April News 23

Ages 6-12

Explore the endless possibilities of fun at the Douglass Community Center Summer Youth Program. Each week our daily activities will include games, crafts, trips to Sholem Aquatic Center, playtime at our splash pad, and more! The fee includes a t-shirt. Each child should bring a water bottle, swim suit, and towel daily. Children need to bring their own lunch and snack, please no peanuts/nut products.

No Program*: May 29, July 4
Day: M-F
Time: 7:30a–5:30p 
Location: Douglass Community Center
Fee (R/NR): $175/$225 per session

Ages 12-15

Have your teen hang out at Douglass this summer with the Douglass Teen Summer Program! Teens will volunteer in their community, take weekly field trips, go swimming at Sholem Aquatic Center, make friendships that will last a lifetime, and much more! Each participant should bring a water bottle, swim suit, and towel daily. Participants need to bring their own lunch and snack, please no peanuts/nut products.

No Program*: May 29, July 4
Day: M-F
Time: 7:30a–5:30p 
Location: Douglass Community Center
Fee (R/NR): $175/$225 per session

Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2573

DOUGLASS SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMS >>

Family with children ages Kindergarten – 5th grade

Grab your family and come learn about different sciences. This program is suitable for children in Kindergarten through 5th grade. Cena y Ciencias is a collaborative scientific outreach program in the bilingual community. Enjoy a free meal afterward. Everyone is welcome, but please note that this program is completely spoken in Spanish and is NOT a drop-off event. 

Date: April 3
Day: Monday 
Time: 5-7p
Fee: FREE
Location: Martens Center
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org

3rd – 7th Graders

Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Mathematics. This is what makes up STEAM. Various science organizations from UIUC, in partnership with X-Time, are excited to introduce you to the wonderful world of STEAM and all that it entails. This is NOT a drop off event.

• April 6 | Deadline: March 30 
• April 20 | Deadline: April 13
• May 4 | Deadline: April 27

Day: Thursday
Time: 4:30-6p
Fee: FREE, but registration is required for each session
Location: Martens Center 
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3973

FULL S.T.E.A.M. AHEAD W/S REGISTRATION >> 

FULL S.T.E.A.M. AHEAD SUMMER REGISTRATION >> 

Ages 5-11 

Put your creativity to work using recycled resources, glue, paint, and more! We supply the materials, you supply the creativity. New fun ideas will be posted in each 2-hour studio time slot. Let your inner Art Beast loose with us!

SPRINGER CULTURAL CENTER

• April 8 | Deadline: April 1
• May 6 | Deadline: April 29

MARTENS CENTER

• April 15 | Deadline: April 8
• May 13 | Deadline: May 6

Day: Saturday
Time: 10:30a-12:30p
Fee(R/NR): $15/$22.50
Questions: melanie.kahler@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3919

ART BEAST REGISTRATION >> 

Ages 12-15

Looking to get out of town and go on an adventure? Go on a Thrillcation! We will explore together and try it all. Each participant should pack a lunch and snacks.

4/21 | Go Ape!, Chicago

Dates: April 21
Deadline: March 8, April 14
Fee (R/NR): $66/$99
Location: Depart from Douglass Community Center
Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2573

THRILLCATIONS REGISTRATION >> 

Use the Summer Hiring Center on our website to learn about open positions, check out the Frequently Asked Questions before applying, and get insight from our hiring managers and current employees on why you should apply today! Click below to find out more about the summer positions available!

SUMMER HIRING CENTER >>

Here’s your chance to get in on the summer softball action early! We offer a variety of leagues that will fit your skill level, including Co-Rec, Women’s, and Men’s Leagues. Get moving with Adult Softball! Click below to learn more about leagues, fees, and deadlines.

ADULT SOFTBALL INFORMATION >>

Ages 3-7

llinois FC and the Champaign Park District offer Micro Soccer. Players should bring a soccer ball (preferably size 3), water bottle, and shin guards to each session. Soccer cleats are optional. All players receive a free t-shirt. For more details on Illinois FC Micro Soccer, visit www.illinoisfc.com.

