As Year of the Park continues, we will be documenting every park in Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy, Champaign County Forest Preserves, along with other odds and ends between July 2020 and more like August or September 2021. You can see what has been covered thus far by clicking here. If you have suggestions or ideas or feedback, feel free to contact us at info@smilepolitely.com.
NAME
Mayfair Park
LOCATION
1507 Maywood Dr, Champaign
Photo by Maddie Rice.
HISTORY AND FEATURES
This little neighborhood pocket park became part of the Champaign Park District in 1964, and is one of those “you’d never know it was there if you didn’t know it was there” sort of places. For good reason: there’s no parking, and it’s a pipsqueak of a space at just over two acres. It’s really a spot for those in that area to meet up and get the kids outside on the playground, although there are some nice places to sit and a mini walking path to amble around if you are so inclined.
Photo by Maddie Rice.
ASSESSMENT
By and large, both Champaign and Urbana have done a pretty good job, historically, of putting green space into its neighborhoods as the city has grown. This park is a prime example of how important it is to tuck a couple acres of land to be used for just being together inside of a residential neighborhood.
You wish there were more of them, though, honestly. I look at the overhead map of C-U, and I see multiple spots where I am quite positive that a couple acres and some thoughtful folks sipping sativa would be able to come up with a sweet little concept for this hood or that.
If you take a moment, go check this spot out.