Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners

Michael Walker / President
Commissioner since 1983
Next up for election 2025

A native of Urbana, Michael Walker is a graduate of Urbana High School and the University of Illinois. Before becoming a commissioner, he served on the district’s advisory committee, UPDAC. He is very proud of the park district’s combination of formal recreational programs, natural areas and informal recreation opportunities that serves the life-long needs of all of Urbana’s residents.

A computer software specialist, Michael retired from the University of Illinois in 1998 to begin his own consulting business. He is a frequent visitor to both Crystal Lake and Meadowbrook parks.

Meredith Blumthal / Commissioner
Commissioner since 2010
Next up for election 2027 

Meredith Blumthal became a member of the Champaign-Urbana community as a University of Illinois student in 1997. In 2000, she moved to Urbana and has been a resident since.

Meredith’s professional background is in horticulture and agricultural economics and she is the Director of Education Abroad for the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois. Meredith recognizes the public good which parks serve and the benefits to all age groups and continues to enjoy serving the community in this capacity. She is also active in the C-U One-to-One Mentoring Program.

Roger Digges / Commissioner
Commissioner since 2018
Next up for election in 2025 

Roger Digges was appointed to the Board of Commissioners to fill out an unexpired term. Before being appointed, Digges served two years on the Urbana Park District Advisory Committee, the second as its chair. As an avid birder, Roger initially became interested in the district because of its work in developing and maintaining natural areas.

Roger is an ordained minister who retired in 2014 after 35 years of service. He enjoys his volunteer work as an East Central Illinois Master Naturalist serving the Urbana Park District and the Champaign County Forest Preserve District.

Cedric Stratton / Vice President
Commissioner since 2021 
Up next for election in 2027

Cedric Stratton is a lifelong Urbana resident, and his family has lived in the C-U area for generations.  Prior to his election as commissioner, he served on UPDAC for a year and a half, six months of which he served as UPDAC chair.  Cedric grew up attending Urbana Park District programs, and he has worked for UPD as a summer camp counselor and after-school programming leader.

Professionally, Cedric works for the Urbana School District as a Special Education Teacher's aid.  He has a strong belief in the Urbana community and has dedicated himself to public service to enrich the opportunities of community members. 

Laura Hastings / Commissioner
Commissioner since 2023
Next up for election in 2029

Laura cannot think of a time when the Urbana Park District hasn’t been part of her life! As a child, she enjoyed many programs and parks, was a Crystal Lake Pool Lifeguard, Manager and Coordinator. After graduating with a degree in Recreation Administration she became a full-time staff member. She has served as a volunteer and UPDAC chair. To this day, people still call her, "Laura the Lifeguard."

Laura is an elementary special education teacher; she is passionate about equitable inclusion of all people. She believes that the Urbana Park District theme, “You belong here”, truly means everyone! She is excited to be able to serve Urbana and continue the strong commitment of the UPD to innovatively provide the most outstanding programs, facilities, parks and open spaces.