You’ve probably seen the headlines. If you live anywhere near Alton, Illinois—or if you’re a soccer parent who spent half of 2024 and 2025 wondering where the heck your weekend games went—you definitely know about the sinkhole. It was massive. Terrifying, honestly. A 100-foot-wide crater just swallowed the center of a turf field like something out of a low-budget disaster movie.
But here’s the thing: Gordon F. Moore Community Park is more than a giant hole in the ground.
Actually, it’s 704 acres of some of the weirdest, most beautiful, and most functional parkland in the Midwest. It’s a place where you can find a world-class rose garden, an Arnold Palmer-designed golf course, and a 13-acre fishing lake all within walking distance of each other.
The Elephant in the Room (Or the Hole in the Field)
Let’s address the sinkhole first because it’s what everyone asks about. Back in June 2024, a mine subsidence occurred. Basically, the limestone mine operating deep beneath the park had a ceiling collapse. Thankfully, nobody was on the field when it happened.
For a long time, the park was totally shut down. It reopened in stages, but the soccer fields stayed closed. Even now, in early 2026, crews are still out there de-watering the site. SCI Engineering has been drilling test points to check soil pressure and ground strength. It's a slow process. If you go there today, you'll still see the fencing and the ongoing work near the north side.
Is it safe? The city says yes, at least for the areas that are open. They wouldn't have reopened the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course or the inclusive playground if they weren't sure. But it’s a weird vibe, seeing heavy machinery and "Closed" signs next to kids playing on swings.
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Why This Park is Different
Most city parks are just a patch of grass and a rusty slide. Gordon Moore is... different. It was named after Dr. Gordon Fairle Moore, a local surgeon who basically willed this place into existence. He wasn't just a donor; he was a guy who cared about the community's health long before "wellness" was a buzzword.
What's wild is how the park is divided. You’ve got the sports-heavy side and the "I just want to hide from my kids" side.
The Gardens You Shouldn't Skip
The Nan Elliott Memorial Rose Garden is the crown jewel. Honestly, if you aren't a "flower person," this place might change your mind. There are over 1,600 rose bushes. In June, the smell is almost overwhelming in a good way.
Then there’s the carillon. It’s this massive bell tower that plays concerts on Sunday evenings during the summer. You’ll see people bringing lawn chairs, sitting near the roses, and just listening. It feels very old-school, almost like a scene from a century ago.
If the roses are too "formal" for you, walk over to the Oriental Garden. It’s got:
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- A koi pond (the fish are huge).
- Small waterfalls that actually drown out the sound of traffic from Highway 140.
- A pagoda and bridges that are basically a magnet for prom and wedding photos.
The Sports Side (The Chaos)
Before the sinkhole, this was the soccer capital of the region. We’re talking 19 soccer and football fields. When there’s a tournament, the traffic on College Avenue is a nightmare.
The park also houses the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course. This isn't some muni-link where you play in jeans (well, you can, but it’s nicer than that). It’s an 18-hole, par 72 championship course. Arnold Palmer designed it, and it usually carries a 4.5-star rating from Golf Digest. If you’re just learning, they have a 9-hole Learning Center too.
And then there's pickleball. Because of course there is. It’s the fastest-growing sport in the country, and the courts at Gordon Moore are usually packed. You'll see retirees playing next to teenagers. It's one of the few places in the park where the generations actually mix.
Real Talk: The "Rickety" Parts
I’m not going to lie to you and say everything is perfect. Some of the older playgrounds have seen better days. One reviewer on Wanderlog famously called parts of the park "run down," and they aren't entirely wrong. Some of the bridges near the lake feel a bit... adventurous.
But the city has been putting money back into it. The new inclusive playground is fantastic. It’s built so kids with all kinds of physical abilities can actually play together, which is something a lot of parks talk about but few actually do well.
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Dealing with the Logistics
If you’re planning to visit, here is the stuff nobody tells you:
- The Mulch is Free: Seriously. The Park and Forestry Departments grind up branches and leave the mulch near the Learning Center. If you have a truck, you can just go get it.
- The Nature Trail is Short: It’s a quarter-mile loop. Don’t show up in heavy hiking boots expecting a trek. It’s a nice walk, especially for identifying native trees, but it’s a stroll, not a hike.
- The Lake is Stocked: The Illinois DNR stocks the 13-acre lake. You’ll find bluegill, catfish, and sometimes trout. It’s a great spot for kids to catch their first fish because, honestly, the fish aren't that smart.
- The "Freedom Shrine": Near the memorial areas, there’s a Freedom Shrine and a Veteran’s fountain. It’s a quiet spot for reflection that often gets overlooked by people rushing to a ball game.
What Most People Miss
People come for the sports, but they stay for the Heartland Prairie Restoration. It’s on the north side of the highway. It’s 25 acres of what Illinois used to look like before we paved everything. If you go in the late summer, the native grasses and wildflowers are taller than most people. It’s a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're heading out to Gordon F. Moore Community Park this weekend, do these three things to actually enjoy it:
- Check the Sinkhole Status: Before you pack the soccer cleats, check the City of Alton’s official site. As of January 2026, remediation is ongoing. Don't assume all fields are open.
- Time the Rose Garden: If you want the "influencer" photos without the crowds, go on a Tuesday morning. If you want the vibe, go Sunday at 5:00 PM for the carillon bells.
- Bring Your Own Shade: While the gardens have gazebos, the vast sports fields are basically a sunbaked desert in July. If you’re watching a game, bring a canopy.
The park is a work in progress. It’s a 700-acre project that’s currently healing from a literal underground collapse, but it remains the heart of Alton for a reason. Go for the roses, stay for the koi, and maybe keep a respectful distance from the construction fences.