Urbana Park District broke ground today for a new bike pavilion at Weaver Park, just off of Main Street in Urbana. The pavilion will serve as the trailhead for the Kickapoo Rail Trail (KRT).
Workers will install a paved parking lot and build a pavilion. This will help more bike riders begin their journey on the KRT. The Champaign County Forest Preserve District and Vermilion County Conservation District are partnering with the Urbana Park District on this project.
This project was made possible by state grants. An additional gift by Terry and Barbara England will assist in the future development phases of the Prairie and Weaver Park Master Plan.
“We are so grateful for the partnership of Terry and Barbara England, and are delighted to celebrate the groundbreaking of the England Pavilion, a premier trailhead facility for the Kickapoo Rail Trail at Weaver Park,” said Kelsey Beccue, Urbana Park District Development Manager. She added, “Terry and Barbara’s generosity will propel us into the next exciting phases of developing a destination park experience at Prairie and Weaver.”
Tim Bartlett, Urbana Park District Executive Director, commented, “The KRT helps play a vital part in the quality of life in Champaign and Vermilion Counties. We are proud to build this pavilion to help get more cyclists and hikers out and enjoy green spaces and fresh air. The park district looks forward to working with our partners in Champaign and Vermilion Counties to grow the KRT in the coming years.”
During construction, the parking lot on the north side of the Weaver Park (off of Main Street) will be closed so workers can complete the project. Workers should finish construction later this Fall.
Media questions about the donation may call Beccue at (217) 367-1536.
Media with questions about the project itself may call Andy Rousseau at (217) 344-9583.
