Champaign, IL
Open Hours: M-F: 8:00a – 6:00p Sat & Sun: Open for programming only
The Douglass Community Center is a multi-use facility equipped with one full-size gymnasium (including 6 basketball hoops) and a classroom. Douglass hosts youth basketball, summer youth programs, school out day programming, special events including CU Days and birthday parties and rentals. The Douglass Community Center is proud to serve the residents of the Douglass Park area and beyond.
Douglass Community Center Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8:00a – 6:00p
Saturday & Sunday: Open for programming only
Phone: 217-398-2573
Open Gym
Open gym is available at the Douglass Community Center when the gym is not being used for programs. Please bring an extra pair of shoes and, if possible, your own equipment. A limited amount of equipment is available to borrow – CPD household account required. Douglass front desk staff can create an account free of charge. Please note that, at times, scheduled open gym hours may be cancelled due to Champaign Park District programs or facility rentals.
Scheduled Open Gym Hours:
Youth & Teen (M – F): 8a -3p
Family (M – F): 3:30-5:30p
Fee (R/NR): $6/$9 per visit
Program Registration
To see all current Douglass Community Center programming, or to register for a program, please visit our Registration page.
Rental Information
The Douglass Community Center gym is available to rent for tournaments, trade shows, and other gatherings. Douglass does not have any other rooms or spaces available for rent aside from the gym. Find more information at our Rental Information page below.
History
- In July of 1941 neighborhood residents formed "The Douglass Community Service Center Committee" who kicked off fundraising efforts to address the inadequate, segregated facilities which served the black community at the time.
- By 1943, the group acquired land for a new facility adjacent to Douglass Park.
- In September of 1943 the group completed a second proposal to the federal government for a grant to fund facility construction. This grant application was successful, and the federal government agreed to pay $18,500 towards the construction of the facility provided that the community could raise an additional $14,500. These additional funds were raised from various groups including the black community ($3000), Home and War Chest Organization ($2500), City of Champaign Recreation Department ($3500), City of Urbana ($2000), and the remainder was funded by individual donations.
- The new facility broke ground on February 18, 1945. The original construction cost of the 17,058 sq. ft building was $35,000.
- The Douglass Community Center was dedicated on September 23, 1945.
Grants
- 2010: $10,408 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant for energy efficiency at the Douglass Center, Douglass Annex and Springer Cultural Center
- 2014: $300,000 IDNR OSLAD grant for park improvements that included a trail, playground, splash pad, and outdoor fitness equipment dedicated in late spring 2015.
- 2014: $25,584 IDNR Illinois Youth Recreation Corp grant for a Douglass youth and natural areas program.
- 2014: $2,900 Outdoor Foundation/Outdoor Nation grant for summer youth program scholarships
