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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October 20, 2024
Make sure your dog gets exercise this fall at the Urbana Park District Dog Park
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October 20, 2024
The next FRESH Teen Hangout Zone is coming up October 18
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October 20, 2024
Tasty treats the second Sunday of the month in our parks
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October 20, 2024
Remember to sign up for a free injury screening from Athletico on October 15
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October 20, 2024
Sign up for Forest School at Anita Purves Nature Center
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October 20, 2024
Several Age Friendly Activities offered at Urbana Park District this Fall
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October 20, 2024
Open swim at Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center during the week of October 14
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October 20, 2024
Free Financial Wellness Workshop October 9 focuses on credit scores
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October 20, 2024
Special Walkers Book Club this weekend highlights climate change
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October 20, 2024
Take part in the free Great Pumpkin Hunt all October
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October 20, 2024
Learn how to lose weight in a healthy way for free October 14
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October 20, 2024
Celebrate America Recycles Day at Anita Purves Nature Center on November 2
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October 20, 2024
Get a free injury screening this month from Athletico Physical Therapy
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October 20, 2024
Free Sunday Morning Bird Walks enter the final month
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October 20, 2024
Sign up for the family-friendly Nature Tales and Trails at Anita Purves Nature Center
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October 20, 2024
Sign up today for the Halloween Water Carnival October 19 at Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center
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October 20, 2024
Sign up for a live model drawing class this October at Phillips Recreation Center
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October 20, 2024
Urbana Park District debuts new website
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October 20, 2024
Take a look from the air at the progress of the Prairie Play Playground
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October 20, 2024
Work on Meadowbrook Park parking lot pushed back a week
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October 20, 2024
Everyone is invited to free Take a Child Outside Week activities beginning September 21
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October 20, 2024
Come to the Pre-Pride Youth and Family Party September 20 at Phillips Recreation Center
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October 20, 2024
New sculpture installed and dedicated at the Meadowbrook Park Wandell Sculpture Garden
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October 20, 2024
Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners Approves Prairie and Weaver Park Master Plans for future recreation and natural areas needs
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October 20, 2024
Meadowbrook Park parking lot off of Windsor Road to close this week
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October 20, 2024
Join a most unique and free book club this Fall
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October 20, 2024
The FREE Central Illinois Bat Festival is coming up soon at Urbana Park District!
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October 20, 2024
Teens! Join the FRESH crew and make an impact in your community!
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October 20, 2024
Free Sunday Morning Bird Walks are underway
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October 20, 2024
Here is the schedule for the free FRESH Teen Hangout Zones for the 2024-2025 school year
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October 20, 2024
Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center announces September - December hours for the public
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October 20, 2024
Check out the Fall art show at Anita Purves Nature Center.
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October 20, 2024
Urbana Park District is hiring swim instructors for 2024 - 2025
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October 20, 2024
Final weekend of swimming at Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center for 2024
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October 20, 2024
Sign up for High Intensity Interval Training fitness class this Fall at Urbana Park District
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October 20, 2024
Learn the art of home buying for FREE at Urbana Park District September 16
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October 20, 2024
Registration deadlines coming up soon for first round of Fall fitness classes
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October 20, 2024
Final week of swimming at Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center for 2024
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October 20, 2024
Mark your calendars now for the FREE Central Illinois Bat Festival September 28!
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October 20, 2024
Sign up for Mat Pilates this Fall at Urbana Park District
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October 20, 2024
Deadline Extended! Sign up for Adult Co-Rec Kickball today!
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October 20, 2024
Learn to draw with live models at Urbana Park District this Fall
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October 20, 2024
Sign up for Unity Steppers this Fall at Urbana Park District!
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October 20, 2024
Final Play Days in the Park for this summer August 29 at Ivanhoe Estates
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October 20, 2024
Free Fitness Week coming September 3 - 6
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October 20, 2024
Calling all Skateboaders! Join the Park District and Skeuwep for the FREE Skate Fest August 31!
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October 20, 2024
Construction of the Meadowbrook Park Prairie Play playground entering final stages
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October 20, 2024
Join us this fall for the FREE Toddler Music Group this Fall at Phillips Recreation Center!
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October 20, 2024
Get a free injury screening this fall at Urbana Park District
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October 20, 2024
Free Sunday Morning Bird Walks for the Fall Begin September 1