Donate

The Urbana Park District relies on donations to help support some of the most used and well-loved programs.

Some donations are best suited for the Urbana Parks Foundation, as they can hold donations for longer periods of time to help with long-range projects the park district undertakes.

Many donations can be accepted by the Urbana Park District and help with immediate needs. We encourage you to contact Planning and Operations Office Manager, Kayla Boparai at 217-344-9583 or kkboparai@UrbanaParks.Org to discuss and make arrangements for your donation.

Here are a few examples of ways to donate directly to the Urbana Park District:

Youth Scholarship Fund

Your donation can help families with financial need to take advantage of park district programs. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, the park district received requests for just over $66,000 in scholarships. We can provide assistance to many more families with your help. You can write a check and send it to Youth Scholarship Fund | Urbana Park District | 303 W. University Avenue | Urbana, IL 61801.

You can also donate online when registering for a program or event. Just click the donate box before you check out.

Tributes and Memorials

Consider the donation of a growing gift of nature as a way to honor a loved one, friend or special occasion. The Urbana Park District works hard to maintain its urban forest within its parks. Your donation can purchase a tree that will benefit so many who visit our parks. It can be a lasting tribute and beautiful reminder for years to come.

Memorials can also be park bench, or other more significant park amenity. Memorial and tribute trees located in Crystal Lake Park will help us with our reforestation program. Download information here or find out more about this program by contacting Planning and Operations Office Manager, Kayla Boparai at 217-344-9583 or kkboparai@UrbanaParks.Org.

Sponsor an Education Animal

The Urbana Park District houses a number of native animals at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Most have injuries that would compromise their survival in the wild, or were captive bred. All the animals are on exhibit and used for educational programs with schools, scouts and the general public.

Sponsorship is a great way to support environmental education in Champaign County. This program generates funds for the care, housing and feeding of the center’s education animals. By sponsoring an education animal at Anita Purves Nature Center, you help to provide for the care of that animal. Sponsorships are available for families/individuals, classrooms, birthdays, or other gift occasions.

For more information call 217-384-4062.

Connecting Classes with Nature Sponsor Program

Every year, Urbana Park District hosts thousands of school children on field trips to learn about nature and the environment. For some students, this is their first exposure to natural areas. Teachers can bring their classes for a School Tour through Busey Woods, Weaver Park Wetland, or Meadowbrook Park’s Spomer Prairie. Two major obstacles prevent more students from participating in these field trips: available program funds and transportation.

You can help more students attend nature education programs at the Urbana Park District, and gain exposure for your business. Contact Kelsey Beccue at 217-367-1536 or email khbeccue@UrbanaParks.Org. for more information.