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Youth & Teen
The primary purpose of the Junior Lifeguard Academy is to increase participants’ self-confidence, physical conditioning, and safety awareness by providing a thorough introduction to water safety, first aid, and aquatic rescue techniques. The goal of this program is to provide participants with the skills necessary to apply for lifeguarding positions with the Champaign Park District after they turn 15. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards comfortably in a reasonable amount of time and should also have an interest in learning about aquatic rescue techniques. Academy class beings July 11.
Successful completion will qualify participant for an expedited hiring process after turning 15.
Register by July 3
People of all ages can learn to fish at Learn to Fish clinics run by the Illinois Department of
Natural Resources. Individuals and groups are invited to join us at Kaufman Lake. Each clinic will have two portions: education and actual fishing. The education portion will last about 45 minutes and focus on safety, fishing techniques, proper ethics and aquatic ecology. Fishing equipment and bait will be provided. Registration for this program is required.
Children under the age of 18 SHOULD be supervised by an adult. Children under the age of 13 MUST be supervised by an adult.
Multiple dates throughout July
Join members of the Champaign-Urbana Astronomical Society, Inc. on Saturday, July 2 for an evening under the stars. At CUAS Family Skywatch, you can see the stars and planets through the largest public telescope in East Central Illinois. All skywatch sessions are cancelled in the event of cloudy weather (visit cuas.org.)
No registration required
En Garde! Looking for something more than just the same old sport camp? Add some excitement to your summer vacation with the Cavalier Fencing Camps. We have a variety of camp experiences for the beginner and the more experienced youth fencer. All fencing equipment is provided.
Multiple dates in July
Come and learn the basic fundamentals of cheerleading at our Introduction to Cheerleading! Various cheers, motions, jumps, stunts, and kicks will be explored each class. Improve self-confidence, physical conditioning, and teamwork skills in a fun social setting. The class is for ages 4-9 and begins July 12.
Register by July 5
Let the creative juices flow! In Creative Writing for Kids, participants will use their own natural talent of creativity and imagination to learn how to effectively develop and write their own stories. Each session covers different activities and topics. Taught by a Language in Action, Inc. instructor live on Zoom on Wednesdays from July 13 to August 3. Zoom login information will be emailed to participants before each session.
Register by July 6
Learn the foundations of theatre and performing in Theatre Fun 101. This two-week class is guaranteed to be super educational and fun! Encourage your child to explore their creativity as we go through the process of learning about acting, writing our own short plays, discovering what kind of directors we are, all ending in performances of our own work. This is a very hands-on class and the perfect way to round out your summer before school returns. Class runs Monday through Friday beginning on July 25.
Register by July 18
If you are at least 13 years of age, enthusiastic, hardworking, and willing to learn, we can coordinate volunteer hours for you. This is a great opportunity to acquire new skills, gain valuable work experience, and complete high school volunteer hours. Teen volunteers are permitted to work a maximum of 25 hours per week. A waiver must be printed, signed and mailed/dropped off:
Volunteer Coordinator – Jarod Lake
Hays Recreation Center
1311 W. Church St., Champaign IL 61821
For more information, please contact Jarod at volunteer@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3926
Sports & Fitness
Whether you’re looking to get fit, improve your mood, or enjoy one of the simple pleasures of summer – Lap Swimming is just what the doctor ordered. Lap swimmers do not share the lanes with swim team or any other groups – so feel free to stretch out and Carpe Piscinam: Seize the Pool! For those who can’t attend Lap Swim, lap lanes are protected during most open swim hours with some exceptions on weekends and holidays. Feel free to call ahead to check on lane availability.
Lap Swim | Date | Day | Time
- 6/6-8/12 | M-F | 6:30-7:30a and 6:15-8p
- 6/4-8/14 | Sa & Su | 8-10:45a and 7:15-8p
Are you less than comfortable in the water? Then check out our Adult Swim Lessons. Basic swimming and self-rescue skills are taught in an environment that is within your comfort zone. The class size is designed ton be small so that every swimmer gets the attention needed to achieve swimming goals.
Sessions All Summer
River Run is a fun way to work towards better health and fitness with low impact water running/walking in Sholem’s Lazy River. We will have the river current turned on and flowing. All walking/running will be against the current for added resistance. This is a self-guided/self-paced program. Feel free to bring your water weights for a more intense workout. All we ask is that all participating be respectful of those around them (no swimming, playing with toys, splashing, etc.). Enjoy this WET (in the water) opportunity to walk/run your way to better health and fitness.
