Hays Recreation Center

The Hays Recreation Center is located in west Champaign adjacent to Eisner Park.  Hays is home to our Active Seniors Program.

Rental Information

The Hays Recreation Center is equipped with two activity rooms and is available to rent on weekends for meetings, receptions, reunions, parties, and more! Click below to learn more!

Rental Information

Hays Main Activity Room

• Minimum: 2 hour rental required.
• Maximum: 6 hour rental.
• Capacity: 136 (chairs only), 68 (tables and chairs).
• Television is not available for rentals.
• Please Note: Any clean up or set up time must be included in the hours agreed upon at the time of securing the rental.  One will not be able to come in early to set up before the event.

Hays Kitchen (add-on rental only)

• May be added to the Main Activity Room as needed, not available as a separate rental.
• Stove/ovens available for use, patrons must supply own cookware and utensils.
• Additional fee.
• Other restrictions may apply.

History

• Originally was the “Eisner Food Store” owned by the Jewel Tea Company.
• City of Champaign purchased in 1959 for $40,000.
• City transferred ownership to the Park District on March 8, 1967 to be used as a recreation center.
• Was enlarged in 1975 at a cost of $170,553.
• Renamed from its original name, “C” Center, to the Hays Center for Nelle G. Hays on May 29, 1985.
• Nelle Hays started work with the Champaign City Playground and Recreation Department in 1945. With the Playground and Recreation Department she served as a playground leader, craft specialist, director of special activities, and assistant superintendent and program director. When the Playground and Recreation Department merged with the Champaign Park District in 1969, Nelle Hays continued to work with the Park District where she served as the Director of “C” Center and as Senior Citizens Supervisor.

Grants

In 2011: $10,408 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant for energy efficiency at Hays and Spalding Recreation Centers.