CUSR: Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation

Urbana Park District
Champaign Park District

Blog & News

Apply to the CUSR Advisory Committee to Make a Lasting Impact

by

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation is excited to invite you to apply to be a member of the CUSR Advisor Committee! CUSR is searching for people like you who are passionate about CUSR’s mission and want to help shape the future of our activities and services.

The CUSR Program Manager and Administrative Team established the CUSR Advisory Committee to receive important feedback on our organization’s services and ideas that will support CUSR’s growth and longevity as part of Champaign and Urbana Communities. 

Ideally, the committee has representatives from a wide range of resources for individuals with disabilities, knowledge of our programs, and experience with supporting individuals with disabilities, and/or are the care providers for an individual utilizing CUSR programs currently or in the past.

The CUSR Advisory Committee currently meets 6 times per year on the second Thursday of the month at 5pm. Term lengths for members are 2 or 3 years.

If this sounds like a good fit for you, fill out an application today!

CUSR’s Own, Nikiaya Brandon, Writes Next Dinner Theatre Performance

by

CUSR’s own, Nikiaya Brandon, writes CUSR’s next theatre performance titled Mystery of Fifth Avenue! This year’s show will be a comedy mystery. Our actors have worked hard and are excited to showcase what they’ve been working on in the theater class. You’re in for a treat! 

Read below to learn more about the upcoming performance from Nikiaya.

You created a new theatre group! How did you arrive at the name? How did the logo come to life?

“I thought that since we were growing in number and becoming a fan favorite, we needed a name to complement our wonderful actors and productions so that we could be easily identified. I met with Anita Stein to discuss it, and we brainstormed together. She came up with the name, and I created a slogan. We also have a little cheer we do with the group; you might get the pleasure of seeing it at the show! I initially designed a logo on Canva to give our marketing team an idea of what we wanted. After I sent it off to Katy (CPD Graphic Designer), she applied her graphic design skills, and voila we had a masterpiece.”

You WROTE the play for this year’s dinner theatre performance. What inspired to write the play? Why is it important for you to offer an original play?

“I was inspired by many movies, such as Pink Panther, New York Minute, and Inspector Gadget (lots of movies that have comedic twists and turns and crazy plots). It’s important to have original plays because it allows us to write roles that are comfortable and accommodating for our participants. It also gives them the flexibility to adapt their roles as needed, while allowing us to charge admission without worrying about copyright technicalities.”

How is dinner theatre different from the usual performances?

“Dinner theatre offers a more upscale experience, where you get to enjoy food and a comfortable setting while watching the performance.”

How many participants in the program? How many volunteers are helping?

“We have 16 participants and 7 volunteers. We have 16 rehearsals in total for the actors to learn their lines and stage cues. Some participants have more than one role in the show. We’ve had tremendous help from parent involvement, and the actors are thoroughly enjoying the show.”

Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority, Incorporated Donates Point-and-Play Banner to CUSR

by

The University of Illinois chapter of the Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority, Incorporated will donate a point-and-play banner to Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) in a ceremony at Eisner Park at 1301 W Church on September 26 at 4:30pm. 

Alpha Pi Sigma Sorority, Incorporated is a Latina-based sorority rooted in philanthropy and service. The University of Illinois chapter is passionate about autism advocacy, and the point-and-play banner donation represents its dedication to the cause.  

Point-and-play banners are accessibility tools that display core vocabulary and numbers to assist children with autism in communicating with their peers. Children can point to a graphic on the banner to convey their thoughts and feelings.  

CUSR and Champaign Park District will hang the banner in Eisner Park, which features a fully accessible playground compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.  

“The point-and-play banner will contribute to the overall accessibility of Eisner Park,” said Christina Mott, CUSR Program Manager. “Children with autism deserve to engage in rich and meaningful play with their peers, and this banner will offer more resources to foster communication.” 

This event is free and open to the public. Parking is available at Hays Recreation Center adjacent to the Eisner Park.  

To learn more about Eisner Park, visit https://champaignparks.org/places/eisner-park/  

5 Ways to Win at CUSR Cupcake 5K

by

Join us for the 12th Annual CUSR Cupcake 5K! This is a timed, accessible race ending with a delicious cupcake. Funds raised will go into CUSR’s Scholarship Fund, which supports individuals who need financial assistance to access CUSR programs and services. Runners, walkers, and registrants who use a wheelchair are welcome. 