Water shoes are highly recommended for better traction in the river, but not required.
Date: June 4-August 14*
Time:
- Daily: 8-10:45a
- Monday-Friday: 6:15-8p
- Saturday & Sunday: 7:15-8p
No Program: 6/11, 6/18, 7/4, 7/8, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 8/5, 8/12*
Fee (R/NR): $5/$7.50 per person or FREE for pool pass holders.
Questions: brittany.fairfield@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3985
What is Yogalates? Yogalates is a blend of yoga and Pilates. It is a fitness routine that combines Pilates exercises with the postures and breathing techniques of yoga. It improves flexibility and strengthens the body. Class takes place on Saturdays starting July 9 to August 20.
Register by July 2
50 Plus!
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. You can play Bingo at Hays Recreation Center or Douglass Annex. Check our 50 Plus! Page for more information.
Beginners and active seniors; enjoy fun music, easy-to-follow moves, and a friendly atmosphere in Forever Fit. This class improves flexibility, joint stability, balance, coordination, muscular strength, and endurance. We combine light cardio (to strengthen heart and lungs) with strength training to make this a workout you’ll look forward to. The class takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays beginning July 6th.
Register by June 29
The Crafts program is back! Join us on Tuesdays at Hays Recreation Center for some DIY crafts featuring fun new projects and your creativity! We’ll provide the supplies, you provide the creativity.
For Questions, Call DeBorah at 217-239-1152
Who doesn’t love a good movie? At Movie Mondays we cover it all, from your favorite classics to recent releases. Movies are better with snacks, so feel free to bring your own to the Douglass Annex on Monday, July 11.
For Questions, Call Robert at 217-398-2572
We’re opening Sholem early for 50 Plus! Enjoy this chance to relax at the pool and enjoy the summer sun without any disruptions. Senior Swim Day is July 23 from 8-10:45a. Concessions will be open with a limited menu.
For Questions, Call Brittany Fairfield at 217-819-3985
Events & More
Facilities and programming will be closed on Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day with the exception of Sholem Aquatic Center and Prairie Farm.
Even with its pinky out, grass NEEEEEDS water. The lack of rain and high temperatures have caused the grass in parks to begin to go dormant as a protective measure.
- Firework use in parks is illegal
- Do not pour used charcoal into grass or at the base of trees
- Do not flick cigarettes into grassy areas
Friday Night Flix is a great way to enjoy a movie under the stars. We’ll have food trucks on-site to satisfy any cravings you may have. Movies are shown at Hessel Park and begin at dusk.
- July 1 | Sing 2
- July 29 | Viva Las Vegas
Grab a picnic blanket, pack your foldable chairs, and join us at Hessel Park for a free concert! On Saturday, July 2 you can hear the acoustic pop of singer-songwriter Anika Emily.
Saturday, July 2 from 1-3p
Join us for live local music in the streets of Downtown Champaign at Streetfest. Enjoy local food and drinks available from your favorite downtown establishments and listen to some great CU talent. On Saturday, July 9 you can hear Kavi Naidu, Afro D and Global Soundwaves, and Candy Foster.
Saturday, July 9 from 5-10p
Keep it classy with our Jazz in the Park series. These free concerts take place in parks all over Champaign and feature excellent jazz musicians. June’s show at Morrissey Park will feature Almost A.
Thursday, July 14 from 6-8p
Platinum-selling and GRAMMY-nominated singer & actor Chris Isaak will be performing at the Virginia Theatre with his longtime band Silvertone. Experience his 1950’s rock and roll style on Tuesday, July 12.
Tickets on Sale Now
We celebrate parks and recreation every day of the year, but here are some special ways that we are going to celebrate with the community. Join us at the below dates and locations where we will be giving out some park swag and prizes! We Rise Up with our community for Parks and Recreation month!
- Thursday, July 7, 10am – 11am, Douglass Park
- Tuesday, July 12, 4pm – 5pm, Spalding Park
- Sunday, July 17, 11am – 12pm, Hessel Park
- Wednesday, July 27, 2pm – 3pm, Centennial Park
The Champaign Park District has a variety of spaces available for rent that can suit almost any need from a small meeting to a large sports tournament or trade show. For information about rentals or birthdays at a particular facility, please visit that facility’s page. For facility rental fees and policies, see the attachments in the left-hand sidebar. The rental coordinator for each facility will help you get more information about your rental including any necessary Rental Agreement Forms. For general assistance, contact info@champaignparks.org or call 217-398-2550 and we’d be happy to help!
Shelters, Pavilions, & Fire Rings Available Now
