News

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

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

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.

Recent Headlines

3 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Eddie Vedder turns solo vulnerability into a powerful plea in Netflix’s ‘Matter of Time’

The first time Eddie Vedder toured without Pearl Jam, he made some glaring mistakes onstage and felt discouraged. A few shows later, he ran into Bruce Springsteen, who told him that performing solo is terrifying but that vulnerability can be a force to harness.

3 days ago in Entertainment

30 years after Pokémon’s release, fans are still trying to catch ’em all

In the 30 years since Pokémon debuted in Japan with the 1996 release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green for Nintendo Game Boy, the franchise has taken over the globe with its animated shows, mobile games and highly coveted trading cards. Its popularity continues with fans young and old.

4 days ago in Entertainment

Park Chan-wook will lead the Cannes Film Festival jury, will be the 1st Korean in the role

Park Chan-wook, the Korean filmmaker of "Oldboy" and "No Other Choice," will head the jury at the 79th Cannes Film Festival, festival organizers announced Thursday.

4 days ago in Trending, World

FIFA’s Infantino has ‘complete confidence’ in Mexico to host World Cup games despite cartel violence

The violence that erupted in Mexico after the death of a powerful drug lord has left many questioning whether the country will be able to co-host the World Cup in just over three months. FIFA President Gianni Infantino thinks it can.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Phil Collins, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross and Shakira get Rock Hall nominations

Phil Collins, Mariah Carey, Lauryn Hill, INXS, Iron Maiden, Luther Vandross and Shakira are some the 2026 nominees for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a wide net that includes rap, metal, R&B, hip-hop, Britpop, blues rock and pop.