Weaver Park consists of a prairie reconstruction, wetlands, and some of the original Big Grove woodlands. It is an area of immeasurable value that must be protected for the benefit of the community.

The Urbana Park District is considering two possible plans to convert more than half of Weaver Park to soccer and baseball fields. 

Whereas,

• Weaver Park is an ecologically critical habitat for native, biodiverse life. In a time of rapidly increasing species extinctions and loss of biodiversity due to habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation, it is of paramount importance to protect the biodiverse habitats that already exist.
• The Urbana Park District has committed to “Protecting & Strengthening Our Natural Environment… by reducing our carbon footprint, stewarding biodiversity & natural areas, and improving air & water quality.” It has demonstrated that commitment by establishing and maintaining the prairie, wetlands, and woodlands of the park. We commend this commitment and hope that this significant effort, and the efforts of community volunteers, will not be squandered.
• Weaver Park is one of the few natural areas that is close and accessible to people in town. Natural areas are a key component of individual and community wellness. They provide invaluable and irreplaceable opportunities for education and recreation for our community.
• Our community needs and wants recreation in both natural areas and athletic fields. With collaboration and creative problem solving, we can and should build athletic fields on land that is more suited for that purpose.
• Weaver Park provides stormwater retention and drainage for the surrounding community. Athletic fields do not provide nearly as much retention and drainage.  We are concerned that this development could lead to increased flooding for nearby neighborhoods and higher stormwater management costs for the city and taxpayers.  

We the undersigned, ask that the Urbana Park District:

• Protect Weaver Park from destruction or encroachment.
• Build athletic fields on land that is more suited for that purpose and that won’t sacrifice the biodiversity of natural and conserved areas.
• Seek more input from sports participants, Weaver Park visitors, the residents of impacted neighborhoods, including Scottswood and Savannah Green, and the broader community.
• Include plans that celebrate and enhance the natural area and that provide greater opportunities for education and low-impact recreation within that preserved space. The natural area should be an integral part of the District’s commitment to wellness and recreation.