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Are you ready for some summer fun? The Explore! Summer Program Guide releases on March 13, 2023! Registration begins Monday, March 13 for Residents of C-U and Thursday, March 23 for Non-Residents of C-U!
Youth & Teen
3rd-7th Grade
Science. Technology. Engineering. Art. Mathematics. It’s Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead! 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.
- March 2 | Deadline: February 23
- March 16 | Deadline: March 9
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
Spring Break is near and school will be out! Click below to find activities to do while your child is on break.
Date: March 8-17
Location: Douglass Community Center, Leonhard Recreation Center, CUSR Center
Ages 12-15
Looking to get out of town and go on an adventure? We will explore together and try it all. Each participant should pack a lunch and snacks.
3/10 | Upper Limits, Bloomington
3/15 | Defy Trampoline Park, Indy
Time: 9a-5p
Fee(R/NR): $66/$99
Deadline: March 3, March 8
Location: Depart from Douglass Community Center
Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2573
Summer is approaching which means it’s time to sign your kiddos up for our Summer Youth Programs (formerly known as Day Camp)! Take a peak into our programs and start preparing for registration which opens on March 13th for C-U residents and March 23rd for Non-Residents of C-U. You can choose from Douglass, Leonhard, Springer Cultural Center, or CUSR. Mark you calendars!
6th-12th Graders
This acting class will be a deep dive into scene work with partners and small groups. We will be learning acting techniques, script analysis, and getting up on our feet every day to work on multiple scenes with classmates. This is a great active class for anyone wanting to try a variety of acting work, and accessible for anyone who is new or experienced.
There is a $35 non-refundable fee for this program.
Date: March 20 – March 29
Time: 6-8p
Day: M/Tu/W
Location: M/Tu – Springer Cultural Center; W – Hays Recreation Center
Fee (R/NR): $50/$75
Deadline: March 13
Questions: alexis.webb@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376
Ages 11+ | Level: Intermediate
Discover and create the excitement of anime and manga with a focus on feminine characters with our Girl Power Anime and Manga Class! Students will create engaging characters with a focus on emotion, costumes, and coloring. Learn how artists develop and apply their individual style to their work. This class may be repeated to continue developing skills. A supply list of around $80 will print a the time of registration.
Prerequisite: Anime & Manga: How To Draw Characters
There is a $25 non-refundable fee for this program.
Date: March 21 – April 25
Day: Tuesday
Time: 6-7:30p
Deadline: March 14
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: michelle.olden@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3909
Ages 13-17
Teens will learn hand-building techniques to create functional and sculptural pieces, and be introduced to working on the pottery wheel. New 90 minute class gives teens more time to create unique pieces and express themselves. All ability and experience levels are welcome. Fee includes all clay, glazes, tools, and firing costs. Pieces will be ready in approximately 2 weeks.
Date: March 25 – April 29
Day: Saturday
Deadline: March 18
Time: 10-11:30a
Location: Spring Cultural Center
Fee (R/NR): $113/$163
Questions: kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376
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!
Sports & Fitness
Total Body Sculpt is the perfect blend of cardio, strength training, flexibility, and stability. Come join us for a fun, low-impact class that will target muscles from your head to your toes! Please bring your own mat.
Date: March 6 – April 10
Day: Monday
Time: 9-9:45a
Fee (R/NR): $40/$60
Deadline: March 2
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Sophie Richardson
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
Ages 18+
A dance party for beginners and seniors, Zumba Gold offers fun and easy moves to Latin and other international rhythms at a slightly slower pace than traditional Zumba.
- March 11 – May 6* | Sa | Deadline: March 4
No Class*: April 8
Time: 9-9:45a
Fee (R/NR): $50/$75
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: Rena Leake
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
1st-8th Grade ( VOLUNTEER COACHES NEEDED! )
Learn hard work, teamwork, and social skills while having a great time at Youth Soccer! The leagues focus on fun, sportsmanship, fundamental instruction, and opportunity. All players will receive approximately equal playing time, minimum 50% playing time. Each league uses soccer balls, goals, and fields proportional to their age as recommended by the U.S. Youth Soccer. All teams will play six officiated games on Saturdays or on weeknights (depending on the league). Older ages (3rd grade+) will also play in an end of season tournament.
TIMELINE:
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- Deadline to Register – March 5
- Coaches Contact – Week of March 20
- Coaches Meeting – March 14th @ 6pm at Leonhard Center
- Practices Begin – Week of March 20
- Games Begin – April 1
Questions: justice.miller@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3984
Ages 6-12 (as of January 1, 2023)
The Champaign Park District has joined the Greater Champaign County Girls Softball League. The league is an instructional girls fastpitch softball program that is designed to enhance players’ skills while enjoying recreational play. Teams will play home and away games against other teams in the area such as Mahomet, Urbana, St. Joseph, and Fisher.
