CUSR: Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation

Urbana Park District
Champaign Park District

Blog & News

UIUC Fraternity Donates $1000 to Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation

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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

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation Athletes Advance to State Competition

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Group of CUSR Special Olympics athletes.

Several athletes from Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation programming recently won Gold Medals at the Special Olympics Regional Competition, advancing them to the Special Olympics State Competition in June.

Advancing competition areas include Aquatics and Powerlifting. 

“We’ve got a strong athletics program at CUSR and it’s exciting to see so many of our athletes get the experience of winning gold medals and advancing to the next level,” said Cole Alvis, CUSR Athletics, Inclusion, and Volunteer Coordinator. “It is a true testament to our incredible coaching staff and the drive and determination of our athletes.”

Cole Alvis

CUSR Athletics, Inclusion, and Volunteer Coordinator

Below is a listing of each athlete and their advancing category.

Aquatics Participant Names:

  • Olivia Burton
  • Gillian Dabrowski
  • Megan Dueringer
  • Daniel Krein
  • John Mies
  • Danny Roelfs
  • Patrick Tessene

Powerlifting Participants Names:

  • John Mies
  • Dylan Overmyer

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

May 2024 News

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May is full of fun at CUSR! Check out our Youth & Teen, Adult, Athletics, and Registration Deadlines below.

CUSR Center

Youth & Teen

Two boys standing by a tree

CUSR Afterschool Program

Ages 5-22

Fill your afternoons with games, sports, arts and crafts, cooking, and hanging out with friends at the CUSR Center! We offer an amazing and safe atmosphere where participants will laugh, play, grow, and learn new skills.

To reserve your spot, pay the $10 non-refundable deposit per child, per month. The remaining balance will be due on the deadline listed below by 5pm. Participants will be dropped if payment is not made by the deadline in order to offer the spot to a wait-listed participant.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: CUSR’s After School Program starts at 2:30pm. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to coordinate a drop off time with the bus responsible for transporting their child to ensure an appropriate drop off time.

CUSR Afterschool
A boy and a young woman drawing with sidewalk chalk

Summer Jam

Ages 5-10

Join us for a day of fun in the sun! With exciting water activities, games, music, and delicious snacks, it’s the perfect way to kick off the season. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to make some unforgettable memories with friends!

Summer Jam

Adult

Participant eating ice cream

Ice Cream Social

Ages 14+

We all scream for ice cream! Eat different varieties and combinations of ice cream sundaes while enjoying time with friends.

Ice Cream Social
Two guys posing for the camera

A Day in Science

Ages 14+

It’s the moment your curious mind has been waiting for. Join us at CUSR for enjoyable experiments with friends! Attire: casual and ready for a bit of mess!

A Day in Science

Other Great Adult Activities in April!

Adults’ Day-In Program 1
Ages 19+

Let us fill your day with fun crafts, games, and activities, while also hanging out with friends and experiencing new things within our community. Why stay at home when you can be in a fun zone!

Adults’ Day-In 1

Adults’ Day-In Program 2
Ages 19+

Can’t get enough of our Adults’ Day-In Program? Do you want to participate in a productive and fun program? Join us every Tuesday and Thursday to engage in themed activities, crafts, and games.

Adults’ Day-in 2

5 Corner Program
Ages 14+

Can’t get enough of our Adults’ Day-In Program? Do you want to participate in a productive and fun program? Join us every Tuesday and Thursday to engage in themed activities, crafts, and games.

5 Corner Program

Parks and Fun Tours
Ages 16+

Pack up your favorite lunch and drinks to hang out with the CUSR crew. Each month we will go to a park around Champaign-Urbana and have a nice picnic with friends, while also enjoying outside games, music and complimentary sweet treats.

Parks and Fun Tours

Dine Time
Ages 18+

Join your friends for a dining adventure and explore all the restaurants that C-U has to offer. All fees are included in the price.

Dine Time

Big Screen Movie Night
Ages 14+

Combine a treat with creative ideas as we indulge in an evening filled with crafting and delightful snacks.

Big Screen Movie Night

Chef’s Club
Ages 14+

Want to learn how to cook or brush up on the cooking skills that you do have? This is the perfect program for you. This season we will focus on made-from-scratch recipes. Put your aprons on and get your stomachs ready for some great food to cook and enjoy!

Chef’s Club

Flash Fun Friday
Ages 14+

CUSR is offering free spotlight programs on select Fridays! Kick off the weekend with something new and fun.

