The Urbana Park District is set to open a new health and wellness center at Prairie Park, with construction progressing as planned. Executive Director Tim Bartlett stated that the facility could have a soft opening in October or November, with a grand opening scheduled for January 2025. This timeline allows for advertising, information dissemination, and program schedule development in preparation for the opening.
The $16.1 million building project is on track, with construction expected to be completed by late August. Outdoor landscaping is scheduled to begin in mid-August, although potential delays could occur due to extreme weather conditions. The district plans to finalize a punch list before relocating staff from the Brookens Administrative Center to the health and wellness center. Additionally, Phase 2 outdoor amenities are being considered, such as trail connections, an outdoor playground, a sprayground, and a skatepark. While funding for these amenities is uncertain, the Urbana Parks Foundation aims to secure funds for these projects.
Bartlett expressed excitement about the potential impact of the outdoor amenities on the Urbana community and hopes for their successful completion following the completion of the health and wellness center. The district’s focus is on enhancing recreational opportunities for residents and developing a comprehensive wellness facility that will benefit the community as a whole. With continued progress and support, the new health and wellness center at Prairie Park is poised to become an asset for Urbana residents.