessibility, a few have wished for more seating near the splash pad. Reddit

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. Instagram

🏃‍♀️ Active Individuals & Sports Fans

For those who love to stay active, Hessel Park offers excellent facilities. You can enjoy tennis, pickleball, and volleyball on well-maintained courts that are free to access. Reddit The park's perimeter features a pleasant walking path, ideal for your daily run or a leisurely stroll, and it's even been used to map out a 5k route. Reddit

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. Reddit

🐶 Pet Owners

Hessel Park is a welcoming place for your four-legged friends! Leashed dogs are permitted throughout the park, making it a great spot for a walk with your canine companion. Instagram+1 The park even hosts the much-anticipated Annual Puppy Parade, a fun event where pets can show off their costumes and socialize. Instagram While there isn't a dedicated dog park mentioned, the general park grounds offer plenty of space for dogs to enjoy the outdoors with their owners. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Family Fun at Hessel Park

Hessel Park is a prime destination for families, largely due to its fantastic playground and the ever-popular free splash pad. The splash pad is a lifesaver on hot summer days, offering a fun and safe way for children to cool off. InstagramReddit Parents appreciate that it's free and accessible, though some have noted a desire for more seating near the splash pad area. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

Sports and Recreation Hub

For sports enthusiasts, Hessel Park is a true gem, boasting a range of well-maintained courts. Visitors can enjoy tennis, pickleball, and volleyball games on courts that are free to use. Reddit The popularity of these courts means that arriving early, especially during peak hours or weekends, is often recommended to secure a spot. Reddit

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. TikTokReddit Some visitors have even mapped out a 5k route by combining the park's path with a short excursion to Mattis Park. Reddit

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. Reddit

Nature and Community Events

Hessel Park offers a surprisingly rich natural environment, highlighted by its collection of 50 tree species. This diversity creates a beautiful and ever-changing landscape throughout the year, making it a pleasant spot for nature lovers and casual strollers alike. TikTokReddit The distinct sound of locusts has also been noted, adding to the park's natural soundscape. TikTok

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. Instagram+1 These events transform the park into a cultural gathering space, drawing in residents and visitors to share in unique experiences. Instagram+1

The park also plays host to other community celebrations, such as Juneteenth festivities and even a 'May Day Protest' that highlighted messages of hope. Instagram+1 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. Instagram

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