Green Hill Park | Worcester

Information

Landmark: Green Hill Park
City: Worcester
Country: USA Massachusetts
Continent: North America

Green Hill Park, Worcester, USA Massachusetts, North America

Crystal Lake Park is a public park located in Urbana, Illinois, within the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a central lake, approximately 15 acres in surface area, with a maximum depth of 12 feet. The lakebed is composed of clay and silt. Surrounding the lake are approximately 60 acres of mixed deciduous and coniferous trees, including oak, maple, and pine species. The terrain is generally flat with some gentle slopes towards the lake. A paved walking path, 1.5 miles in length, encircles the lake.

Location & Access Logistics

Crystal Lake Park is situated at 1501 N. Mattis Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802. It is approximately 3 miles north of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus. Access is via North Mattis Avenue, which connects to major thoroughfares like University Avenue and Interstate 74. A dedicated parking lot with approximately 50 spaces is available at the park's main entrance. Public transport is accessible via the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (CUMTD) bus line 5, with a stop located directly across from the park entrance on North Mattis Avenue.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The park was established in 1957 on land formerly owned by the Crystal Lake Country Club. The lake itself is a man-made reservoir, originally constructed to serve as a water source for the country club. The surrounding land was developed into a public park by the Urbana Park District. Ecologically, the area is part of the Grand Prairie region, with the park providing a localized wetland and woodland habitat.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include fishing (catch and release is encouraged), non-motorized boating (kayaks, canoes), picnicking at designated tables, and walking or jogging on the paved path. Birdwatching is a common activity due to the diverse avian population. The park also contains a playground area and a small amphitheater used for occasional community events.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available near the main parking lot and the playground. Several shaded picnic areas are present throughout the park. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally consistent within the park boundaries. No on-site food vendors operate within the park, but several commercial establishments are located within a 1-mile radius along North Mattis Avenue.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) and late afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM) offer optimal lighting conditions due to lower sun angles. The months of April through October provide the most favorable weather for outdoor activities. The lake is accessible year-round, with no specific tide requirements.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the lake's depth was intentionally designed to be inconsistent, creating "deep spots" that were rumored to be the resting place of discarded golf balls from the former country club. While unverified, this contributes to the lake's mystique among long-time residents.