URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) – The Urbana Park District Board of Commissioners held its organizational meeting Tuesday evening, marking a leadership transition with the swearing-in of two new board members, the election of new officers, and heartfelt farewells to two long-serving public servants.
Sarah Roper and Ashley Withers officially took the oath of office, joining current commissioners Cedric Stratton, Meredith Blumthal, and Laura Hastings. Roper and Withers step into roles previously held by Roger Digges and Michael Walker, who both retired from the board.
Digges concluded seven years of service, while Walker retired after an extraordinary 42-year tenure on the board. Their contributions were recognized during the meeting with gratitude from fellow board members, staff, and members of the community.
The board voted Cedric Stratton as its new president and Meredith Blumthal as vice president. Stratton acknowledged the legacy left by Walker, saying he had “large shoes to fill.” Laughter followed as fellow commissioners jokingly chimed in, “Birkenstocks!” — a nod to Walker’s signature footwear.
The newly organized board will serve through the 2027 Consolidated Elections, continuing its mission to guide Urbana’s park development and recreation programming.