The City of Darlington maintains seven parks, the riverbanks, and the medians, which are approximately 75 acres of grass mowing and trimming. During the winter months, the Park Department also removes snow from the sidewalks.
Walking Trail
The paved, lighted walking trail follows the Pecatonica River from Black Bridge Park to Riverside Park. The path is lit for your evening walk. While on your walk, you may encounter ball games in action at Riverside Park, bluebirds nesting in their boxes, campers at Pecatonica River Trails Park, ATV riders on the Cheese Country ATV Trail, flag football, soccer, or volleyball games at the Black Bridge Park. You can enjoy the sounds of the Pecatonica River as it glides over the rapids, or enjoy the peace as you take a rest on one of the many benches along the trail. The beautiful flower gardens along the trail are enjoyed by many on their walk. We ask that you follow a few simple rules so everyone can enjoy the walking path: no motorized vehicles allowed on the walking path including mini bikes, ATV's or snowmobiles. Horses are also not allowed on the walking path.
Pool Park
Located at the Northern end of Darlington off of County Road F. Amenities: Outdoor Municipal Swimming Pool; lighted basketball/tennis court; two shelter pavilions equipped with picnic tables and grills; restroom; playground equipment and parking. A new restroom by the upper shelter. The sloping terrain provides sledding and cross-country skiing during the winter months.
Black Bridge Park
Located at the Northwest end of Darlington along State Hwy 23. Amenities: two lighted sand volleyball courts; open green space for seasonal field games of flag football and soccer; handicapped fishing pier; boat ramp; small shelter; bridge over dry creek bed; picnic tables, grills, parking, and portable pot restroom.
Pecatonica River Trails Park
Located on the West side of downtown Darlington along the Pecatonica River. Amenities: campgrounds; restroom/shower facility; RV dump station; day-use ATV Trail parking; open green space; canoe launch; handicapped fishing pier and playground equipment. For questions relating to camping, please call (608) 482-2511. Reservations need to be made online by visiting this link.
Festival Grounds Park
Located at the South end of Main Street adjacent to the Main Street Bridge. Amenities: octagon shelter; benches and open green space. This small park hosts many events as the weekly farmers market, annual Canoe Festival, Cinco de Mayo Festival, seasonal displays of Halloween, Fall and Christmas seasons. With the parks centrally location, it’s a great gathering area for the High School Homecoming parade and the annual Christmas parade and tree lighting.
Riverside Park
Located on the East side of downtown along the Pecatonica River behind the Piggly Wiggly Supermarket. Amenities: lighted softball/baseball diamond; lighted youth baseball/softball diamond "SIEG FIELD" batting cage; lighted basketball court; shelter pavilion; restrooms; playground equipment; canoe launch; picnic tables and grills.
Veteran's Memorial Park
Located at the upper end of Main Street next to the Johnson Public Library, Lafayette County Historical Society, Lafayette County Courthouse, and the Darlington Municipal Building. This park has lots of shaded area with benches along the sidewalks. Decorative lights have been added along the sidewalks in Veterans Memorial Park making it very inviting for an evening walk. A generous donor made these lights possible. The shade provides a great place to set up your lawn chair and enjoy the annual Canoe Festival Parade and Memorial Day Parade. The Canoe Festival Arts and Crafts sale, Library programs and Darlington Day Care enjoy the park for their activities.
Peterson Park
Located on the West side of downtown along West River Road. Amenities: Picnic tables and trash cans. This small park provides access to excellent fishing above the rapids or along the banks of the Pecatonica River.
Shelter House/Bridge Reservations
There are four shelter houses that can be reserved for your family picnic, company picnic, or reunion. Two shelters are located at the Swimming Pool Park, an upper shelter and lower shelter, one is located at Riverside Park and one is located at Black Bridge Park. The shelters are on a first-come-first-served unless they are reserved. Shelters are equipped with picnic tables, grills, restroom facilities, electrical outlets, and playground equipment.
Darlington has two Bridges that can be reserved. The Bridges were built by students in the Darlington High School Tech Ed Class. One Bridge is located in the Darlington Industrial Park across from the Darlington Inn. This Bridge has no electricity. The other Bridge is located in Black Bridge Park. This Bridge has electricity. The Bridge provides a wonderful setting to capture your wedding pictures or even your wedding.
A fee of $50.00 is charged to reserve the Bridge. A fee of $75.00 plus a refundable $50.00 deposit to reserve a shelter or bridge. For available dates and/or reservations, contact the Darlington City Office at 776-4970 or make your reservation online by selecting the photo below.