- Deadline to Register: March 21
- Coaches Meeting: March 28 @ 6pm at Leonhard Center
- Coaches Contact: Week of April 3
- Practices Begin: Week of April 10
- Games Begin: Week of April 24
Program Fees (R/NR) (includes a team shirt):
U8: $82/$123
U10: $108/$158
U12: $140/$190
Deadline: March 21
Volunteer Coaches: If interested in coaching, contact volunteer@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3926 by April 3 at 6p.
Questions: justice.miller@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3984
Ages 15+
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.
| Park | Block Hours | Price | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial Pavilion>> | 10a-3p or 4-9p | $120 per block | Parking, Grills, Drinking Fountains, Sholem Aquatic Center (Opens Memorial Day), Picnic Tables, Playground |
| Douglass Pavilion>> | 9a-2p or 3-8p | $90 per block | Basketball Court (not lighted), Drinking Fountains, Grills, Picnic Tables, Playgrounds, Splash Pad (Memorial day through Labor Day), Restrooms |
| Bristol Park Pavilion>> | 9a-2p or 3-8p | $90 per block | Paths/Sidewalk, Playground |
| West Side Park Gazebo >> | 10a-3p or 4-9p | $90 per block | Paths/Sidewalk, Playground |
| Hessel Pavilion >> | 9a-2p or 3-8p | $120 per block | Drinking Fountain, Grills, Parking, Playground, Restrooms, Splash Pad (Memorial Day through Labor Day), Picnic Tables |
50 Plus!
Join our 50 Plus Program! Socialize, adventure, and learn with the Champaign Park District!
BENEFITS
- Discounted rates on many programs at both Hays Recreation Center (HRC) and Douglass Annex (DA).
- Free admission to several annual events, plus these programs: Cards and Games, Bridge Group, Bunco, Trivia, Wii, Chair Exercises, and Munchies at Hays (HRC); Open Game Day, Chair Exercises, and Computers 101 (DA).
- Members get advance registration for the yearly senior trip.
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.
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!
Date: March 13
Time: 11a-12:10p
Fee (R/NR): FREE!, but registration required for each date
Deadline: March 8
Location: Martens Center
Questions: katherine.hicks@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3843
Join us as we explore and play on these delightful day trips! All trips start from Hays Center.
March 15: Illinois Route 66 Hall of Fame & Museum. Cost of lunch not included.
Day: Wednesday
Time: 9:30a-4p
Fee: $10*
Deadline: March 8
*Individuals need to bring additional money for lunch and a tip.
Questions: Call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
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: 3/3, 3/17
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
DOUGLASS ANNEX
Date: 3/25
Day: Friday
Time: 1-2p
Fee (M/NM): Free/$3 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Douglass Annex
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: March 13
Day: Monday
Time: 12p
Fee (M/NM): Free/$3 per session
Location: Douglass Annex
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Events & More
This musical is an incredibly beautiful and highly underrated production based off of the world-renowned, Academy nominated movie of the same title. Amélie is an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. But when a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart. With a gorgeous new score and the same charming story as the film, this musical is witty, imaginative, touching, and lyrical as the ensemble knits together the power of connection and possibility.
*Please note this is the teen version, meaning modifications have been made to the script to alter any inappropriate content in dialogue. None of the music or story has been altered.
Performance Dates & Location: March 2-4, 7p and March 4, 12p at Virginia Theatre
Part of the fun of making art is displaying it. Budding artists and art enthusiasts are encouraged to enter their work in the Town & Country Amateur Art Show!
Youth Entry Fee: $6 first entry/$4 each additional entry
Adult Entry Fee: $10 first entry/$8 each additional entry
Entry Form Deadline: March 10, 2023
Artwork Delivery Date: March 20, 2023
It’s time to register for Summer Programming! Keep an eye out for our Summer Program Guide releasing on March 13th so that you’re ready to register for some summer fun.
Resident Registration Begins: March 13
Non-Resident Registration Begins: March 23
Catch a movie or a performance at the historic Virginia Theatre!
MARCH EVENTS:
- March 2-4: Amelie: The Musical, presented by CPD Youth Theatre
- March 8: Everything Everywhere All at Once
- March 16: Dirty Dancing
- March 18: A Night at the Opera (1935)
- March 23: The Pirates of Penzance
- March 30-April 1: Krannert Center at the Virginia: Dance at Illinois Downtown
Click below to explore events and purchase tickets!
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!
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
