Dodds Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dodds Park |
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Dodds Park Softball Complex
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| Location | Champaign, Illinois |
| Area | 110 acres (45 ha) |
| Elevation | 748 feet (228 m) |
| Created | 1969 |
| Operated by | Champaign Park District |
| Status | Open all year |
Dodds Park is a large park located in Champaign, Illinois. It's close to Parkland College. This park is about 110 acres, which is a lot of space for outdoor fun! Dodds Park is well-known for its special monument that celebrates Olympic athletes. The park was first opened in 1969.
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Fun Things to Do at Dodds Park
Dodds Park has lots of space for sports and play. You'll find 7 baseball fields with lights, perfect for evening games. There are also 12 soccer fields for all kinds of matches. If you're looking for a place to relax, the park has a small playground and picnic tables. It's a great spot for families and friends to gather.
Remembering Workers at Dodds Park
The Champaign County Workers' Memorial
There is a special memorial at Dodds Park called the Champaign County Workers' Memorial. It was dedicated on Labor Day, September 2, 2002. This memorial honors people who died while working in Champaign County. It helps us remember their hard work and sacrifices. The memorial has two stone tablets with the names of these workers carved on them.
Honoring Olympic Athletes
The Tribute to Olympic Athletes Monument
Dodds Park is home to a unique monument called the "Tribute to Olympic Athletes." This monument was built to celebrate people from Champaign County who have competed in the Olympic Games. It was first dedicated on July 4, 1991. So far, 41 athletes are honored on this monument.
The monument has several raised areas that form a pathway. This path leads to a large granite gateway. Beyond the gateway, there is a special stone pedestal. This pedestal overlooks the playing fields in Dodds Park. It has the names of all the athletes from Champaign County who have represented their community in the Olympics.
Famous Olympic Athletes Honored Here
Many amazing athletes are honored at the monument. Here are a few of them:
- Jean Driscoll (Wheelchair racing): She won 5
, 3 
, and 4 
medals in the Paralympics. She competed in 1988, 1992, 1996, and 2000. - Bonnie Blair (Speedskating): A super fast skater, she won 5 medals and 1 medal. She competed in the Winter Olympics in 1984, 1988, 1992, and 1994.
- Bob Richards (Pole Vault): He won 2 medals and 1 medal in pole vaulting. He competed in 1948, 1952, and 1956.
- Nichole Millage (Paralympic volleyball): She won 2 medals in Paralympic volleyball. She competed in 2008 and 2012.
- Tyler McGill (Swimming): He won 1 medal in the 4 × 100 m medley relay at the 2012 London Olympics.
- Robert Espeseth (Rowing): He won 1 medal in rowing. He competed in 1976, 1980, 1984, and 1988.
- Gia Lewis-Smallwood (Discus): She competed in discus throwing at the 2012 London Olympics.
- Karen Brems-Kurreck (Cycling): She competed in cycling at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.
- Dwight "Dike" Eddleman (High Jump): He competed in high jump at the 1948 London Olympics.
