Today, Champaign Park District broke ground on a grant-funded project for Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation Local and state officials, including Governor Pritzker, were in attendance to celebrate the start of the project.
“This new project will provide the community with so much more than a space to get active and enjoy the outdoors. It will help our children find a sense of independence, confidence, and belonging,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Endeavors like this speak so much to who we are as a state — a place where accessibility and inclusion aren’t just words, but something we build and invest in.”
Champaign Park District announced it was being awarded the $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the State of Illinois in 2025. The grant funds will be used to create an inclusive play area and circle drive at the CUSR Center.
Champaign Park District’s OSLAD funding will go toward creating the All Abilities Activities Hub—an accessible outdoor space that prioritizes inclusion for people of all abilities and ages.
In addition to the All Abilities Activities Hub, the grant will fund the construction of a circle drive in front CUSR Center for easy bus pick-up and drop-off, accessible pathways to the rear of the building, and walking paths to select exercise and play equipment.
“We are beyond excited to kick off this long-awaited project for CU Special Recreation,” said Sarah Sandquist, Champaign Park District’s Executive Director. “This grant allows us to expand inclusive programming opportunities and provide a safer experience for our participants, and we are deeply grateful for the state’s support.”
This project’s estimated cost is $1,067,216, with $600,000 being reimbursed from OSLAD funding. The projected completion date is May 2027.
