After community outcry over the potential loss of natural prairie, the Urbana Park District finalized updates to the master plans that reduced the loss of prairie land for Weaver and Prairie Parks this fall.

The plans, approved by the district’s Board of Commissioners, enhance green spaces by connecting the roughly 20-acre Prairie Park with the 60-acre Weaver Park, creating over 80 acres of accessible space designed to balance athletic and natural areas.

Key to the final plan is that it does not not involve removing a significant portion of the Prairie, as illustrated in previous plans. Members of the Urbana community expressed their concerns over the potential loss of part of the prairie and worked with the park district to reach a solution. 

New soccer fields will be created in locations that do not impose on natural areas. A health and wellness center will be at the center of the renovation, connecting both parks together. 

Tim Bartlett, executive director of the Urbana Park District, described the project as an opportunity to create a park that reflects the diverse needs of the Urbana community. 

“We want to create a space where everyone in the area has access to both recreation and nature,” Bartlett said in an interview. 

At the heart of the project is the development of the Health and Wellness Center. This facility will serve as a central hub for community health, fitness and education programs. The center’s grand opening is Saturday, Jan. 4 and will officially open two days later, according to the website. 

The updated plans also include the addition of athletic fields and courts designed to meet the demand for youth and adult sports programs. These facilities will accommodate soccer, basketball and other sports and activities. 

“One of our priorities was to provide updated spaces that meet the needs of Urbana’s thriving sports community,” Bartlett said.

He said the district wanted to create a park that is as dynamic as the people who use it.      

According to the master plan, while the project includes significant development, natural preservation remains a key focus. The new design incorporates wetland conservation areas and native landscaping to maintain ecological balance. 

“Preserving the character of these parks was essential,” Bartlett said. “Our team has worked hard to ensure that natural areas are not only protected but enhanced.”

The connection between Prairie and Weaver Parks will also feature trails and greenways to support sustainable transportation and outdoor recreation. The park district describes this aspect as a “win-win” for the community and the environment. 

Bartlett emphasized that the master plan updates are the result of extensive community input. Over two years, the Urbana Park District engaged residents through surveys, focus groups, and public meetings. 

Weaver Watchdogs, a Facebook group committed to preserving the natural areas of the park, last posted about the community’s efforts in early October. The post thanked everyone involved and acknowledged change would not have been possible without them.

“This project is as much about listening as it is about building, our residents played a part in every aspect of the plan.” Bartlett said.

Key feedback led to more inclusive features, such as accessible trails, play areas and seating.

The Urbana Park District is now entering the design and implementation phases of the project. There is currently no official timeline for when the project is expected to be complete. Bartlett could not give an exact amount of how much this project will cost.

“These parks represent the best of Urbana—our dedication to nature, recreation, and community. They are a reflection of who we are and where we are going as a city,” Bartlett said.