The First Kicks (age 3) classes introduce players to soccer in a fun-filled learning environment. Games and activities promote soccer skills and overall athletic development.

The Pre-K Micro (ages 4-5) classes introduce players to dribbling, passing, shooting, and coordination and body movement activities in a fun-filled environment. Games and practice activities promote soccer skills and overall athletic development.

The Kindergarten Micro (ages 5-6) classes prepare kids for the Youth Soccer League. Focus is on helping each player reach their potential in a fun-filled and challenging environment. Dribbling, passing, shooting, ball control, decision-making, and creativity are emphasized. Team play is fostered through group exercises and small-sided matches.

The Soccer Academy (age 7) class is for those players looking for a more challenging playing environment. This class will help bridge the gap between the recreational and competitive player by focusing on technique training and strengthening fundamentals.

IFC MICRO SOCCER REGISTRATION >> 

Ages 18+

Enhance your pickleball skills this Spring through our Pickleball Skills and Drills Clinics. Classes will be led by our local pickleball club and all skill levels are welcome. The instructors will focus on the development of pickleball fundaments from drop shots, dinks, overhead smash, to serves, and ball placement. Come join the fun and learn a new skill.

Date: April 11 – 27, 2023
Day: Tu/Th
Time: 1-3p
Deadline: March 31
Location: Outdoor Pickleball Complex, 2203 W. John St.
Fee (R/NR): $81/$121.50
Late Registration: If there are openings, a $10 late fee will be added
Equipment Required: Pickleball Paddle
Instructor: Champaign-Urbana Pickleball
Questions: cody.flowers@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3983

SKILLS AND DRILLS REGISTRATION >>

Ages 7-13

The Champaign Park District and U of I Golf Course have teamed up to provide a 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 University of Illinois Golf Course is committed to making sure that children have the opportunity to learn, play, and enjoy golf.

Date: April 8 – May 13
Day: Saturday
Time: 1-2:15p
Deadline: March 31
Location: University of Illinois Golf Course
Equipment required: Golf clubs and golf attire
Fee (R/NR): $75/$112.50
Late registration: If there are openings, a $10 late fee will be added
Questions: cody.flowers@champaignparks.org

ORANGE AND BLUE GOLF CLINIC REGISTRATION >> 

Ages 3-6

Put your little one in our Bitty Ballers program! This program is designed to help children learn basic dribbling, passing, and shooting skills using our mini basketball hoops and lowered rims.

Location: Martens Center
Fee (R/NR): $46/$69
Deadline: April 1
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3973

BITTY BALLERS REGISTRATION >>

Ages 15+

Power Vinyasa Yoga helps improve strength, flexibility, balance, focus, and joy. The structure of this class is designed to include all bodies and levels with many modifications and variations. Notice the differences in your mind, body, breath. Bring a mat, 1 to 2 yoga blocks, and water.

No Class*: July 2
Fee (R/NR): $40/$60
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Simone Graham-Bickham
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843

POWER VINYASA YOGA SPRING REGISTRATION >>

POWER VINYASA YOGA SUMMER REGISTRATION >>

5th-8th Graders

One day – two great camps! Join us for our Girls Fast Pitch Softball Camps! All Skills Camp will focus on improving the fundamentals of the game including throwing, catching, fielding, hitting, and baserunning. The first half of the camp will focus on offensive instruction, and the second half of the camp will focus on defensive instruction.

Pitching/Catching Camp will focus on enhancing fundamentals of both positions. Learn new drills from local coaches and high school pitchers. Pitchers should come prepared with a catcher or parent willing to catch for them. Catcher’s gear not provided for drills, participants should bring their own set.

