Year of the Park

As we begin to unpack the parks that really have some value, we can be reminded that we are blessed with all that we have, and forget about all that we don't. At least for the moment. 

There are 82 publicly funded parks in Champaign, Urbana, and Savoy. Some of them are magnificent, and some of them are hey, pretty good! But there are others are sort of really bad. Counting down from 82, here's bottom 31 parks in our fair city. 

Here is the final installment of Year to the Park A to Z! Next week, we'll run down Worst to First to give it a nice shiny bow, but for now, these are “parks” that are not run by the park districts, but rather, our municipalities. Yes, it is confusing! 

Tucked into the north part of central Urbana, Crystal Lake Park's majesty is far too overlooked, and it's time we collectively change that. Build a bridge. It's time. 

This park located near Windsor Road in Champaign is a decent one.

Mullikan Park is a park. You wish there was more information about this Mullikan character, because otherwise, there's nothing to really unpack. 

For now, Human Kinetics Park is closed down for construction. The future, which will be the Martens Center, is very very bright, and will be a much needed boost to the north side of Champaign. Generosity and planning together knows no bounds! 

Middlefork Forest Preserve is host to Illinois' only Dark Sky Park, which makes this particular spot in Champaign County unique. But that is hardly the only amenity that this beautiful preserve has to offer. 

Aptly named, Sunset Ridge Park is truly a wonderful place to watch the end of the day, and maybe rip out a few ollies or a laser flip if you are feeling gnarly.