Budzinski announces $250,000 for Prairie and Weaver Park renovations

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Budzinski said the funding was secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding process. Photo: Contributed/U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski

URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski has announced $250,000 in federal funding for renovations at Prairie and Weaver Park in Urbana.

The funding will support the Urbana Park District rehabilitation project, which includes improvements to restrooms and day-use facilities, utilities, grading and drainage, landscaping, parking, lighting, and bicycle and walking paths.

Budzinski said the funding was secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 Community Project Funding process after two years of advocacy.

“These resources will make it easier for folks throughout the community to access athletic facilities, engage in recreation programs, and enjoy this beautiful place we call home,” Budzinski said in a statement.

In total, $34 million in Community Project Funding for local projects has been signed into law this year. In addition to the Urbana Park District funding, Budzinski announced $850,000 for the Champaign Park District to renovate Parkland Way and $1.2 million for the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory.

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