Fairview Park
One of Centralia’s largest and most popular parks, Fairview Park is a favorite destination for outdoor recreation, family gatherings, and community events. The park features baseball and softball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, a skate park, playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and numerous picnic shelters, making it a great place to spend the day with family and friends.
Beyond its recreational offerings, Fairview Park is also home to several unique historical attractions. Railroad Village showcases the historic Illinois Central 2500 Engine and 9415 Caboose, offering visitors a glimpse into Centralia’s rich railroad heritage. Tours of these authentic rail cars can be arranged upon request.
History enthusiasts will also enjoy the park’s military aircraft display, which includes a Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star and a Republic F-105 Thunderchief. The F-105 on display holds special significance as the exact aircraft flown by decorated Air Force veteran Lt. Col. William “Bill” Pachura during his service in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. The park is also home to an Air Age Memorial honoring the men and women who have served in America’s armed forces.
Whether you're enjoying a game, gathering with family, exploring local history, or simply spending time outdoors, Fairview Park offers something for visitors of all ages.
Location:
1035 W. McCord Street
Centralia, Illinois
The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was flown by Vietnam Veteran Lt. Col. William “Bill” Pachura. Pachura flew many different planes in his 26 year career in the Air Force, from 1953 to 1979. He clocked over 1000 hours in the F-105, with over 100 missions in Southeast Asia as a member of the 355th TFW (357 TFS) based at Takhli Royal Thai Air Base. During his career he earned 15 Air Medals, 1 Commendation Medal, and 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses. The specific plane at Fairview Park is the exact plane Pachura was assigned to at Takhli.
The 2500 Steam Engine’s final resting place is located at Fairview Park in Centralia, Illinois. This locomotive represents the rich train history in our area, as well as the honest labor and community effort required to build our great town.
Jim Adams was instrumental in saving the 2500 engine. Typically, these steam engines were scrapped after they retired due to the rise of diesel engines. With Jim’s efforts, and many of donations from local businesses and organizations, Centralia secured the engine from Illinois Railroad under two conditions:
1. The group formed to preserve the engine would pay all of the costs to move it
2. A trust fund would be established for the perpetual care of the locomotive
The train was placed in the park on September 8, 1962.
The Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star is an Air Age Memorial dedicated to the fighting men and women of all wars. It was placed on April 30, 1967 as a project of Centralia Post 2055 Veterans of Foreign Wars.