Bob Mays Park | Quincy IL

Bob Mays Park – Detailed Overview

Location:
2533 North 18th Street, Quincy, Illinois

Size:
Approximately 73 acres

Park Features and Amenities

1. Playground Areas

Main Playground: Equipped with modern play structures, swings, and climbing elements suitable for various age groups.

Tot Lot: A smaller, safer area with age-appropriate equipment specifically designed for toddlers and young children.

Surface & Safety: All play areas are maintained with safety surfacing, and there are benches nearby for guardians.

2. Shelter House

Size: 1,500 square feet

Capacity: 12 picnic tables, accommodating small to medium-sized gatherings.

Facilities: Equipped with:

Electrical outlets

Running water

Barbecue grill

Nearby restrooms

Lighting for evening use

Usage: Available for rental through the Quincy Park District, popular for birthdays, reunions, and community events.

3. 18-Hole Disc Golf Course

Opened: 2015

Design: Course winds through open fields and tree-dotted landscapes, offering both beginner-friendly holes and challenging layouts.

Terrain: Mixture of flat and lightly wooded areas, designed to provide varied difficulty.

Popularity: Regularly used by locals and regional players; sometimes hosts tournaments or club events.

4. Bill Klingner Trailhead

Trail Access: Bob Mays Park serves as the eastern trailhead for the Bill Klingner Trail.

Trail Type: Asphalt-surfaced, multi-use path

Length: ~3 miles (one way)

Uses: Walking, jogging, biking, inline skating

Scenery: Runs through restored prairie, past creeks, and under tree canopies; benches and signage along the way.

5. Restored Prairie

Size: Approximately 53 acres

Restoration: Native plants and grasses have been reintroduced to support biodiversity and educate the public.

Features:

Interpretive signage explaining prairie ecosystems

Wildlife observation opportunities (birds, pollinators)

Seasonal wildflowers bloom in late spring and summer

6. Recreational Amenities

Walking and Biking Paths: Well-marked trails inside the park that connect to the Bill Klingner Trail.

Outdoor Fitness Stations: Installed along paths for bodyweight exercises like pull-ups, leg lifts, and stretching.

Open Fields: Space available for impromptu sports, kite flying, or lounging.

Soccer Field: Maintained field suitable for casual games and practice.

Sledding Hill: Popular in winter months for snow activities.

Events and Seasonal Activities

Soap Box Derby: Hosted annually by the Quincy Optimist Club; draws participants and spectators from across the region.

Winter Fun: Park’s gently sloping hills become community sledding spots after snowfall.

Community Days: Sometimes features outdoor movie nights, nature education days, and fitness events.

Future Development Plans

Lake Addition: Plans underway to add a fishing lake with ADA-accessible features.

Educational Trails: Development of trails with educational stations covering wildlife, plants, and environmental conservation.

Ice Rink (Proposed): A seasonal or permanent rink is being considered to expand winter recreation.

Open Play Fields: Large grass fields for sports leagues, events, and informal recreation.

Contact and Reservations

Managed by: Quincy Park District

Phone: (217) 223-7703

Shelter Rental: Can be reserved online or via phone; popular dates book early.

Bob Mays Park is one of Quincy’s premier public parks, offering a rich blend of nature, recreation, and community-oriented spaces suitable for all ages.