Since 2012, the city of Urbana has been working on a three-part project for Boneyard Creek that includes aesthetic changes, as well as improvements to selective street and sidewalk areas. In November of last year, the first section of this project was completed, which redeveloped parts of the creek between Griggs Street and Broadway Avenue. This new park will also include such features as a concrete pathway, public art with historical references to the creek, renovations of a railroad bridge into a walkway, accent lighting, a public overlook and a plaza.  

Improving the quality, appearance and functionality of public places and spaces is something we encourage and support, as it tends to bring social and economic benefits to the surrounding community. What we also appreciate is when there are opportunities for the public to get involved in these projects and have a voice in community efforts. As part of the Boneyard Creek Improvement Projects, the city of Urbana has opened up a competition for anyone 18 and older to submit ideas for naming the renovated area.

As reported in The News Gazette, Urbana city council member Charlie Smyth said the new name is wanted to indicate the location’s role as a park. As such, we have taken it upon ourselves to develop a few ideas of our own to consider for the new name of the renovated area.

Swanson Park

As a comical ode to one of America’s favorite TV characters,  Ron Swanson from “Parks and Recreation,” we felt this name would be a fitting combination of actor Nick Offerman — a devoted and generous University alum — and his character’s work as director of the parks and recreation department.

Ebert Park

In honor of the late and great Urbana native, Roger Ebert, another potential idea would be to name the park after someone with roots in the local community. From growing up in the area to attending the University, Roger Ebert left a legacy behind that is worth commemorating. 

Big Grove Park

Another way to name the park is by looking back at some of its historical roots. Once upon a time, this local area used to be known as Big Grove, where the land by the trees was farmed, and it was the first settlement in the area. As Big Grove got larger, Champaign County was formed, and Urbana eventually followed.

Regardless of the name chosen for the Boneyard project, we applaud Urbana for giving the public a voice in this community venture.