Construction continues at Urbana’s Meadowbrook Park

URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Urbana Park District is getting closer to the expected completion of a major overhaul project at Meadowbrook Park.

Andy Rosseau, the Park District’s Project Manager, said the district doesn’t have an exact date for when the project will be finished, but they expect it to be complete by late summer or early fall.

The project’s most visible feature is the replacement of the PrairiePlay playground. The 30-year-old structure had become outdated and replacement parts were either no longer available or not up to modern standards.

Back in February, the Park District hosted one final playdate for the community before they tore the structure down .

The new playground will include a play tower, musical play equipment, climbing surfaces, swings, spinners and even a double zipline. While people expressed in February their sadness to see the old structure go, Rosseau said he’s seen the excitement for the new one.

“The planning process generated a lot of excitement,” he said. “When I’m there, I inevitably see people taking pictures. What people are really excited for is the double zipline and the 5-12 playground.”

He’s referring to the main play structure that is designed for kinds between the ages of 5 and 12. There will also be a play structure for kids younger than 5.

In addition to the playground, other park features are either getting a facelift or will be brand new. The existing pavilion is getting upgraded, with new flooring and paint in the restrooms. There will also be a new walking path system, new landscaping, benches and bike racks.

The parking lot is also going to get some work with milling and resurfacing. Dates for that part of the project aren’t planned yet, but Rosseau said the Park District will give notice for when it starts.

Rosseau added that once the new PrairiePlay playground is ready, the Park District will host an event similar to the old playground’s last hurrah.

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