Crystal Lake Park

I love this park for its location is close to the hospital, and it's a nice place to fish. Caught several decent sized bass and there is an older, but not in disrepair, dock that can be fished for individuals with disabilities. Be warned though, there is no guard rail so if you catch that monster fish and find him pulling you and not you pulling him(or her) there's a chance you just might roll right into the drink. That is if you are on wheels like I am anymore and not your own legs. Be safe and as always best of luck to you all....

Crystal Lake Park has it all. There is a great nature center with an accessible boardwalk hiking trail through the woods, playground, paddle boat and canoe rentals, plenty of walking paths all over the expansive park grounds, as well as a nice aquatic center with 2 body slides, tube slide, splash rock wall, and kiddie area. There is more than enough fun to keep a family busy for a whole day if not an entire weekend. The grounds are well kept, walking trails are nicely maintained, and plentiful nature to be found everywhere.

Unbelievable, but I have now enjoyed this park for three-quarters of a century. From playing after childhood pediatrician visits at the old Carle Hospital to family and church picnics, riding my bike with friends to the swimming pool, going to County Fairs, stock car races, and even meeting for the final session of one of my University speech classes, this park has been a marvelous green oasis, a respite from the hubbub of campus and city life. Long may it prosper.

I almost go to this place everyday or at least every week as always because I live near by. It is a great place to killing time or just break from my busy time of remote work, to get a fresh air. Walking around this place is my favorite. Also love the Busey Wood trail. Such a blessing for me to live near this place. The playground also clean and our son loves play around there.

Usually quiet and peaceful. Never over crowded. You can rent paddle boats. There's plenty of open space for picnics. Shaded areas with trees. Gease roam around, they stick to the water for the most part. It's near public roads, so you will hear city transitate sounds and because it's so close to the hospital, you will see and hear helicopters and other military aircrafts.