What You Need to Know about Mullikin Park in Champaign
Unless you spend time in southwest Champaign, you’re not likely to know much about Mullikin Park. It isn’t very big — about 3.3 acres, according to the Champaign Park District — in the Ironwood neighborhood, near the intersection of Mullikin Drive and Stonebridge Drive.
Mullikin, therefore, wouldn’t be considered a “destination” park along the likes of Hessel Park or Meadowbrook Park. But if you live in southwest Champaign, Mullikin is worth a trip, especially if your family composition fits with Mullikin’s offerings.
Here’s what that means: Mullikin has a play structure and swings for toddlers, plus a halfcourt basketball court for those a little older (10-foot rim) and a small pavilion for anyone seeking a little shade nearby to watch all of this unfold.
That touches a lot of bases in my book.
Granted, Mullikin doesn’t offer the fanciest playground equipment; it is fairly run-of-the-mill stuff. But it does have swings for babies, and a sandbox for those who aren’t into slides and swings. Best of all? The entire setup, from basketball court to playground, is within proximity to each other. So you can sit in the pavilion and see the 12-year-old playing on the basketball court, the 3-year-old in the sandbox and the 8-year-old on the slides.
Tips for your trip
Parking is on the street, so if you’re close enough to walk, do so.
Potty before you go, as our Emily Harrington aptly put it in her review of Henry Michael Park.
Pack a picnic — there is a picnic table in the pavilion — or bring some grill-able food with you, as there is a grill.
See our roundup and reviews of other Champaign-Urbana parks and playgrounds here.