Camp | Time | Fee (R/NR)

All Skills Camp | 9a-12p | $52/$78

Pitching/Catching Camp | 12:30-2p | $32/$48

Date: April 22
Location: Zahnd Park – Field 1 & 2 (In case of inclement weather, camp will be held at Leonhard Recreation Center)
Deadline: April 10
Questions: justice.miller@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3984

GIRLS FAST PITCH SOFTBALL CAMPS REGISTRATION >>

Join our 50 Plus! program to socialize, adventure, and learn!  Individuals aged 50+ living in Champaign-Urbana join for an annual fee of $30. Those outside of Champaign-Urbana pay $40. Non-members are always welcome to participate at the non-member (NM) fee, varies per program.

BENEFITS

• Discounted rates on many programs at both Hays Recreation Center and Douglass Annex.
• Members get advanced early registration for the yearly senior trip.
• Free admission to several annual events plus these programs: Games, Fitness, Brown Bag Lunch Discussions, Socials, Picnics, and more.

FREEBIES FOR ALL

• Fresh coffee weekday mornings.
• Table area to play cards/gather (based on availability).

BECOME A MEMBER

It’s easy to become a member! Register at any Champaign Park District facility, and you’ll be entered into our system to automatically receive member discounts on programming. Membership is nontransferable.

• M = Member
• NM = Non-member

The weather is changing and it’s time to start our trips back up. Van space is limited, so hurry and register! All trips start from Douglass Annex.

• March 29 | Lincoln Library and Museum. Cost of lunch NOT included
  • Deadline: March 22
  • Time: 9a-4p
  • Fee: $20
• April 26 | Peoria River Front Museum. Cost of lunch NOT included
  • Deadline: April 19
  • Time: 9a-4p
  • Fee: $20
• May 26 | St. Louis. Cost of lunch NOT included
  • Deadline: May 19
  • Time: 9a-4p
  • Fee: $40

Day: Wednesday
Questions: Call Robert at 217-819-3691 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org

Sign up at Douglass Annex

Better Health provides nutrition information, tasty, low-cost, nutritious recipes, and tips on staying physically fit. This class is specifically designed for seniors. Each class will cover new and different information – try one or more!

Day: Monday, April 10
Deadline: April 5
Time: 11a-12:20p
Fee (R/NR): FREE!, but registration required for each date
Location: Martens Center
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843

We cover it all, from your favorite classics to new premier movies at our Movie Mondays. Come view a different movie every Monday and we will provide the popcorn and beverages.

Date: Monday, April 10
Time: 12p
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Location: Douglass Annex
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org

Enjoy a delectable, leisurely lunch with friends. Pass around pictures of grandkids or share a funny story. There’s nothing like bonding over a meal! Meet us at the restaurant.

Date | Location | Deadline 

• April 12 | Culver’s | Deadline: April 11

Day: Wednesday
Time: 11a
Fee: Cost of your meal
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org

Sign up in the Senior Binder at Hays Recreation Center or call 217-239-1152

TGIF! End your week with fun people and a game of bingo. Prepare to have a great time! Champaign Park District will provide the prizes.

Deadline: Must register weekly by 7 days prior to the program date

HAYS RECREATION CENTER

Date:4/7, 4/21
Day: Friday
Time: 10a-12p
Fee (M/NM): Free/ $3 per session
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152

Sign up at Hays Recreation Center or call 217-239-1152

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 much more.

Day: Thursday, April 13
Time: 1-2:30p
Location: Douglass Annex
Deadline: Call and register for specific dates
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org

Live music, finger food, decorations, dancing and fun! What more could you ask for at this celebration for our senior members?

Date: Thursday, April 20
Time: 12-1p
Location: Hays Recreation Center
Deadline: April 13
Fee: Bring a side dish or $4
Questions: email veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org or call 217-239-1152

For more information, visit our 50 Plus! Page >>

This April, the Champaign Park District has plenty of opportunities to participate in Egg Hunts. Look over the following list and choose which events you want to attend!

