Meadowbrook Park | Champaign Urbana

Meadowbrook Park is a large, 130-acre urban park located in Urbana, Illinois, known for its rich blend of natural restoration, recreational facilities, and public art. Established in 1967, it has become a key destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and community members who appreciate nature, exercise, and cultural experiences.

Natural Features and Restoration

A major highlight of Meadowbrook Park is its extensive ecological restoration, particularly the tallgrass prairie. Since 1977, about 80 acres of the park have been restored to native prairie habitat through the efforts of the Urbana Park District in partnership with groups like the Champaign County Audubon Society. This restoration features native Illinois prairie plants such as wild hyacinths, spiderworts, gentians, milkweeds, and purple coneflowers. In addition to prairie, the park includes other natural habitats like:

Spomer Prairie: A dedicated prairie restoration site within the park.

Walker Grove Savanna: A savanna habitat planted with native trees and shrubs.

McCullough and Douglas Creek Corridors: Natural stream corridors supporting wildlife and biodiversity.

Freyfogle Overlook: An accessible viewing area that offers panoramic vistas of the prairie, complete with seating and educational signage.

These features provide visitors a unique opportunity to experience and learn about native ecosystems in an urban setting.

Trails and Outdoor Recreation

Meadowbrook Park offers over 5 miles of walking, running, and biking trails that weave through its diverse landscapes:

Approximately 3 miles of paved multi-use paths (10 feet wide) support activities such as walking, jogging, inline skating, and cycling.

Around 2 miles of unpaved nature trails allow visitors to explore the prairie, creeks, and wooded areas more intimately.

The varied trail system accommodates a range of fitness levels and interests, encouraging visitors to connect with nature.

Wandell Sculpture Garden

The Wandell Sculpture Garden, established in 1998, integrates large-scale outdoor sculptures into 60 acres of restored prairie within the park. Featuring ten notable sculptures, the garden combines art and nature, enhancing the visitor experience through visual and cultural enrichment.

PrairiePlay Playground

Meadowbrook Park is home to PrairiePlay, the largest playground in the Urbana Park District. Originally built in 1995 and rebuilt in 2024, PrairiePlay is a 13,000-square-foot playground designed to be inclusive and accessible to children of all abilities. Its features include climbing structures, zip lines, swings, and a music station, offering a fun and stimulating environment for kids and families.

Gardens and Community Spaces

The park also includes several special garden areas and community-focused spaces:

Herb Garden: A cultivated area with a variety of herbs.

Sensory Garden: Designed to engage visitors’ senses through plants and features.

Organic Community Gardens: Plots available for rent by local residents interested in gardening.

Timpone Family Tree Grove: A grove planted to honor the Timpone family.

These spaces support education, leisure, and community involvement.

Amenities and Visitor Facilities

Meadowbrook Park is equipped with facilities to ensure comfort and convenience for visitors:

Seasonal restrooms and drinking fountains (open mid-April to mid-October).

Grills and picnic tables distributed across the park for casual outdoor meals.

Pavilions available for rent for private or community events.

Accessible parking located off Windsor Avenue near the playground and off Race Street near the community gardens.

The park is designed with accessibility in mind, featuring paved paths and amenities suitable for visitors with disabilities.

Hours and Location

Address: 2808 S Race St., Urbana, IL 61801

Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk

Parking: Available at multiple locations within the park

Summary

Meadowbrook Park is a vibrant community asset that beautifully combines environmental restoration, recreational opportunities, and cultural experiences. It offers a peaceful natural refuge with its prairie restoration and creek corridors, alongside active recreation on its trails and playgrounds. The integration of public art through the Wandell Sculpture Garden and the availability of community gardens further enrich the visitor experience. It serves as a model of urban green space that promotes health, education, and community connection.