Overview
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The Park Division is a part of the city’s City of Geneseo Public Works Department, which also includes the Street and Cemetery divisions.
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Its primary role is the maintenance of the city’s parks and park lands, and the scheduling of activities and events in those parks.
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City parks are open daily from sunrise until 10:00 p.m.
Key Responsibilities & Features
- Maintenance: Ensuring park grounds, playgrounds, restrooms, shelters, fields, courts, etc. are kept up.
- Reservation management: Some shelters and park facilities can be reserved by filling out an application Click Here to fill out a reservation form.
- For details about each shelter, Click Here
- For rules and regulations for City Parks click here.
Why It Matters / Community Value
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The park system contributes to the quality of life in the city: through green space, recreation, and event venues.
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Having well maintained parks with varied amenities (playgrounds, sports fields, disc golf, etc) supports both family-friendly and active lifestyles in Geneseo.
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The availability of reservation forms and structured scheduling shows that the city is facilitating community use and organized events, not just passive park space.
Other Resources for external entities working with Parks
- Richmond Hill Soccer Fields Geneseo Soccer Club
- Richmond Hill Players Barn Theatre
- Commemorative Brick Donation Form
Key Amenities
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Has a playground and picnic shelter(s) for public use.
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Includes a bandshell (performance stage) for events.
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Restrooms available (seasonal) as part of the amenities.
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It is described as a “community park / neighborhood park” and open space area.
Usage & Events
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The park is used for community gatherings and events (for example, the town’s annual Music Fest uses the park area).
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Shelters may be reserved through the city for events/use. City of Geneseo, Illinois
Role in the Community
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It is part of the broader parks & recreation offerings in Geneseo, which include multiple parks, trails, sports fields and other amenities.
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The park contributes to the small-town atmosphere and offers a central green space for residents and visitors.
Practical Tips
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If you want to hold an event there, check availability of shelters and reserve ahead.
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Visit during daylight hours and ensure to leave by 10:00 PM when the park closes.
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Bring picnic provisions if you plan to use the picnic shelter and enjoy a day out.
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For playgrounds and performance events, check the local park district/municipality website for scheduled activities.
Amenities & Features
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Two handicap‐accessible restroom facilities.
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Multiple athletic fields: 1 hardball diamond, 2 adult softball diamonds, 6 soccer fields.
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Outdoor courts: 6 pickleball courts, basketball court and a combination court.
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An 18-hole disc golf course, well rated by users for its elevation changes and fun layout. udisc.com+1
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Sledding hills available in winter.
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Pavillions/shelters and playground areas near some of the shelters.
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A barn theatre venue: the Richmond Hill Players’ Barn Theatre is located within the park.
Events & Community Use
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The park hosts community events, such as the annual “Thrill on the Hill Fireworks” on July 4.
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The outdoor stage at the park was completed recently, enabling performances and gatherings.
Practical Tips & Notes
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If you’re interested in renting a shelter/pavilion, you’ll need to apply through the City of Geneseo. City of Geneseo, Illinois+1
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For disc golf: the terrain is hilly and can be physically demanding; users recommend being ready for elevation changes. udisc.com+1
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Parking and access: Since it’s a larger park with many amenities and fields, plan for a little extra time especially during event days.
Why It’s Noteworthy
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It’s one of the more comprehensive recreation parks in the Geneseo area—combining traditional sports fields, disc golf, playgrounds, theatre, and seasonal uses like sledding.
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Positioned to serve families, sports teams, and community gatherings alike.
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The presence of the barn theatre gives it a unique cultural dimension beyond pure recreation.
Amenities & Features
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Trail network: approx 3 miles of combined single-track and double‐track trails for hiking, walking, and mountain biking. QC Trails
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Surfaces include packed earth/dirt, grass/meadow, sand, some boardwalk/bridging in low/muddy areas. QC Trails
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Open access: Year-round from sunrise to sunset (per trail info). QC Trails
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Natural scenery: Includes forested sections and restored prairie habitat, offering a nature-oriented experience. QC Trails+1
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Multiple trail access points: e.g., a grass parking lot near Roos Hill Rd, small lot off IL-82, and a lot near the Izaak Walton League cabin. QC Trails
Why It’s Noteworthy
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Offers a more natural/undeveloped park experience compared to typical neighborhood parks (focusing on trails, prairie, nature).
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Good for outdoor exercise (hiking, biking) with a scenic, less-formal setting.
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Being adjacent to the Hennepin Canal trail system means it connects nicely to regional trail networks. Illinois Department of Natural Resources+1
Practical Tips & Notes
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Since trails have varied surfaces (sand, grass, boardwalks), consider wearing trail‐appropriate shoes and be cautious in muddy or wet conditions.
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For biking: The trail network has “some punchy climbs… some tight loose corners” per trail user feedback. QC Trails
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Parking is somewhat spread out—choose the lot that aligns with your preferred access point.
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Because it’s a more natural setting, amenities like shelters, restrooms, or playgrounds may be limited (not highlighted in the sources) — plan accordingly.
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If you want a more structured park visit (with playgrounds, sports fields, etc.), you might pair this park with another in Geneseo.
Key amenities
- Open green space suitable for recreation, strolling or informal gatherings.
- Playground or picnic facilities
Usage notes
- Since the park is city-owned and open until 10 PM, evenings are accessible for activities (weather and local rules permitting).
- For organized events, you may need to check with the city’s park division or city hall (as other parks mention forms/reservations).
Visiting tips
- Check for shelter or picnic area availability if planning a group activity.
- Arrive earlier in warmer months if you prefer shade or specific features (playground, open field).
- Confirm rules (e.g., pets, alcohol, amplified music) by reviewing City of Geneseo park regulations.
- Good for: family outings, casual play, picnics, taking kids to a local park, enjoying some green space within Geneseo.
Facilities & amenities
- Listed among city parks with playground equipment .
- Provides open green space for recreation (as part of the “100 acres of park green space” in city parks).
Good for
- Family outings or casual visits for kids (playground equipment available)
- Picnics, informal outdoor activity during daytime
- Enjoying local green space without needing to travel far
Visiting tips
- Arrive before evening—park closes at 10:00 PM.
- Bring your own picnic supplies and check for available shelter or benches.
- If you’re planning a group gathering or reserving a space, check with the city’s parks department for any reservation forms or rules.