Phillips Park | Aurora

Phillips Park is a major and historic public park located in Aurora, Illinois, spanning approximately 325 acres. It is a versatile recreational and cultural destination offering a wide variety of attractions, natural beauty, and facilities for visitors of all ages and interests.

History and Overview

Established in 1899 and officially named Phillips Park in 1902 in honor of former Aurora mayor Travis Phillips, the park has grown into one of the city's premier green spaces. It combines recreational amenities, wildlife conservation, and community engagement in a spacious, scenic environment.

Main Attractions and Facilities

Phillips Park Zoo

Founded in 1915, the zoo is one of the park’s flagship features. It is a free-admission facility dedicated to educating the public and showcasing approximately 100 animals representing around 40 species.

The animal collection includes native and exotic species such as bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, gray wolves, cougars, and various reptiles and small mammals.

The zoo offers educational programs, guided tours, and seasonal events, making it a family-friendly highlight.

Phillips Park Golf Course

An 18-hole championship-caliber course, it caters to golfers of all skill levels with three sets of tees that range the course length between 4,760 and 6,200 yards.

The course features USGA greens, modern irrigation systems, and a driving range with an all-weather teeing surface.

Amenities include a pro shop offering equipment, apparel, and lessons. Tee times are available for reservation online or by phone.

Phillips Park Family Aquatic Center

This aquatic facility is a collaboration between the City of Aurora and the Fox Valley Park District.

It features a zero-depth entry leisure pool ideal for younger children and non-swimmers, multiple water slides, spray features such as water guns and a dumping bucket shaped like a coconut tree, and lap swimming lanes.

The center includes sand volleyball courts and a designated sand play area for kids. It allows outside food and beverages following specific guidelines.

It is open seasonally during warmer months.

Dog Park

A nearly 3-acre off-leash dog park where dogs can run freely and socialize in a secure, enclosed environment.

The park is accessible via the Mastodon Trail, a walking path that connects various areas of Phillips Park.

Mastodon Trail and Mastodon Lake

A 1-mile multi-use trail loops around Mastodon Lake, a 28-acre fishing and boating lake.

The trail is popular for walking, running, biking, and includes five fitness stations for outdoor exercise.

The lake supports fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and small boat launches via floating docks.

Efforts have been made to restore the shoreline with native plants, supporting local ecology.

Sunken Garden

Originally built in the 1930s and renovated in 2002, this formal garden area features colorful annual flowers, ornamental grasses, shrubs, and carefully sculpted topiaries.

It includes a three-tiered illuminated fountain and multi-level walkways, creating a picturesque and serene environment.

The garden sits adjacent to the David and Karen Stover Visitor Center, which houses fossils and mastodon bones discovered on site during a 1934 excavation.

BMX and Skate Park

A premier 8,000-square-foot facility designed for BMX riders and skateboarders.

It features a variety of ramps, rails, and obstacles suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.

The park is well-maintained and regularly updated, making it one of the top skate/BMX parks in the Chicago area.

Additional Amenities

Tennis courts for public use.

Multiple playgrounds designed for children of different ages.

Picnic pavilions available for rent or first-come, first-served family gatherings.

Sand volleyball courts for casual and organized play.

Softball fields equipped with enhanced lighting and scoreboards for league and recreational play.

A winter sledding hill provides seasonal outdoor fun during snowy months.

Visitor Information

Address: 1000 Ray Moses Drive, Aurora, IL 60505

Phone: (630) 256-3860

Accessibility: The park is designed with accessible pathways, restrooms, and facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

Parking: Multiple parking lots are available throughout the park with convenient access to key attractions.

Hours: Hours vary by facility, with the zoo and golf course operating seasonally and the park itself open year-round.

Summary

Phillips Park is a cornerstone of outdoor recreation and nature appreciation in Aurora. Its combination of the historic zoo, championship golf course, aquatic center, natural trails, and specialized facilities like the BMX park make it a diverse destination appealing to families, sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, and casual visitors. The park’s blend of natural landscapes and well-developed amenities, alongside its historical significance, ensures it remains a vital community resource and favorite gathering spot throughout the year.