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation is a joint program between Champaign & Urbana Park Districts to provide quality recreation programs and services for Champaign-Urbana residents with disabilities. CUSR Cupcake 5K is a philanthropic event that benefits the CUSR Scholarship Fund.

Date: Sunday, November 3, 2024
Time: Check-in from 8-8:45a; Race starts at 9am
Location: Carle at the Fields
Deadline:  October 7th to get a t-shirt, Wednesday, October 30 (no t-shirt)
On-site registration: 8-8:30a (no t-shirt provided)
On-site registration fee: $40

 Here are 5 ways you can win at CUSR Cupcake 5K:

1. It doesn’t matter if you’re made of pure speed or have the pace of a sloth, everyone gets a cupcake!

2. CUSR Cupcake 5K has some pretty sweet race swag. All participants will receive a cupcake themed medal and register by October 7 to get an event t-shirt!

3. With support from local businesses, every participant has a chance to win a prize after they get their cupcake!

If you have a local business and are interested in providing raffle prizes, email cusr@champaignparks.org for more information.

4. Does your kiddo want to race, but 3.2 miles is too much running, walking, or rolling? CUSR also has a race just for them – CUSR Cupcake 100m Dash.  After the Cupcake 5K has concluded, kids 10 years-old or younger can participate.  Everyone gets a ribbon and, of course, a cupcake!

5. Ultimately, the most important win of this philanthropic event goes to the CUSR participants! All proceeds of the CUSR Cupcake 5K & 100m Dash benefit the CUSR Scholarship Fund. For some CUSR participants, the CUSR Scholarship Program is the only way they can have a safe place to go after school, compete on a sports team, or simply socialize with friends.

5K Club | NEW!

Ages 12+

Join our inclusive 5K Run Club for everyone! Enhance your fitness with personalized training plans, running drills, and supportive coaching.  We will train for the CUSR Cupcake 5K race.  Each participant will receive FREE admission to this year’s race!

5K Club Registration

Volunteer

Want to make a difference in your community? Volunteer for the 2024 CUSR Cupcake 5K! Whether that be handing out cupcakes, raffle prizes, or cheering on participants, there is a place for you to help. Click the button below to learn more and sign up.

Sponsorship

Is your business looking to sponsor events that support our community like Cupcake 5K? Click below to fill out a sponsorship agreement!

Questions? Contact Zoe Southlynn-Savage at zoe.southlynn@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3931

Sponsorship Packet

By registering for CUSR Cupcake 5K/100m Dash, you are helping make C-U a more inclusive community for individuals with disabilities.

Have any questions? Email cusr@champaignparks.org or call (217) 819-3980

CUSR Survey: Inclusive Play Area at CUSR Center

by

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation wants to hear from you!

CUSR is working to create an inclusive recreation play area at the CUSR Center. The goal is to provide space and opportunities for patrons of all ability levels where children can play and socialize in a space that accommodates fun for everyone!

If you have a few minutes to spare, complete the survey below to help us with one of the final and most important steps of the creation process; showing that an inclusive recreation space is an amenity that our community is excited about and supports.

This survey ends September 1, 2024.

CUSR Survey

UIUC Fraternity Donates $1000 to Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation

by

Group photo of CUSR staff and UIUC fraternity members holding check for $1,000

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation has been a recent recipient of a donation of time and money from UIUC fraternity Pi Kappa Phi. Pi Kappa Phi’s “Ability Experience” initiative targets organizations to collaborate with through volunteerism and the raising of funds. 

“It is always a great feeling to receive this type of support to advance our programming,” said Christina Mott, CUSR Manager, “This group has been amazing to work with and we look forward to future initiatives!”

Christina Mott

CUSR Manager

The fraternity has volunteered at several CUSR events including the sensory egg hunt and afterschool program. As part of their philanthropy, they successfully raised $1000 for CUSR. Funds will be utilized to enhance the Summer Bash program taking place on June 2nd from 2-5pm at the Hessel Park Pavilion. The Summer Bash is a registered, all ages special event featuring food and games, as well as a kickball tournament, to celebrate summer with Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation.

Summer Bash

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.

Program Registration
Donations/Sponsorship