GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past 11 years, this idea has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.
This year, we hope you’ll consider making a donation in support of the Meadowbrook Park Giving Project and help build the most ambitious and inclusive playground in Urbana Park District history.
For over a quarter of a century, PrairiePlay playground at Meadowbrook Park has been an iconic piece of the Urbana landscape—the “castle park” known and loved by almost every kid in town. Built by an army of community volunteers and carefully maintained by the Urbana Park District so that it lasted longer than the average playground, PrairiePlay no longer meets the needs of today’s youth.
Trends in playground design have changed over the years, and a new space for Meadowbrook Park is needed to ensure that today’s children have access to an accessible, inclusive playground tailored to their developmental needs.
Following an intensive community input process, the UPD accepted a master plan that blends art, nature, and play—much like Meadowbrook Park itself.
Featuring a dual zipline, non-verbal communication board, vine tunnels at the entrances, and custom sculptural benches, the new playground design provides kids and their caregivers with an imaginative and inclusive place to play, grow, and socialize. It will build upon the tradition of iconic play that our community has come to expect at Meadowbrook Park and expand it into the next generation!
Want to leave your mark on the new playground? You can support the project by purchasing a personalized fence picket for the new playground. Pickets are $125 each, and proceeds support construction of the new PrairiePlay.