I’ve always felt like Blair Park lacks a bit of an identity. It’s pretty big, and I’ve spent a lot of time there watching T-ball and tennis lessons, but beyond those things it’s not much of a destination when compared to other area parks.
Now, with a $400,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant from the state, it’s going to get a little love and a lot of cool additions. From the Urbana Park District website:
Some highlights of the Blair Park plan include:
- 8’ wide multi-use path on north and west sides to create perimeter loop trail—the highest need based on the community’s input
- New playground with separate 2-5 and 5-12 age appropriate equipment
- Half-court basketball
- Electronic Sutu wall can be used by all ages and athletic abilities, as well as by a single person or larger group to play interactive games with soccer, tennis, and volleyballs—even snowballs allow you to interact with the impact-sensitive panels!
- Challenge course for teens and adults to exercise and engage in friendly competition
- Accessibility upgrades to horseshoes and t-ball
- 6’ wide connector paths between park amenities
The projects will take two to three years to complete.
Top image: A park pavillion with round wooden posts and a brown roof. There are several picnic tables inside the pavillion. It is surrounded by green grass and there are leafy trees next to it. Photo from Urbana Park District website.