Adopt-A-Park

The Adopt-A-Park program was developed by the Champaign Park District in 1982 after a class at Robeson Elementary School inquired about adopting the park near their school.

The purpose of the program is to encourage people in a park neighborhood to assume some responsibilities for their adopted park. This helps maintain and program the park above the level that the Champaign Park District is able to achieve on its own. Adopted parks build community support and often become the focal point of neighborhood activities. The park programs benefit both the Park District and the adopting group.

Adopt-A-Park involvement means neighbors getting involved TOGETHER to care for their park. Adopting groups are encouraged to determine the needs of their park as well as to find ways to meet those needs. The Park District makes every effort to support Adopt-A-Park projects. Adopted parks can be very active with many projects and events or limited to only a few activities.

Any group in the community is welcome to discuss adopting a park with Park District staff. The adoption can involve ambitious fund-raising, programming, park maintenance and/or development, or it can be limited simply to upkeep of a flower bed, a neighborhood potluck, or surveillance for security.