My name is Ellen Kirsanoff, and I am a new Trustee with the Urbana Parks Foundation. After serving as the Urbana Park District’s Development Manager for 25+ years, I retired in January of 2021, and joined the Foundation board in June.
The time I spent with the Park District was a real joy, I truly love the organization, my coworkers, and the community of Urbana. So when I was approached to join the Foundation Board as a Trustee, I did not hesitate to say yes. Public parks and recreation programs are a community asset that makes a difference to everyone. I saw it first hand in my daily work, and I know how important it is. I also know that by supporting the Park District and all it does makes a real difference for so many. Even though I do not still work for the Urbana Park District, I passionately believe that the work they do needs support and want to continue to help support it through the Parks Foundation.
I have participated in many park district fitness classes over the years. They are an excellent way to keep active and fit. Through these classes I have made lifelong friends, all the while making my life richer and more enjoyable. This is just one reason why I am so excited about the new Health and Wellness Facility coming to the Urbana Park District. This is an amazing opportunity to expand what we can offer to our community, and to reach so many more of our residents. I am supporting this project, and I hope you will too!
And it’s not just fitness programs that I enjoy. Urbana’s parks are second to none! Just taking a walk in Meadowbrook or Crystal Lake Park is so wonderful. And our special events, such as Jazz Walk, are something everyone can enjoy. Plus all the other parks; Blair Park for Tennis; Lohmann Park for Disc Golf; Carle Park for the beautiful trees; Busey Woods for nature walks, the list goes on. Urbana’s parks, facilities, and programs are here for all to enjoy. Help us to keep them the high quality they are for today and for the future.