Playing at Blair Park in Urbana with Your Family

Blair Park’s recent playground refresh added some unique new features, including a zipline sure to be a hit among kids of all ages

Blair Park in Urbana feels brand-new with cool features for all

Champaign-Urbana playground aficionados know that there is no shortage of fun, interesting equipment in the parks across our towns. But have you seen one with a zipline? Blair Park’s recent update included just that — plus an inclusive swing, a music area, and separate play structures for toddlers and older kids.

This Urbana Park District facility is still receiving updates, but the playground is finished and ready to play! Elementary-aged kids will enjoy the larger age-appropriate structure, replete with rope nets and archways to climb. A couple slides complete the structure, though you won’t find tunnel slides here. A small one-slide structure for ages 2-5 sits nearby. This toddler structure is smaller than others across the area (which usually have multiple slides and climbing access points) with just one set of stairs and one slide.

To complement the play structures, Blair Park features a set of swings (with belt, infant, and molded bucket seat swing), a merry-go-round, and an inclusive “Oodle” swing, which looks like a saucer suspended from four cables and can hold up to six kiddos at once.

Of course, the zipline will be one of the biggest draws of this park. This feature stretches the length of the playground area and is great for kids elementary-aged and older (younger ones might find it a bit intense and not be able to hold on, though parents might try walking alongside and holding kiddos while they ride).

The zipline at Blair Park in Urbana is a hit among school-aged kids.

Tips for Parents

Perks for parents taking their kids to Blair Park include interesting architectural-type seating (surrounding three cajon drums), some shade from a few trees, and indoor bathrooms. There are a few picnic tables and park benches but families who plan to play a while might want to bring some lawn chairs, as park benches are sparse and not well-placed to keep a close eye on kids enjoying the playground. There isn’t a parking lot; parking is available on the surrounding streets, is always free and seems plentiful during the daytime. Also keep in mind that the surface for the playground is wood-fiber mulch; be ready to clean up before climbing back into the car.

Is Blair Park good for toddlers?

While Blair Park has a play structure for toddlers, its focus on equipment for older-age children might mean it isn’t the No. 1 park for 2-5-year-olds. Adventurous older toddlers will be happy trying out the zipline and climbing on the rope webs but very young ones might have better luck at one of the many other incredible baby- and toddler-friendly parks in our area.

Stone boxes double as both seating and climbing equipment. Fixed box drums, called cajons, invite kids and grown-ups to get musical.

What other amenities are at Blair Park?

Other amenities at Blair Park include lighted tennis courts, a T-ball field, and a halfcourt for basketball. Because of the park’s proximity to the Urbana middle and high schools, there are also a few unique teen-focused amenities, like an electronic Sutu wall, an obstacle course, and a horseshoe pit. Parents should note that renovations seem to be continuing in other parts of the park, and a 2019 conceptual drawing denotes additional features on the horizon. As of this writing, all renovation equipment was gone but some fencing and cones remained. This shouldn’t be a problem for most families, as the playground is sure to keep kids’ attention.

Rope webs feature on Blair Park’s 5- 12-year-old structure.

Blair Park has long been a popular playground but thanks to the grant-funded refresh, it should be a destination park for families, especially those with school-aged kids and teenagers. Zip on down to Urbana to take in all Blair Park has to offer!

Playing at Blair Park in Urbana with Your Family

Blair Park’s recent playground refresh added some unique new features, including a zipline sure to be a hit among kids of all ages

Blair Park in Urbana feels brand-new with cool features for all

Tips for Parents

Is Blair Park good for toddlers?

What other amenities are at Blair Park?

How do I get to Blair Park?

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