Dodds Park
Dodds Park is located in Northwestern Champaign near Parkland College. This 110 acre (445,000 m²) park (roughly one fifth of the total Park District holdings) is noted for the "Tribute to Olympic Athletes Monument" on its grounds. The park was purchased in 1969 for the sum of $298,495.
The "Tribute to Olympic Athletes" was created to honor those residents of Champaign County who have competed in the Olympics. To date nearly 30 athletes are commemorated on the monument, and the competitors from the 2000 and 2004 games have yet to be added. The monument consists of several rising plateaus forming a walkway leading to a large granite gateway. Beyond the gateway a pedestal overlooking the playing fields in Dodds Park is inscribed with the names of those who have represented Champaign County in the Olympics. A full list of athletes can be found at the official website.
Also located in Dodds park is the "Prairie Grid Sculpture", a 1978 sculpture by Barry Henemann that somewhat resembles a horse. Originally contracted to be displayed for one year, it has since become an odd landmark of the park.
The particular Champaign Park District operations division that maintains the sports facilities at Dodds is often considered to be the elite work force of the organization. In 2007 they were awarded the prestigious ILSTMA Field of the Year award under the leadership of Mick Tempel who left the Park District in 2008 to become the assistant superintendent of the Champaign Country Club. Other noteworthy recipients of the award include Timothy Hagley, a resident of Champaign, and Kyle Smith of Mattoon Illinois.
Read more about this topic: Champaign Park District
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