URBANA, Ill. (WAND) — Master plans approved by the Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners will update Weaver and Prairie Parks and connect green space in the city.
“We will connect 22 acres of Prairie Park with 60 acres of Weaver Park to create over 80 acres of green space in east Urbana," said Tim Bartlett, Executive Director of Urbana Park District. He added, "The new Health and Wellness Center will serve as a focal point for the plans.”
One of the proposed options to connect Weaver and Prairie Parks in Urbana. View other options here.
The entire process took around two years and featured input from community members in Urbana.
“We wanted to provide shared activities at both park sites to benefit all of Urbana,” said Corky Emberson, Superintendent of Recreation. Emberson continued, “This plan will increase a sense of belonging in east Urbana, attract new development, provide athletic fields with long term sustainability in mind and provide new athletic and recreation programs for the community.”
Private donations, city and county ARPA grants, and Urbana Parks Foundation provided the funds to build the Health and Wellness Center and spurred this master plan forward.
“This innovative plan could only exist because of the many Urbana residents and others who worked diligently with us to create it, and we thank them.” said Michael Walker, President of the Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners. He added, “Having this plan is essential for securing the funding to implement it. We are excited about how it will support a wide range of active recreational needs for Urbana while protecting the valuable natural features of both these parks.”
Bartlett concluded, “These plans will create a first-ever focal point in east Urbana that gives residents a great place to gather, exercise, play games, enjoy nature and create and enhance community.”
Click here to view the entire master plan.
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