7 Neighborhood Parks in Marion, Illinois

Ashley Park

Ashley Park Parish Ave is located near the South side of Marion, Illinois. This neighborhood park offers two lighted basketball courts, picnic shelters and outdoor grills for residents to enjoy.

Ashley Park is home to many features and amenities that are designed to improve your lifestyle, such as a Little Free Library and 24/7 security. You’ll also find a variety of shopping and dining options nearby, including the vibrant South Park Mall, Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., Coach, Rusty Bucket and more.

The Marion Park District has seven parks that serve the local community. They offer a variety of recreational activities for the whole family, including a swimming pool, an outdoor pickleball complex, a soccer complex and a dog park.

Ray Fosse Park offers an eight-field baseball/softball complex, five picnic pavilions and batting cages, Goofy Golf (summer season only), an aquatic center, three playground areas and restrooms. Discover More about Marion here!

Ray Fosse Park

Ray Fosse Park is the home of a wide array of recreational activities. The playground, batting cages, aquatic center, Goofy Golf and other amenities make it a family-friendly destination.

The Heartland Regional Medical Center Inclusive Playground is a new edition to the park that was built in 2018. It’s a large play space universally designed so all children and families can play together without physical or social barriers.

In addition to the playground, Ray Fosse Park features an 8-field baseball/softball complex, 5 picnic pavilions, a Goofy Golf course and a concession area. It’s also home to the Marion Marlins Swim Team.

John W. Jones Park

Located on Gent Street in the Boynton Street Community Center south of Marion, this park has two lighted basketball courts, picnic shelter, outdoor grills and restrooms. It also has a playground for the kids to play.

Jones was also a renowned Underground Railroad conductor who sheltered fugitives in his home and helped over 800 freedom seekers escape to freedom. He was a sexton for Elmira’s First Baptist Church and caretaker of both the Second Street Cemetery and Woodlawn Cemetery.

His house, located across from the cemetery on Davis Street, is now the John W. Jones Museum, which chronicles his life and teaches about the work of abolitionists in Elmira. The building is a testament to the perseverance of a Black man who worked tirelessly for the betterment of his community. Learn more.

Ferne Clyffe Park

A natural wonder for a century, Ferne Clyffe Park is a scenic spot that offers hiking, camping, picnicking and hunting. This Illinois state park features impressive rock formations, unique plant communities and a serene atmosphere that will make you feel at home.

This beautiful park has several waterfalls, scenic overlooks, nature preserves, equestrian trails, camping and picnic areas. It is the perfect place for a day out with the family or an extended stay when you’re visiting southern Illinois!

Ferne Clyffe Park is a popular destination for many people and it is well worth the visit. It is known for its numerous ferns, uncommon plant communities and distinctive geological features that add to the natural charm of the area.

Pamela Park

Pamela Park is a 64-acre neighborhood park offering plenty of space for families and sports enthusiasts. It features soccer fields, a batting cage, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and an ice rink in the winter.

Residents can also enjoy the many features at this Edina neighborhood park, including a playground for children, a wooded area and wetlands that are part of a water quality improvement project. The park is located off East DeYoung Street, across from Huck’s Convenience Store and serves as the maintenance office for the Marion Park District.

With so much to do, it is no wonder that the area has seen a significant surge in growth and new-build activity over the last decade. One of the biggest builders in the area, REFINED Custom Homes, has built more than 60 large new family homes in Pamela Park in the past decade, adding to its already-vibrant neighborhood. Next blog post!

Driving Direction from Judge Services to Ashley Park

Driving Direction from Ashley Park to Ray Fosse Park