By Ahmad | Week 3 | Sunday | 22 Jun 2025
Yesterday (Sunday, 22 June 2025), I had the chance to enjoy a lovely outdoor adventure with my library buddy, Esra, and her husband. We spent the afternoon exploring Meadowbrook Park and the Wandell Sculpture Garden. A perfect weekend stop to relax, stretch, and enjoy nature.
Right at the entrance, next to the parking area, we were welcomed by Urbana Park District’s largest playground a space thoughtfully designed and funded through strong community support. I was pleasantly surprised to see hundreds of donor names displayed throughout the park, a true reflection of the generosity and spirit of the people here. It’s a great family-friendly spot that immediately sets the tone for the park’s warm and welcoming vibe.
As we walked along the park’s beautifully paved trails, we spotted playful rabbits and squirrels, and even picked some fresh mulberries along the way. Unfortunately, no deer sightings this time maybe on our next trip! Still, the walk was refreshing, with about two miles of scenic paths that are perfect for anyone who enjoys a good stroll through nature.
Meadowbrook Park is home to a variety of beautiful gardens and restored habitats that reflect the natural history of east central Illinois. We explored several community gardens, including the Herb Garden, Hickman Wildflower Walk, Organic Community Gardens, and the Sensory Garden. I’m sure there were more that we saw though I must admit, I forgot some of their names.
But one of the true highlights is the Wandell Sculpture Garden, where many of the sculptures are part of the Urbana Park District’s permanent collection. My favorite is a sculpture of a buffalo running after its mother and it really spoke to me, perhaps because I don’t see this animal in my home country, Malaysia.
This experience was more than just a simple walk and it was a chance to pause, recharge, and share meaningful moments with my library buddy. Along the way, we engaged in passionate conversations about librarianship, exchanging ideas and insights across borders, with me sharing stories from Malaysia. Meadowbrook Park is also a great place to bring your family, offering a perfect spot to refresh your mind, embrace nature, and leave feeling inspired. If you’re ever on a road trip in this area, I truly recommend stopping by. Looking forward to the next trip and maybe the deer will be there to greet us!