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Youth Programs
The Champaign Park District and U of I Golf Course have teamed up to provide the Orange and Blue Youth Golf Clinic for the community. Experienced and new players welcome, these clinics will focus on developing the proper skills for kids to begin playing the game of golf. The clinic meets on Saturdays from April 9 to May 14. The University of Illinois Golf Course is committed to making sure that children have the opportunity to learn, play, and enjoy golf. Come join us!
Register by April 1
Unleash your inner creative creature at Art Beast! Participants ages 5-11 will create works of art using recycled materials. Join us Saturday, April 9. All materials are supplied in this fun and affordable workshop.
Register by April 2
Bunnies, chicks, and flowers, oh my! Ever wonder about what kinds of amazing things happen in the Spring? At Spring Sprouts we will be exploring all things Spring while playing fun games, enjoying themed activities, and making fun art. Each child should bring a snack and lunch in a disposable container. This School’s Out Day program takes place on Friday, April 15 from 7:30 to 5:30. Please no peanuts/nut products. COVID-19 guidelines will be enforced and followed.
Register by April 8
With spring just around the corner, your children will enjoy getting dirty as they explore the world of gardening at Project Grow. We will learn about plants and care, plant seedlings to start indoors, and enjoy some spring crafts to take home. This School’s Out Day program takes place on Friday, April 15 from 7:30 to 5:30. Please pack a morning snack and a sack lunch. No peanut/nut products, please. COVID-19 guidelines will be enforced and followed.
Register by April 8
The Central Illinois Esports League is an Esports program ran by Normal Parks and Recreation, Champaign Park District and Decatur Park District. The goal of the program is to provide Esports Leagues and Tournaments in Fortnite and Rocket League that allow players from surrounding communities to compete in popular game titles in a safe and encouraging environment. All players will be placed in the appropriate age division and will be required to agree to the League’s Code of Conduct prior to participation. Program Benefits include, improved hand-eye coordination, improved attention & visual acuity, improved basic visual processing and executive function, problem solving & strategy skill development.
Register by April 12
Sports & Fitness
The Champaign Park District is excited to bring Women’s Basketball Leagues back to the community! Come join the fun, meet new people, and stay in shape over friendly competition. Experience the great atmosphere of the Leonhard Recreation Center’s Gymnasium this summer. All COVID safety protocols will be followed to ensure the safety of participants & staff. The season will consist of six games from June 16-July 16, 2022 followed by a playoff week.
Don’t have a team? Call 217-398-2550 or email cody.flowers@champaignparks.org to be registered as a Free Agent!
Register your team or as a Free Agent by May 31
Youth & Adult Softball Officials Needed! Have you ever thought about becoming a sport official? Now is your chance! Join the Champaign Park District team. Apply on our mobile app or online today!
Sports Officials can be ages 13+.
Looking for some unstructured time on the court? Leonhard Recreation Center posts an open gym schedule every two weeks for Basketball, Pickleball, Volleyball, and Badminton times. Open gym requires a second pair of shoes. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own equipment, but a limited number of basketballs and other equipment is available by request. Find more information at the link below.
Come join the Champaign Park District Pickleball Tournament! Housed in our gymnasium at the Leonhard Recreation Center, each session will be comprised of a maximum of 8 teams in a round robin event the weekend of May 6. Top four teams will move on to the single elimination tournament. This tournament is recreation-based and non-sanctioned.
Register by April 17
Registration is now open for Aquatics Programs at Sholem! Whether you’re looking for water aerobics or swim lessons, Sholem has the program for you. Season pool passes are available for a discount if purchased before May 1. Find more information at the link below.
50 Plus!
Join our 50 Plus! Program to socialize, adventure, and learn! Membership runs
May 1 – April 30 each year. Individuals aged 50+ living in Champaign-Urbana join for an annual fee of $20 before October 31, or $10 beginning November 1. Those outside of Champaign-Urbana pay $30 before October 31, or $15 beginning November 1. Non-members are always welcome to participate at the non-member (NM) fee, varies per program.
Refresh yourself on driving safety at Rules of the Road on Friday, April 15. There is NO driving test given at this class and it will not affect your insurance rate.
