Friendship Grove Nature Playscape at the Anita Purves Nature Center

1505 N. Broadway Urbana, IL 61801
Gold/Ruby Bus Route

217-384-4062

The Friendship Grove Nature Playscape at the Anita Purves Nature Center is a hands-on, kid-directed outdoor play space where boulders, logs, and other thoughtfully curated natural items give kids’ imaginations room to soar. The space provides accessible play opportunities for all abilities. There are four main features, many other play elements, and an ever-changing variety of loose play pieces such as pots and pans, baskets for gathering, cardboard for forts, and more!

NEW! Web Climber – This climbing net offers a challenge to climb up and down again.
Fallen Tree – Climb and jump from this enormous tree trunk.
Digging Area – Get dirty and enjoy digging canals, making sandcastles, or mixing mud pies.
Tunnel – Go low or high in this intriguing stone tunnel and hill combination.

The nature playscape, Busey Woods Gateway and Boardwalk Trails and Anita Purves Nature Center are wheelchair accessible.

Public restrooms are located outside the Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center (April-October) and inside the Anita Purves Nature Center during open hours. Thank you for wiping off your shoes before entering!

There are picnic tables, bike racks and trash/recycling stations available. Please call 217-384-4062 in advance if you intend to use 3 or more picnic tables to let us know you are coming.

Please note:

Climbing features are intended for ages 5-12
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Leave pets at home
Groups of 10+ should call to find the optimal time to visit: 217-384-4062

Parking is available in the Anita Purves Nature Center/Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center parking lot. Parking is especially limited on summer afternoons. Overflow parking is available off Broadway Ave. east of the aquatic center during the summer months. Bus parking is located at the lot at Park Street and Broadway Ave.

Want to continue the fun at home? Free Fort-Building Loan Kits are available. Supplies include rope, tarp, bed sheets, clothespins, bungee cords and more!

Visitor's Guide

Benefits of Nature Play

Research shows that children who play in natural settings play in more diverse, imaginative, and creative ways and show improved language and collaboration skills. Unlike single-use play equipment, nature play offers endless variety and opportunities for multi-sensory exploration, as children learn about the natural world in a wide variety of ways. The park district’s nature-inspired, child-driven playscape will foster creative play among visitors of all ages and abilities as they make discoveries and interact with their environment.

Regular contact with nature is associated with:

Increased physical activity
Improved creativity and problem solvingEnhanced ability to focus
Reduced symptoms of ADD
Better academic performance
Better social relations
Improved self-control

Learn More

Donations

Thank you to all of our generous donors and to everyone who made the creation of the Nature Playscape possible! Donations are still being accepted and will allow the playscape to change and grow over time.

Questions? Want to make a significant or named gift? Contact the Development Manager at 217-367-1536.

The Urbana Park District is accepting donations of "loose parts for play". Donations will be accepted at the Anita Purves Nature Center during open hours.

Wanted Playscape Items

Playscape Rules

Get messy.
Touch it all.
Leave everything here.
Be respectful of others.
Use rocks and sticks for creating, not for throwing or fighting.
Explore. Pretend. Make friends.
Be safe. Have fun!

What should I bring?

Water bottleSunscreen
Insect repellent
Blankets or towels to protect car interiors on the way home
Picnic lunch or snacks
Wet wipes