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Urbana Park District promotes biking and those efforts are rewarded

Urbana Park District wants people in Urbana to enjoy biking. To that end, Weaver Park in Urbana is now a destination for biking and hiking enthusiasts.

The Park District celebrated Bike Month in Weaver Park May 23 with music, food and information. Bike experts also gave out information about biking and helped service and inspect bikes.

The evening centered on officially opening the revamped Weaver Park as a site for the Kickapoo Rail Trail trailhead.  The new trailhead was supported by funds from the Urbana Parks Foundation.

“First of all, Weaver Park is a gem in east Urbana,” said Corky Emberson, Superintendent of Recreation at Urbana Park District. “People can come and enjoy mature trees, hike in open fields and enjoy nature in the wetlands. We’ve now expanded our parking area so bikers can come, unload their bikes and start their ride at the beginning of the Kickapoo Rail Trail,” he explained.

“It lets bikers have a safe, convenient area to park and ride,” Emberson added.

After the ribbon cutting ceremony to open the trailhead, League of American Bicyclists announced that Urbana Park District received a Silver Designation as a Bicycle Friendly Business.

“We are proud to be recognized as bike friendly,” said Elsie Hedgspeth, Outreach and Wellness Manager. “Biking is a great way to exercise, get out in the fresh air and have fun with friends and family. We want more people to enjoy biking opportunities in our parks,” she added.

“The warm weather is here and you and your bike belong in our parks,” Hedgspeth concluded.

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