April 1

• Bunny Open House – 10:30-11:30a
  • Hop over to Douglass Community Center to take pictures and receive a sweet treat from the Bunny!
• Eggsploration – 12 -1p
  • Join us for a good old-fashioned egg hunt at Douglass Park. Remember your basket for your goodies. Hunt for ages 0-4 (parents may help) will start promptly at 12pm. Hunt for ages 5-10 will follow immediately after the first hunt.

April 7

• Nite Lite Egg Pursuit – 7:10-8:30p
  • Break out your basket, grab your flashlight, and prepare your inner child as you hunt for eggs filled with prizes. Be on the lookout for the Bronze, Silver, and Gold eggs for a chance to win some great prize packages! Eggs disappear quickly so don’t be late!
  • *NEW LOCATION: Dodds Park 4-Plex

April 8

• Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt – 10a-12p
  • Hop on down to West Side Park for one of the largest egg hunts in C-U! Free Hayrack Rides from 10a-12p (weather permitting). Remember to bring your basket! (Ages 10 & Under (Children are divided into age groups))

April 9

• Sensory Egg Hunt – 12p
  • The hunt is on! Celebrate spring and enjoy some family fun at Prairie Farm. Hunters should bring a basket to search high and low for colorful eggs. Be prepared to explore your senses while searching for special eggs with lights, sounds, and textures. After the hunt, treats and social time will be enjoyed by all.

CPD EVENT CALENDAR >>

Part of the fun of making art is displaying it. Budding artists and art enthusiasts are encouraged to enter their work in this local amateur show. There will be a recorded critique by the juror on the last day of the show. The juror will discuss the art, point out good technique, and offer helpful suggestions to those artists wishing to refine their talent. Town & Country shows are held throughout the state to encourage quality work by amateur artists. Blue ribbon winners from local shows are eligible to participate in the State Town and Country Art Show in the fall.

Date: April 1 – 29
Location: Springer Cultural Center

Town & Country Amateur Art Show >>

All Ages

Looking for a class volunteer project or a new way to bring the family together? Join us in making a difference at one of Champaign-Urbana’s natural treasures. Help restore the beauty of the Boneyard Creek in Champaign, Urbana, and Campustown by participating in this organized clean-up. Be on site to register at 9am. Free lunch will follow!

Visit boneyardcreek.org for more information. >>

Date: April 22
Location: Scott Park
Rain date: TBD

Boneyard Creek >>

Catch a movie or a performance at the historic Virginia Theatre! Make sure to follow the Virginia Theatre’s Facebook and Instagram to know when a new show has been added, when a movie is showing or to enter a ticket giveaway!

APRIL EVENTS:

• March 30-April 1: Krannert Center at the Virginia: Dance at Illinois Downtown
• April 13-15: Krannert Center at the Virginia: Dance at Illinois Downtown
• April 19-22: Ebertfest 2023
• April 26: Let the Right One In
• April 27: Ghostbusters
• April 29: Fantasia

Click below to explore events and purchase tickets!

The Virginia Theatre >>

Are you ready for Summer? Our Summer Program Guide released on March 13th and we have tons of activities for you and your family to enjoy! Click through our virtual program guide and start registering!

*Non-residents of Champaign-Urbana may begin registering for programs beginning Thursday, March 23rd.

CPD Program Guide >>

Use the Summer Hiring Center on our website to learn about open positions, check out the Frequently Asked Questions before applying, and get insight from our hiring managers and current employees on why you should apply today! Click below to find out more about the summer positions available!

SUMMER HIRING CENTER >>

Because some residents are unable to participate in recreation programs due to economic hardship, the Champaign Park District offers scholarships to reduce certain fees and charges. We now offer both scholarship and registration forms in Spanish! Fill out the form and submit the completed packet in one of the three ways listed on the form.

Questions: Please call 217-398-2550

Scholarship Opportunities >>