Name: Hays Recreation Center
Address: 1311 W Church, Champaign, Illinois, 61821, United States
Telephone: Phone: 217-239-1152 | Fax: 217-373-7951

Phone: 217-239-1152 | Fax: 217-373-7951

Open Hours: Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

Questions: hays.center@champaignparks.org

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 activity room and adjacent kitchen are available to rent for meetings, parties, group gatherings, and more. The facility closes on weekends with exceptions for rentals. All rentals have a 2-hour minimum, but you may edit the duration for a longer stay. Find more information at our Rental Information page below.

Rental Information

Hays Main Activity Room

Minimum: 2 hour rental required.
Maximum: 6 hour rental.
Capacity: 136 (chairs only), 68 (tables and chairs).
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.