Champaign Park District is inviting community members to the eagerly awaited Clark Park reopening. A ribbon cutting and sandpit dedication will take place at Clark Park, 900 S Mckinley Ave, on Saturday, November 8, at 10am.
Clark Park has been closed since April during the construction of a new playground, the expansion of the basketball courts, and the installation of a new ADA path system. The beloved sandpit has also received new features and will be named “Katie’s Play Place” in memory of Katherine Parkhill.
Parkhill passed away on August 5. Her obituary asked community members to donate in her honor to Clark Park, and in only two months, the Champaign Parks Foundation received more than $20,000 in donations in Parkhill’s memory. The donations will go toward new sandpit equipment, including diggers and an ADA sand table, as well as a toy box. The remaining amount will be set aside for future sandpit updates.
Clark Park was a special place for Parkhill. She and her husband David raised their children in the neighborhood. Katie’s Play Place will serve as a tribute to her fond memories of the park.
“Clark Park is vastly important to many Champaign residents, and we look forward to seeing the neighborhood enjoy the park and its new features,” said Sarah Sandquist, Champaign Park District Executive Director. “We thank the community members who have provided feedback to ensure these improvements were the best they could be.”
Food trucks will be available at the dedication ceremony and ribbon cutting. The event is open to the public.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chelsea Norton
Director of Marketing & Development
Champaign Park District
217-819-3934
Chelsea.norton@champaignparks.org