Register by April 8 at the Hays Building or Call DeBorah at 217-239-1152
Love surprises? Come out to Bingo Eggstravaganza where your bingo prize is hidden within an egg. This game takes place at the Douglass Annex on Friday, April 15.
Register by April 8 at the Douglass Center or Call Robert at 217-398-2573
Whether you would like to learn about email or even troubleshoot some sort of tech, this class is perfect for you. In Tech Talk, you will have the chance to learn about computer basics, how to use your mobile device, apps, the internet, and so much more on Thursday, April 14.
Register by April 7 at the Douglass Center or Call Robert at 217-398-2573
Join a group of seniors for delicious food and lively conversation at a couple of our local restaurants for Supper Club Night. We’ll be meeting at Jupiter’s at the Crossing on Wednesday, April 20. Treat yourself – you deserve it!
Register by April 11 at the Douglass Center or Call Robert at 217-398-2573
Enjoy a delectable, leisurely lunch with friends at Lunch Bunch. Pass around pictures of grandkids or share a funny story. There’s nothing like bonding over a meal! Meet us at Perkins on Wednesday, April 13.
Register by April 12 at the Hays Building or Call DeBorah at 217-239-1152
Chair Exercise sessions focus on providing you with a great workout while in the support of a chair. Focus on stretch and strength, core fitness, and yoga. No matter your preference, you are sure to burn calories! Classes take place at both Hays and Douglass.
For the Hays Building, call DeBorah at 217-239-1152.
For the Douglass Center, call Robert at 217-398-2573
Events & More
Join the Champaign Park District’s Dance Arts Conservatory for two live performances of new and original works. Our Dance Arts Conservatory is excited to be returning to the Virginia Theatre stage after a two-year hiatus! The Dance Arts Gala is a celebration of the program’s students, staff, families, and friends who have kept us going through the pandemic.
This year’s performances on April 1 & 2 will include excerpts from ballet classics by the Dance Arts Conservatory and the debut of the Dance Arts Company with new and original works created specifically for our dancers.
Tickets on Sale Now
We’re offering a variety of Egg Hunts and Bunny events this month! These include CUSR’s Sensory Egg Hunt, the Bunny Open House and Eggs-ploration at Douglass, Eggstravaganza at West Side Park, and the Nite Lite Egg Pursuit at Hessel. Whether you’re 1 or 100, we have an egg event for you! Find more information at the link below.
The Eddie Albert Gardens are located in Dodds Park at 1501 North Mattis Avenue in Champaign. Eddie Albert Community Garden plots are available for everyone – from the experienced gardener to the beginner. The gardening season officially begins on April 1. Water will be turned on mid April.
Ebertfest returns to the Virginia Theatre! Film selections include The 39 Steps, Ghost, World, and The White Tiger among others. All festival passes purchased for the previously scheduled 2021 Ebertfest will be honored by the Virginia Theatre at the event in April, 2022. Ebertfest will be a Reserved Seating event with patrons able to choose their own seats.
Tickets and Passes on Sale Now
Here’s your opportunity to get started in this fun and exciting hobby. In our Introduction to Model Rocketry will give a short presentation on what is involved in building and flying model rockets and how anyone can get involved in the hobby on Tuesday, May 3. Pre-registration is required. For further information, call 217-359-8225 or visit ciarocketry.org
Register by April 27
Heartsaver CPR and First Aid covers topics ranging from heart attacks and strokes to animal bites and allergic reactions. Also covered is CPR for the adult, child and infant victims and AED use. A CPR certification card will be given after successful completion of class on Saturday, April 16.
Register by April 8
Known as the King of Rant, Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. His comedic brilliance makes people laugh at life’s hypocrisies and the insanity he sees in the world. Tickets are currently on sale for his show at the Virginia Theatre on Sunday, May 1. The performance may include adult subjects/language – for mature audiences.
Tickets on Sale Now
Looking for a summer position? Check out our Summer Hiring Center! You can find job opportunities, FAQ’s, and information about different departments. Whether you want to work with kids, take care of animals, or splash at the pool, we have the job for you.
