Parks

The Mt. Vernon Parks and Recreation Department offers a variety of interesting, exciting, and fun things to do, as well as services to residents and visitors to Mt. Vernon. The Department’s mission is to improve the quality of life within the community by providing activities, facilities, and opportunities for enhanced physical, mental, and social health. Read more about all the amenities offered and then go have fun!

Veteran's Park

Located at 800 South 27th Street, Veterans Park offers 2 playgrounds, 1 tot lot, 1 pickle ball court, 6 tennis courts, 2 basketball courts, a skating area, a 1- mile walking/biking trail, a 6-acre lake and a frisbee golf course.

Veteran's Park is also home to a 6-acre lake where you can watch the ducks and geese that call the park their home or try your luck fishing. A state license is required to fish and no boats of any kind are allowed on the lake. 

The Rolland Lewis Community Building offers 7,000 square feet in rental space and three park shelters providing water and electricity access are also available for rent. For more information on rental prices and availability visit our facilities page or contact the Park Office.

From late May to Labor Day enjoy a sno cone from Mary’s Sno Cones, a staple in Mt. Vernon. Mary has served delicious sno cones at Veteran’s Park for years. Try a blue eagle, tiger’s blood, chocolate and more!

Community Garden

Veteran’s Park is home to the Mt. Vernon Community Gardens. Their mission is to not only help bring fresh food to the local community but with the assistance of the University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners, teach everyone about the benefits, processes, and skills involved in gardening. The gardens at Veteran’s Park serve two purposes: 16 beds are educational beds used to teach the community the ins and outs of gardening and to produce food sold to raise money to ensure the garden’s sustainability. 24 community beds are available each year for community members to plant their own fresh produce to take home!

They have a “no food waste policy” so any extra food produced in the community gardens is harvested and either sold to sustain the gardens or given to local food banks.

For more information on the community garden please contact Chris Lueking.

Lincoln Park

Located minutes from Interstate 57 just off Veterans Memorial Drive on South 34th Street, Lincoln Park is home to the Aquatic Zoo, a paved walking path and growing.

Cusumano Sports Complex

Lincoln Park is home to the Cusumano Sports Complex featuring four baseball/softball fields, a playground and a concession stand. It is also home to the Steve Harrison Soccer field and Brenan Klein Memorial.

Fitness Court

A Fitness Court designed by the National Fitness Campaign was added in 2022. This outdoor gym is a circuit training and can accommodate up to 28 people at once. You can check out their online workout library or download an app that provides a seven-move full-body workout.  

Neighborhood Parks

Nestled in the heart of our community are several smaller parks. These parks have fewer amenities but are a great addition to our neighborhoods.

A.L. Dawson Park

Located on Forest Avenue in the southwest part of town, A.L. Dawson Park features a playground, two basketball courts, a picnic shelter, and bathrooms.

Country Heights Park

Located in the northwest part of Mt. Vernon just off Central Avenue, Country Heights Park has a playground and a basketball court.

Hope Park

Located where 12th Street and 14th Street meet, Hope Park is home to an outdoor chess/checkers picnic table and a sculpture.

Jamison Park

This park is located off Apricot Avenue in the southwest part of Mt. Vernon. Jamison Park offers neighborhood kids a basketball court and a playground.

Jaycee Lake Park

Located just 3.6 miles from Mt. Vernon, Jaycee Lake Park is the newest addition to our neighborhood parks system. This recreational spot offers a walking/mountain biking trail through a wooded area. Make sure to bring your water as this area does not have access to drinking water.