West Side Park
West Side Park
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
34 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
12
Average
4
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Taylor B
Chicago, IL8,470 contributions
Aug 2019
West Side Park in Champaign, Illinois, with its bandstand, fountain and statue called "Prayer For Rain," has been a popular gathering place for townspeople since it was constructed in 1854. Located at 400 East University Avenue, west of the downtown area, it was originally laid out as a public square and potential site for a new Champaign County Court House, which was built in neighboring Urbana. It was formerly known as White Park, named for John P. White, who donated the land. At the time of its construction, the city of West Urbana (now Champaign) was hardly a blip on a map. West Side Park, all 12.5 acres of it, represented the west edge of the community. The centerpiece of the park is the "Prayer For Rain" statue, a bronze statue of a Native American atop a fountain and pool. Designed by Edward Kemeys, who contributed greatly to the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago and Central Park in New York City and built the bronze lions that stand guard at the Art Institute of Chicago, the statue has kept watch over West Side Park for nearly 120 years. The original bandstand, which once played host to Theodore Roosevelt during his Presidential campaign of 1912, was constructed in 1854 and demolished in 1964. But a recreation of the bandstand was completed in 2008. In addition, 36 memorial trees have been planted in the park to honor local police officers killed in the line of duty. The Bicentennial capsule for Champaign County is buried next to the "Prayer For Rain" fountain.
Written 19 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bhaskar S
Doha, Qatar103 contributions
Sept 2018 • Family
Simple & Sophisticated - at the same time. The fountain and artistic sculptors are contemporary but the park itself is basic what we look for in a park – quiet, peaceful & a calm stress-buster. We enjoyed as a family and even better while in the evenings when the sunlight plays artistic games with the architectures in the park (photographs attached for your enjoyment :=)
Written 3 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark J
102 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
A small park with a fountain and several sculptures. Great for an after-brunch weekend walk. It is often used for events (Taste of Champaign) where you can see plenty of locals and University of Illinois people
Written 21 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elan Karoll
Chicago, IL32 contributions
Nov 2016 • Friends
West Side Park is a great spot just off the University of Illinois campus. Fun place to spend a relaxing weekend with friends!
Written 15 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
supapfunk
Champaign-Urbana, IL244 contributions
May 2016 • Family
West Side is a great, large central park right near downtown. Lots of fun events there throughout the year. The playground is fenced in so it feels very secure to let your kid run free. Great pathways and beautiful fountain in the center.
Written 13 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mer1264
Lindon, UT328 contributions
Jul 2015 • Friends
West Side park is a very nice place to be in the daytime. There is a lovely fountain. Paved walkways, lots of places to sit and eat or just hang out. Nice shade. The bad thing is it is close to Central High School so the kids come there frequently, also some homeless people.
Written 22 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Del O
Urbana, IL100 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
This is a nice park for families. I went to one of the Park District Events called The Taste. They had many local restaurant, bands, children activities, local social agency. Art work and many vendor.
This is really a great event.
This is really a great event.
Written 14 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bcmguy
Marshall, IL51 contributions
Jul 2013
Expected more from the good reviews. Not large, hard to park there, but I liked how quiet it was. Our family had a picnic and were sad there was no bathrooms in sight. Small fenced in playground was perfect for our little girls.
Written 25 July 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gloria A
Summerfield, FL123 contributions
Apr 2013 • Family
One of the larger city parks located in the heart of downtown Champaign. It is very large so you do not feel uncomfortable with all the dog walkers and kids that enjoy it. We found the playground equipment to be well maintained and safe for our Grandkids. We were told they often have community events there so we are looking forward to using it more.
Written 15 May 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AggieCPA2
Dallas, Texas15 contributions
Dec 2012
West Side Park is exactly the kind of park you expect to find on TV, with the trees, fountain, etc. I love going there for a picnic or just to relax.
Written 14 December 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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