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| - Meadowbrook Park + Sculpture Park next door are my favorite parks in the CU area. This includes Hessel Park, Crystal Lake, and a few of the smaller parks in the area. Good for walking, running, bike riding, skating, bird-watching, photography, picnicking, and THINKING. The only thing missing is a nice recreational water area.
Features a large playground area for kids, an open area behind it for picnics and general merriment, sculptures, gardens (vegetable and herb), and bird shelters. Oh, and a few miles of paved paths for running (2+ miles around), with a few more unpaved ones for quiet walks.
The prairie and unpaved paths are the highlight. The prairie is composed of native Illinois prairie plants, thanks to the efforts of many volunteers. The prairie area is allowed to grow mostly untended, allowing the deeper parts of the park to develop a different feel throughout the year. Walking through the prairie is limited to designated paths. I've seen deer several times while walking through the prairie.
Urbana Parks Service holds several events here, like the annual Strawberry Jam, with music and treats.
Tips: Watch your step when walking near the edge of the paved path, or you might find an unwelcome deposit on your shoe. And some of the unpaved paths can get muddy. Also, keep in mind that the unpaved paths can be noticeably cooler (and sometimes buggier) than the sunnier concrete path.
Would be nice for convenient, not-so-serious stargazing, but alas the parking lots close at sunset. I've never been there much longer than that.
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