What Is Special Recreation?
CUSR exists to create a diverse, dynamic, and inclusive community that provides opportunities for people of all abilities.
CUSR Vision Statement
Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) was formed through a cooperative agreement with the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts to provide recreation programs and leisure services for residents with disabilities. Inclusion and specialized programs are available. We provide quality recreation programs for people with disabilities by hiring and training qualified staff, providing staff ratios which ensures program safety and success, and adapting programs and equipment to meet the needs of the participants.
CUSR’s mission is to provide quality recreation programs and services for Champaign-Urbana residents with disabilities.
Eisner Park
The Champaign Park District has an accessible playground at Eisner Park!
The playground is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and provides a play space for children of with disabilities.
Construction began in August and was completed in early October. One focus of the project was to include a poured-in-place safety surface that allows all types of mobility into and out of the playground. Other amenities include an accessible see-saw, merry-go-round, and oversized glider. There are also three slides, multiple sensory panels, and a surrounding path for patrons to enjoy.
“We identified a need within our community for a play space that all children could enjoy,” says Champaign Park District Executive Director, Joe DeLuce. “I think we’ve more than fulfilled that need with the new Eisner Playground!”
Visit the park soon to try it out! Eisner Park is located at Church St. & Sabin Ave. Click here to see more information!
Board Meetings
CUSR is part of the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts and is ultimately governed by the Board of Commissioners of both districts. CUSR participants, parents and guardians are invited to attend the monthly meeting of both park districts as well as the annual joint meeting held in the fall. Click here for more information about the board.
Americans with Disabilities
CUSR will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination in the provision of services, programs, or facilities to individuals with disabilities. If you have any questions on ADA or would like information on our inclusion opportunities, please contact the CUSR Manager at 217-819-3862 (voice) or 771 (TTY).
National Special Recreation Gold Medal Winner
CUSR was awarded the 1996 National Sporting Goods Association and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Gold Medal for Special Recreation Class II (under 200,000 population). CUSR was also a finalist in 1988 and again in 1994.