Flash Fun Friday

Trivia Night
Ages 14+

Come hang out at Trivia Night with us! It’s all about having a blast while competing to see who knows their stuff in sports and music. Think you’ve got what it takes to be the ultimate trivia champion? Prizes included!

Trivia Night

Improv Club
Ages 14+

Learn more about the theater world and brush up on your theater skills! Join us for this fun prop, costume, and acting workshop!

Improv Club – May 11
Improv Club – May 25

Garden Club
Ages 16+

Discover the joy of gardening and get to know the basics of planting and harvesting. This is an experience you don’t want to pass up! Come learn something new this Summer and watch your plants grow!

Garden Club

Special Olympics & Athletes

Volleyball team

Special Olympic Dates to Know

Spring Games
May 11, 2024
Warrensburg-Latham High School
430 E. North St. Warrensburg, IL 62573

Participants at a bowling alley

Mustang Open Gym

Ages 14+

Want to shoot some hoops but team sports aren’t really your thing? Want a chill place to just curl up with a book or grab some markers and color? Come hang out at Mustang open gym! Shoot hoops in the gym, play one of our giant board games, or hang in the activity room and socialize with your buds!

Mustang Open Gym

Mustang Softball

Ages 13+

Spend this season working on the fundamentals for our Mustang Softball Team! Practices will focus on the basic skills of hitting, fielding, throwing, and sportsmanship. Competitions with other area teams and Special Olympics will depend on current safety guidelines and TBA. All athletes must have a current Special Olympics Medical Application on file with CUSR by June 25; Medical Applications must be valid through September 10.

Mustang Softball

Events & More

New Registration Software!

CUSR is so excited to let you know about our new registration software. All of our program registrations for Summer and beyond will take place in SmartRec. This software is very user-friendly and we think you’ll be pleased with how it works. Click on the picture below and you’ll be redirected to the SmartRec page to create your account. If you run into any issues or have any questions, we’re available to help answer them! Just give us a call at 217-819-3980 or stop by the CUSR Center.

CUSR Scholarship Updates

There have been updates to the CUSR Scholarship Policy that will go into effect for programs on April 1, 2024. Scholarships for all activities and programs including all CUSR programs (except for the CUSR Trips and transportation).

To be eligible under this policy, the Park District must receive a completed Scholarship Application two weeks prior to the registration deadline or start of program, activity, or event. Applicants must reside within the city limits of Champaign or Urbana, submit a current utility bill, Illinois driver’s license or identification card and provide verification of household income by submitting the first two pages of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return form or one month’s worth of paystubs. The amount of reduction provided is based on household size and income listed in the chart below. Anyone with income below 225% of Federal Poverty Level may be eligible for funding through Illinois Department of Human Services Childcare Resource Assistance Program. More information may be found at http://www.ccrs.illinois.edu/index.html. Household means a group of related or non-related individuals living as one economic unit and sharing living expenses, such as rent, clothes, food medical and utility bills.

Scholarship information.
CUSR Summer Program Guide

The CUSR Summer Program Guide is out now. Stop by CUSR and grab your copy today!

May Deadlines

Youth & Teen Deadlines:

Adult & Special Event Deadlines:

Athletics & Special Olympics:

April 2024 News

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April is full of fun at CUSR! Check out our Youth & Teen, Adult, Athletics, and Registration Deadlines below.

CUSR Center

Youth & Teen

Two boys standing by a tree

CUSR Afterschool Program

Ages 5-22

Fill your afternoons with games, sports, arts and crafts, cooking, and hanging out with friends at the CUSR Center! We offer an amazing and safe atmosphere where participants will laugh, play, grow, and learn new skills.

To reserve your spot, pay the $10 non-refundable deposit per child, per month. The remaining balance will be due on the deadline listed below by 5pm. Participants will be dropped if payment is not made by the deadline in order to offer the spot to a wait-listed participant.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: CUSR’s After School Program starts at 2:30pm. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to coordinate a drop off time with the bus responsible for transporting their child to ensure an appropriate drop off time.

CUSR Afterschool
A boy and a young woman drawing with sidewalk chalk

Game Night

Ages 2-10

It’s all fun and games at CUSR! Come play board games and video games with friends!

Game Night

Adult

A man and woman in a prom sash and crown.

