Community Gardening
Organic Gardens: Community Gardens In Meadowbrook Park
Garden at the oldest local organic community gardens! Since 1975, the Meadowbrook Organic Garden Program has supported healthy people and a healthy community. We provide space, water, hoses and wheelbarrows. You supply tools, plants, labor, and optional fencing. During the growing season (May-October), a Garden Supervisor will assist with any questions or concerns. Garden plots are rented in "as is" condition and participation is at your own risk. This is a community garden and interaction with the general public is expected and encouraged.
For more information, call the Anita Purves Nature Center at 217-384-4062 or see the Garden Manual. Tips on the basics of organic gardening are available in the supplemental guide.
To Register for a Garden Plot:
- Register by calling the Phillips Recreation Center at 217-367-1544 or in-person at the Phillips Recreation Center. Online registration is not available. New gardener registration begins January 3rd, 2023.
- In addition to the plot rental fee, gardeners pay a $30 deposit. The deposit is returned at the end of the growing season if the gardener abides by the Urbana Park District’s published guidelines. Returning gardeners in good standing earn a discounted deposit.
- New gardeners will receive an orientation email once they are registered. This is when plot selection will take place.
Plot Size | Fee |
Raised Plot*: 11' x 3' | $20R/$30NR |
Half Plot: 17' x 15' | $30R/$45NR |
Full Plot: 17' x 30' | $50R/$75NR |
Solidarity Gardens
Solidarity Gardens was launched in June of 2020 by Cunningham Township in collaboration with Urbana Park District, Sola Gratia Farm, Channing Murray Foundation, and other community partners. By providing seeds, tools, knowledge, and redistribution, Solidarity Gardens intended to address current and worsening food insecurity by supporting local residents in growing food for themselves as well as their neighbors in need. They encouraged individuals and organizations to work together and create gardens throughout the Urbana-Champaign area and to donate seeds, garden supplies, labor and expertise.
Solidarity Gardens CU
Solidarity Gardens CU helps home and community gardeners network to grow food for themselves and neighbors in need. This partnership includes:
- Vegetable donation drop-off sites at Sola Gratia Farm and Channing Murray Foundations
- Seed Exchange at The Urbana Free Library
- Tool Lending Library at Cunningham Township
- Garden volunteer opportunities
Visit the Solidarity Garden website for more information.
Is your club or group interested in volunteering?
Solidarity Gardens CU can match you with a community garden in need of extra hands. Or bring some of your friends together and create your own garden with their support! Interested? Email Savannah Donovan.
- Events
- News
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February 17, 2025
Sign up for the second session of Mat Pilates
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February 17, 2025
Register for T-Ball this spring and summer at Urbana Park District
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February 17, 2025
Congratulations to the Best in Show Photographic Print Competition Winners
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February 17, 2025
Sign up for Immerse Yoga this Spring at the Lake House in Crystal Lake Park
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February 17, 2025
Enjoy Smores and a nice walk at Crystal Lake Park this Sunday
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February 17, 2025
Public invited to free nature hikes this winter and spring in park district natural areas
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February 17, 2025
Public invited to learn more and give input about the next Kickapoo Rail Trail project
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February 17, 2025
Open Dance Studio at Phillips Recreation Center two times a week
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February 17, 2025
Participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count February 14 - 17
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February 17, 2025
People in Grades 6 - 8 will learn to be a Safe Sitter April 5
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February 17, 2025
Learn more about bird watching February 8 at Anita Purves Nature Center
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February 17, 2025
Sign up for Family Friendly Zumba Night
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February 17, 2025
All invited to the free Harmony Through Beads workshop February 15
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February 17, 2025
Health and Wellness Center has extended hours - including weekends
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February 17, 2025
Kids in grades 4 - 6 invited to learn how to be Safe at Home
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February 17, 2025
New Pickleball League begins February 4
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February 17, 2025
People age 6 and under and their adult are welcome to Anita Purves Nature Center Fridays this Winter
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February 17, 2025
Get your best photos entered TODAY in Best in Show
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February 17, 2025
Free opportunity for teens to hang out and have fun this semester
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February 17, 2025
Register for Forest School Afternoons for kids ages 6-12
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February 17, 2025
Toddler Art Playgroup is back in 2025
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February 17, 2025
Tango lessons this Winter and Spring at Urbana Park District
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February 17, 2025
Join Open Gym Pickleball weekdays at the Health and Wellness Center
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February 17, 2025
A Winter round of Smores Social and Stroll begins this weekend at Crystal Lake Park
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February 17, 2025
Start your career with Urbana Park District February 6
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February 17, 2025
Sign up for Family Date Night February 1 at Phillips Recreation Center
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February 17, 2025
Mark your calendars now for Read Across America March 8 at Lincoln Square
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February 17, 2025
Time is running out to enter the 2025 Best in Show Photographic Print Competition
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February 17, 2025
Health and Wellness Center is open to the public
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February 17, 2025
Open Gym Volleyball every Friday night at the Health and Wellness Center
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February 17, 2025
Enter the Winter Wellness 5K
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February 17, 2025
Get ready to test out the Health and Wellness Center at Noon on January 4
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February 17, 2025
Open Gym Basketball is back January 12 at the Health and Wellness Center
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February 17, 2025
Sign up now for a new round of water exercises
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February 17, 2025
Phillips Recreation Center is closed for annual cleaning - reopening January 6
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February 17, 2025
Get your day started the right way by enrolling in a new exercise class
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February 17, 2025
A different kind of grand opening
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February 17, 2025
Sign up for Youth Basketball this Winter
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February 17, 2025
Get ready for the fitness Flexi Pass Sale the week of January 5
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February 17, 2025
Mark your calendars now for Free Fitness Week January 5 - 11.
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February 17, 2025
The new Health and Wellness Center cuts the ribbon on January 4
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February 17, 2025
Remember to enter the 2025 Best in Show Photographic Print Competition
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February 17, 2025
Get a free injury evaluation December 17 at Phillips Recreation Center
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February 17, 2025
Celebrate the Winter Solstice with free and family activities at Anita Purves Nature Center
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February 17, 2025
Health and Wellness Center memberships are on sale this week
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February 17, 2025
Open swim at Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center during the Holdiays
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February 17, 2025
Registration open for Winter and Spring Park District Programs
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February 17, 2025
Teens can meet up this Friday and make a difference in their community
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February 17, 2025
Join those who love reading December 7
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February 17, 2025
The January - April 2025 program guide is online