The Washington Park Botanical Garden in Springfield, Illinois contains 9,000 square feet of greenhouse area in addition to a conservatory which houses over 150 different species of tropical plants. Outside the conservatory, are a wide variety of gardens; including a 5,000 plant rose garden, a scent and texture garden for visually impaired guests, an iris garden, a perennial garden, the Betty Mood Smith Rockery and Roman cultural and cactus gardens. The grounds of the conservatory contain walking trails, a duck pond, carillon and carillon concerts. The park is listed as a National Register of Historic Places and is operated by the Springfield, Illinois Park District.
The Rees Memorial Carillon, is dedicated to the memory is Thomas Rees. Rees was the publisher of the State Journal Register from 1881, until his death in 1933. While visiting Belgium and Holland with his wife, Rees developed an interest in the carillon musical instrument and the art of bell playing. Upon his death, Rees left $200,000 to the Springfield Park District for the construction of a carillon and tower. The tower was completed and dedicated in 1962, within the tower hangs 67 bronze bells, the carillon was cast by the 300 year old bell foundry of Petit & Fritsen, LTD in the Netherlands. The bells are played by means of a keyboard and cover a range of 5.5 chromatic octaves. Beginning in the summer of 2004, the park has begun holding the International Carillon Bell Festival, which begins the first Sunday in June and continues for a period of one week. Activities of the festival include concerts held throughout the week by musicians from all over the world and the festival ends with a fireworks display. During the summer months there are bell and music concerts held every Sunday and Wednesday evenings. The display also features lighted displays during Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. There is a gift shop on the grounds, where guests can purchase CD's, books and other commemorative memorabilia.
The botanical park is an area of both interest and education. There are educational workshops offered to guests all throughout the year that teaches people about the value of protecting the delicacy of nature. The garden is open all year-round and is one of the largest horticultural attractions in Central Illinois.
The park offers several amenities which visitors will enjoy while being in the park. There tennis courts, hiking and biking trails, fishing, an open shelter, pavilions, picnic areas, a playground and pedestrian trail ways. The park is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. The park is closed Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and New Years Day as well. For guests in groups of 10 or more, contacting the park ahead of time will allow the group to be taken on a guided tour of the park. The park is located at 1400 Williams Boulevard and welcomes thousands of visitors yearly who come to view the beautiful gardens and enjoy a commune with nature.
