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
Address
Unnamed Road, 2808 S Race St, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
Coordinates
40.0833, -88.20114
Hours of Operation
Hours may vary during holidays. Please call ahead for confirmation.
Playground Features
Age Suitability
Designed for children ages 2-12, with separate areas for toddlers (2-5) and older children (5-12).
Equipment Available
Multiple climbing structures, slides of various heights, swings (including accessible swings), spinners, balance beams, musical instruments, sensory play panels, and a zipline.
Shaded Areas
Several large shade structures over seating areas, plus natural shade from mature trees around the perimeter.
Seating For Parents
Numerous benches throughout the playground area, plus picnic tables under shade structures.
Restroom Availability
Clean restroom facilities located near the playground entrance, open during park hours.
Drinking Fountains
Several drinking fountains with bottle fillers available near the restrooms and throughout the playground area.
Safety Accessibility
Fencing
Partial fencing around the playground with designated entrance/exit points for added safety.
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
Nearby Parking
Large free parking lot with approximately 50 spaces, including designated accessible parking close to playground entrance.
Pet Policy
Dogs allowed in park areas on leash, but not permitted within playground boundaries except for service animals.
Bike Racks
Multiple bike racks available near playground entrance.
Nearby Food Options
Picnic areas for bringing food, with several casual restaurants within walking distance of the park.
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
User Submitted Photos
Active community with numerous photos shared on social media showing children enjoying various playground features.
Recent Reviews
Recent visitors praise the playground's cleanliness, creative design elements, and the mix of traditional and unique play equipment.
Crowd Levels
Busiest on weekends and summer afternoons; weekday mornings tend to be less crowded.
Special Events
Hosts seasonal community events including summer concerts, nature education programs, and holiday celebrations.
User Experience
Entrance Fee
Free admission to the playground and surrounding park areas.
Space For Groups
Dedicated picnic pavilions can be reserved for birthday parties and group gatherings, with open grassy areas for informal gatherings.
Nature Connection
The playground is integrated into a restored prairie landscape with native plantings, butterfly gardens, and educational signage about local ecosystems.
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
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).
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
Community Activities
Regular community programming including nature walks, storytimes, and seasonal festivals that utilize the playground and surrounding park.
Social Interaction
Designed with social play in mind, featuring equipment that encourages cooperative play and communication between children.
Sustainability Environment
Eco Friendly Practices
Native prairie landscaping reduces water usage, playground equipment made from recycled materials where possible.
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
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!
View on GoogleB 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.
View on GoogleK 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.
View on GoogleZi 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👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻👎🏻
View on GoogleLinda 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
View on Google