Two new signs debuted at the Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch

The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail and the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation debuted two signs yesterday at the Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch in Douglass Park.

By Elizabeth Hess October 10, 2024 10:30 am

Chambana TodayCanvaProCommunity members joined Champaign Park District officials in the unveiling of new signs at the Douglass Park Branch of the Champaign Library.

CHAMPAIGN – (Chambana Today) – The Champaign County African American Heritage Trail and the Experience Champaign-Urbana Foundation debuted two signs yesterday at the Champaign Public Library Douglass Branch in Douglass Park.

The first sign celebrates the importance of Douglass Park and the Community Center on Grove St. in Champaign. The Douglass Center held classes in art, music and sewing and hosted activities like baseball, softball, basketball, track and field and tennis. This sign is sponsored by the Champaign Park District (CPD).

The second sign in Douglass Park shares the history of the creation of the Douglass Branch Library. The library settled into their current space in 1997. This sign is sponsored by the Champaign Public Library.

Longtime members of the community spoke at the event, as well as sponsors from the CPD. State Senator Paul Faraci and former Champaign City Council member Michael LaDue were present for the unveiling.