About This Playground

🌳 PrairiePlay Playground is a popular community park in Illinois featuring extensive play equipment in a natural prairie setting. The playground was designed with input from local children and offers diverse play experiences for various age groups.

Visitor Experience: PrairiePlay consistently receives high marks from families, with most reviews highlighting the variety of equipment, clean facilities, and the natural beauty of the surrounding prairie landscape.>

More about this playground

Playground Type

Park Tourist attraction Point of interest Establishment Wheelchair Accessible Indoor Play Ages 0-12

Address

Unnamed Road, 2808 S Race St, Urbana, IL 61802, USA

Coordinates

40.0833, -88.20114

Hours of Operation

Open Now
Monday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday Today 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.

Playground Features

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Age Suitability

Designed for children ages 2-12, with separate areas for toddlers (2-5) and older children (5-12).

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Equipment Available

Multiple climbing structures, slides of various heights, swings (including accessible swings), spinners, balance beams, musical instruments, sensory play panels, and a zipline.

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Shaded Areas

Several large shade structures over seating areas, plus natural shade from mature trees around the perimeter.

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Seating For Parents

Numerous benches throughout the playground area, plus picnic tables under shade structures.

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Restroom Availability

Clean restroom facilities located near the playground entrance, open during park hours.

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Drinking Fountains

Several drinking fountains with bottle fillers available near the restrooms and throughout the playground area.

Safety Accessibility

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Fencing

Partial fencing around the playground with designated entrance/exit points for added safety.

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Surface Material

Engineered wood fiber mulch in main play areas with rubber surfacing under high-traffic equipment like swings and slides.

Ada Accessibility

Accessible pathways throughout, ramp access to main play structures, and inclusive play equipment including adaptive swings and ground-level activities.

Cleanliness Maintenance

Well-maintained with regular cleaning schedules. Staff checks equipment daily for safety issues.

Additional Amenities

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Nearby Parking

Large free parking lot with approximately 50 spaces, including designated accessible parking close to playground entrance.

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Pet Policy

Dogs allowed in park areas on leash, but not permitted within playground boundaries except for service animals.

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Bike Racks

Multiple bike racks available near playground entrance.

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Nearby Food Options

Picnic areas for bringing food, with several casual restaurants within walking distance of the park.

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Sports Areas

Basketball courts, baseball diamond, and soccer fields adjacent to the playground area.

Walking / Biking Trails Nearby

Extensive prairie walking trails surround the playground, connecting to the larger community trail system.

Community Reviews

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User Submitted Photos

Active community with numerous photos shared on social media showing children enjoying various playground features.

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Recent Reviews

Recent visitors praise the playground's cleanliness, creative design elements, and the mix of traditional and unique play equipment.

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Crowd Levels

Busiest on weekends and summer afternoons; weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.

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Special Events

Hosts seasonal community events including summer concerts, nature education programs, and holiday celebrations.

User Experience

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Entrance Fee

Free admission to the playground and surrounding park areas.

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Space For Groups

Dedicated picnic pavilions can be reserved for birthday parties and group gatherings, with open grassy areas for informal gatherings.

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Nature Connection

The playground is integrated into a restored prairie landscape with native plantings, butterfly gardens, and educational signage about local ecosystems.

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Noise Level

Moderate during peak times, with natural landscaping helping to buffer sound.

Aesthetic Design

Nature-inspired design with equipment colors and themes that complement the prairie setting, featuring educational elements about local flora and fauna.

Safety Regulations

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Security Presence

Park staff regularly patrol the area, with increased presence during special events and busy periods.

Rules Restrictions

Clear signage indicates age-appropriate play areas, no smoking policy, adult supervision requirements, and hours of operation (dawn to dusk).

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First Aid Availability

First aid kits available at the park office, with staff trained in basic first aid. Emergency contact information clearly posted.

Community Interaction

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Community Activities

Regular community programming including nature walks, storytimes, and seasonal festivals that utilize the playground and surrounding park.

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Social Interaction

Designed with social play in mind, featuring equipment that encourages cooperative play and communication between children.

Sustainability Environment

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Eco Friendly Practices

Native prairie landscaping reduces water usage, playground equipment made from recycled materials where possible.

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Renewable Energy

Solar-powered lighting throughout the park and playground areas.

Walkability Bike Access

Connected to community bike paths and sidewalks, with bike parking to encourage non-vehicular transportation.

Reviews

4.7
(411.0)
B

Beth Anderson

3 months ago

The absolute best park in Urbana! Big play structure, accessible ziplines (incredible!), Illinois-specific animals for climbing on, checkers and chess tables, plenty of shade, a shelter for group gatherings, the coolest, highest slides... It's truly a fantastic playground surrounded by natural prairie beauty at Meadowbrook, complete with several loop trails for walking and biking. An absolute gem!

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B

B Bibbles

3 months ago

They've set the bar really high with the remodel. There's so much fun things to do with the kids, but the best part of the new playground is that it's accessible for everyone. I've neve seen a Merry-Go-Round built into the ground but this makes it for possible for people in wheelchairs and other mobility devices to play. There's accessible swings, zip lines, and other activities. This was always one of our favorites back when it was wooden, but now more than ever.

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K

K Stephens

3 years ago

Enjoying a walk with New Found friends or a 3-5 mile trail with exciting sculture or plants/ flowers. The trail begins and ends @Prarie/Play Playground.

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Z

Zi Aly

a year ago

The garden is somewhat good, but there is negligence in cleanliness from the people who visit it. Why do you leave your children's diapers here?! And in front of you is the toilet, and also when you smoke in the children's play area, they must be held accountable👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻

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L

Linda Jackson

3 months ago

Went out there Saturday afternoon to take with Family it was a Beautiful day. Enjoyed myself & being around love one's

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