Parks
The Mt. Vernon Parks and Recreation Department offers fun and exciting things to do for both residents and visitors. From outdoor spaces to activities and special events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Our mission is to help improve quality of life by providing places and programs that support physical, mental, and social well-being.
Explore all the amenities we offer—and go have some fun!
The Commons
The Commons is a welcoming green space in the heart of downtown Mt. Vernon. It’s a great place to relax, play, or enjoy local events.
You’ll find lots of seating, including:
- Picnic tables with benches
- Bistro-style tables and chairs
- Adirondack chairs
- Four porch-style swings
There’s also an open lawn and a children’s play area with a soft surface and fun, climbable features.
Other amenities include:
- Public restrooms
- Two bike racks
- A drinking fountain with a water bottle filler
The Commons is located inside the Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA), That means you can enjoy drinks from participating downtown businesses while you’re here.
The Commons hosts many events throughout the year, such as:
- Market Days on the second Saturday each month, April through October
- Friday’s Food & Art on the first Friday each month, May through October, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.
- Annual celebrations like Brew Fest, Fall Fest, and Christmas on the Square
Whether you’re attending an event, meeting friends, or enjoying a quiet afternoon, The Commons is a welcoming space that brings the Mt. Vernon community together.
Veterans Memorial Park
Located at 800 South 27th Street, Veterans Memorial Park offers many fun activities and features, including:
- Two playgrounds and one tot lot
- One pickleball court
- Six tennis courts
- Two basketball courts
- A skating area
- A one-mile walking and biking trail
- A frisbee golf course
The park is also home to a beautiful six-acre lake with three lighted fountains and two islands connected by footbridges. One island has a charming gazebo, perfect for relaxing or enjoying the view. You can watch the ducks and geese that live in the park or try fishing (a state fishing license is required). Boats are not allowed on the lake.
Rentals at Veterans Park
- The Rolland Lewis Community Building offers 7,000 square feet of rental space.
- There are three park shelters with water and electricity available for rent.
For rental prices and availability, please visit our Facility Rentals page or contact the Park Office.
Special Treat
From late May to Labor Day, enjoy a snow cone from Mary’s Snow Cones — a local favorite at Veterans Park for many years. Try flavors like Blue Eagle, Tiger’s Blood, Chocolate, and more!
Community Garden
Veterans Park is home to the Mt. Vernon Community Gardens. Their mission is to bring fresh food to the community and teach people about gardening with help from the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners.
The gardens have two main purposes:
- 16 educational beds where people learn about gardening and grow food that is sold to support the garden’s future.
- 24 community beds that anyone in the community can use each year to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables to take home.
The gardens follow a “no food waste” policy. Any extra food is either sold to help support the garden or donated to local food banks.
For more information about the community gardens, please contact Chris Lueking.
Veterans Memorial Monument
At the entrance of Veterans Park stands a solemn monument honoring the brave men and women who have served our nation. The Veterans Memorial has become a cherished part of our community.
The names of veterans are remembered on memorial bricks that line the path to this special place, helping ensure their memory lives on for generations.
The memorial became a reality thanks to the hard work of Howard Phillips, David Keen, and a dedicated committee. Local businesses also supported the project by contributing landscaping, lighting, and shrubbery—creating a peaceful, respectful setting for all who visit.
The Veterans Memorial was officially dedicated on December 7, 2022—a day that will always be remembered in Mt. Vernon as a symbol of gratitude and respect for those who have served.
Honor a Veteran with a Memorial Brick
You can help honor a veteran by purchasing a memorial brick for $45. Each brick can include the veteran’s name, rank, and service. Your support helps maintain the memorial and ensures the legacy of our veterans continues.
See our Memorials Page to learn more about purchasing a memorial brick or exploring other memorial options available throughout the park.
Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park is located just off Veterans Memorial Drive on South 34th Street. It’s a popular spot in Mt. Vernon for walking, relaxing, and enjoying the outdoors.
The park features paved walking paths that are great for a casual stroll or a more energetic jog. There’s also plenty of parking, making it easy for visitors to access all that the park has to offer.
In addition to open green space, Lincoln Park is home to several major amenities that make it a central place for recreation and family fun in Mt. Vernon.
Aquatic Zoo
The Aquatic Zoo is Mt. Vernon’s favorite summer destination for families and visitors of all ages. Whether you're looking for thrilling water fun or just want to cool off and relax, the Aquatic Zoo offers a refreshing adventure for everyone.
Visit the Aquatic Zoo page for more information.
Cusumano Sports Complex
Located within Lincoln Park, the Cusumano Sports Complex features:
- Four baseball/softball fields
- A playground
- A concession stand
It’s also home to the Steve Harrison Soccer Field and the Brenan Klein Memorial, making it a central spot for local sports and events.
Fitness Court
Installed in 2022, the Fitness Court is a free, outdoor bodyweight gym designed by the National Fitness Campaign. It offers circuit-style training for up to 28 people at once.
Visitors can access the digital workout library or use the download the Fitness Court app to follow a guided, seven-move full-body workout—perfect for all fitness levels.
Neighborhood Parks
Nestled throughout Mt. Vernon are several smaller parks that provide accessible green space and recreation close to home. While these neighborhood parks feature fewer amenities than our larger community parks, each one offers a unique place to relax, play, and connect with nature.
A.L. Dawson Park
Located in the southwest part of town on Forest Avenue, A.L. Dawson Park features a playground, two basketball courts, a picnic shelter, and restrooms.
Country Heights Park
Situated in the northwest corner of Mt. Vernon near Central Avenue, this park offers a quiet space with a playground and a basketball court.
Hope Park
Found where 12th Street and 14th Street meet, Hope Park features an outdoor chess/checkers picnic table and a sculpture, adding a touch of creativity to this cozy neighborhood space.
Jamison Park
Located off Apricot Avenue in the southwest area of Mt. Vernon, Jamison Park offers a basketball court and a playground that serve as a favorite spot for neighborhood kids.
Jaycee Lake Park
Just 3.6 miles outside of Mt. Vernon, Jaycee Lake Park is the newest addition to our park system. This wooded area features a walking and mountain biking trail. Visitors are encouraged to bring water, as there is no access to drinking water on-site.
Optimist Park
In the northeast part of town, Optimist Park includes a large open field for free play, a playground, a basketball court, and a skate park. A newly added pollinator plot with a walking path provides a quiet retreat surrounded by native plants and pollinators.
Contact Information
Parks Office
800 S. 27th Street
Mount Vernon IL 62864
See on map: Google Maps
Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Phone: (618) 242-6890
Fax: (618) 242-6893
Email: parksandrec@mtvernon.com
After Hours: (618) 242-2727
Parks Director
McKenzie May
Email: parksdirector@mtvernon.com
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