July is Parks and Recreation Month! This year’s Park and Recreation Month theme — “Where You Belong” — celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connection.
The values of NRPA are represented as 3 pillars that can provide positivity in the community. These pillars are the following:
- Equity
- Equity and access are important values of the Champaign Park District, whose mission is to improve the lives of the community and those around us.
- Equitable access means that no resident should be prevented from enjoying Park District amenities or participating in programs/events regardless of income, race, gender, geography, or ability.
- Climate-Readiness
- Climate change is expected to increase extreme weather events in Central Illinois, resulting in an increase of heat waves, thunderstorms, and blizzards.
- Environmental sustainability not only improves the ecological function of parks, but also improves resource use such as energy or water use.
- Health and Well-Being
- Health and Wellness can be affected by health behaviors such as diet and exercise, access to healthcare, social factors such as education, and the physical environment.
- Organized sport & fitness programs such as softball leagues or water aerobics are examples of ways recreation provides healthy lifestyle options.
- Providing scholarships to programming and fitness center memberships, Champaign Park District can help improve at risk children and families in being more healthy and active.
Find a Park/Trail Near You!
Get outdoors this Parks and Recreation Month! Click below to find a park and trail near you.
Upcoming Events
Hessel Park Concert – July 6
This summer, gather your friends, family, and neighbors for our Hessel Park Concerts.
Band | Magnolia Janes
Time: 6-8p
Thursday Night Flix – July 11
Grab your blankets and get ready for a magical evening under the stars with our Thursday Night Flicks!
Movie | Top Gun: Maverick
Time: 9:15p
Unplug Illinois Day – July 13
Unplug Illinois works locally and statewide, from the smallest park and recreation agency to the largest in Illinois. Unplug Illinois encourages people to ‘plug into’ all the recreational opportunities local park and recreation agencies offer. It communicates how parks deliver value in people’s lives and communities, parks provide healthier, sustainable communities and play delivers benefits to all.
Take this day to explore our parks, trails, and facilities on your own without electronic devices!
THE ILLIAC at Hessel Park – July 13
The promoters of PYGMALION have partnered with the Champaign Park District and are proud to announce THE ILLIAC, in Hessel Park in Champaign, Illinois on Saturday, July 13th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Date: July 13
Time: 4-9p
Location: Hessel Park
Jazz in the Park – July 25
This summer, join us for an unforgettable series of Jazz in the Park concerts, where friends, family, and neighbors come together to enjoy live music in the great outdoors.
Band | The Craig Russo Latin Jazz Project
Time: 6-8p
Location: Commissioners Park
Day in the Park – July 28
Come one, come all to our exciting Day in the Park event, where fun knows no bounds and admission is free! Step into a carnival atmosphere filled with games, music, delicious food, and endless entertainment. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to experience a day of pure fun and excitement at the park!
Time: 1-3p
Location: Robeson Park
Click below to find more upcoming events around the district!
