8/26/26
At the Consolidated General Election on April 6, 2027, Urbana residents will elect three members to the Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners. Two Commissioners will be elected to six year terms, and one Commissioner will be elected to a four year term to fill the remainder of a vacant Board seat. The Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners is made up of five elected residents who help guide the future of parks, recreation, facilities, programs, and public spaces throughout the community. Commissioners establish District policy, approve the annual budget, set long term goals and priorities, and provide governance and oversight on behalf of Urbana residents.
It is an exciting time to be part of the Urbana community. Over the past decade, the Urbana Park District has experienced tremendous growth and transformation, with significant investments in parks, trails, facilities, recreation opportunities, accessibility, and community partnerships. With major projects and initiatives continuing to take shape, the next decade presents another opportunity to build on that momentum and help shape what parks and recreation will look like for generations to come. “It is a great time to live in Urbana, and the Urbana Park District has a direct impact on what makes our community such a wonderful place to live, work, and play,” said Executive Director Rachel Lenz. “Serving as a Park Commissioner is an opportunity to help shape what comes next, to represent our residents, steward public resources, and help ensure the Park District continues to evolve alongside the community we serve.”
Individuals interested in becoming a Park Commissioner are encouraged to attend Park Board meetings and learn more about the District’s parks, facilities, programs, finances, current projects, and long term priorities. Prospective candidates are also welcome to schedule a meeting with Executive Director Rachel Lenz to learn more about the role of a Commissioner and the work of the Urbana Park District. To schedule a meeting, please contact the Darius E. Phebus Administrative Office at (217) 367-1536.
The Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners meets twice each month at the Planning and Operations Building, 1011 E. Kerr Avenue, Urbana. Board Study Sessions are held on the first Tuesday of each month and provide an opportunity for Commissioners to take a deeper look at special topics, projects, and issues before the District. Regular Board Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month and focus on formal District business, including consideration and action on items before the Board. Both meetings are open to the public.
To be eligible to serve as a Park Commissioner, an individual must be a qualified voter and have resided within the Urbana Park District for at least one year prior to the election. Additional eligibility requirements established by Illinois law also apply. Candidate petition packets are available at the Darius E. Phebus Administrative Office, 303 W. University Avenue, Urbana, during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Completed nominating petitions must be filed with the Urbana Park District between November 16 and November 23, 2026. Petitions must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 23, 2026, at the Darius E. Phebus Administrative Office.
The Consolidated General Election will be held Tuesday, April 6, 2027.