Spring Formal

Ages 16+

It’s that time of year again! CUSR is hosting our annual Spring Formal. This year’s theme is 70s Disco. Come dressed in your bell bottoms and gogo boots, and boogie the night away!

Spring Formal
Three men behind a microphone.

CUSR Explorers

Ages 18+

It’s time to hop on the CUSR bus for a great adventure. We will go to a city nearby for great food and fun activities. Food and admission are included in the fee.

CUSR Explorers

Other Great Adult Activities in April!

Adults’ Day-In Program 1
Ages 19+

Let us fill your day with fun crafts, games, and activities, while also hanging out with friends and experiencing new things within our community. Why stay at home when you can be in a fun zone!

Adults’ Day-In 1

Adults’ Day-In Program 2
Ages 19+

Can’t get enough of our Adults’ Day-In Program? Do you want to participate in a productive and fun program? Join us every Tuesday and Thursday to engage in themed activities, crafts, and games.

Adults’ Day-in 2

5 Corner Program
Ages 14+

Can’t get enough of our Adults’ Day-In Program? Do you want to participate in a productive and fun program? Join us every Tuesday and Thursday to engage in themed activities, crafts, and games.

5 Corner Program

Social Sundays
Ages 14+

CUSR presents five programs that consist of fun and cool interactive activities, as well as field trips. Join us for one or more!

Social Sundays

Chef’s Club
Ages 14+

Want to learn how to cook or brush up on the cooking skills that you do have? This is the perfect program for you. This season we will focus on made-from-scratch recipes. Put your aprons on and get your stomachs ready for some great food to cook and enjoy!

Chef’s Club

Flash Fun Friday
Ages 14+

CUSR is offering free spotlight programs on select Fridays! Kick off the weekend with something new and fun.

Flash Fun Friday

Special Olympics & Athletes

Volleyball team

Special Olympic Dates to Know

Mustang Aquatics Swimming Competition
April 14, 2024
UIUC The Arc

Participants at a bowling alley

Strikes & Spares – Monday (Old Orchard)

Ages 13+

Bring your friends to the bowling alley for some fun! Perfect your skills while socializing with your friends and meeting new ones. Participants will be assigned to lanes and can bowl up to two games.

Strikes & Spares

Strikes & Spares – Wednesday (Western Bowl)

Ages 13+

Bring your friends to the bowling alley for some fun! Perfect your skills while socializing with your friends and meeting new ones. Participants will be assigned to lanes and can bowl up to two games.

Strikes & Spares

Events & More

New Registration Software!

CUSR is so excited to let you know about our new registration software. All of our program registrations for Summer and beyond will take place in SmartRec. This software is very user-friendly and we think you’ll be pleased with how it works. Click on the picture below and you’ll be redirected to the SmartRec page to create your account. If you run into any issues or have any questions, we’re available to help answer them! Just give us a call at 217-819-3980 or stop by the CUSR Center.

CUSR Scholarship Updates

There have been updates to the CUSR Scholarship Policy that will go into effect for programs on April 1, 2024. Scholarships for all activities and programs including all CUSR programs (except for the CUSR Trips and transportation).

To be eligible under this policy, the Park District must receive a completed Scholarship Application two weeks prior to the registration deadline or start of program, activity, or event. Applicants must reside within the city limits of Champaign or Urbana, submit a current utility bill, Illinois driver’s license or identification card and provide verification of household income by submitting the first two pages of the most recent Federal Income Tax Return form or one month’s worth of paystubs. The amount of reduction provided is based on household size and income listed in the chart below. Anyone with income below 225% of Federal Poverty Level may be eligible for funding through Illinois Department of Human Services Childcare Resource Assistance Program. More information may be found at http://www.ccrs.illinois.edu/index.html. Household means a group of related or non-related individuals living as one economic unit and sharing living expenses, such as rent, clothes, food medical and utility bills.

Scholarship information.
CUSR Summer Program Guide

The CUSR Summer Program Guide is out now. Stop by CUSR and grab your copy today!

April Deadlines

Youth & Teen Deadlines:

Adult & Special Event Deadlines:

Athletics & Special Olympics:

Summer Registration News

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Get ready to dive into summer fun with Champaign Park District & CUSR! Registration for Champaign Park District’s exciting lineup of summer programs opens on March 6th in our NEW registration program – SmartRec by Amilia!

Simplify your registration experience with Champaign Park District & CUSR! Create a new household account in SmartRec by Amilia today to be ready for summer registration on April 1st. Champaign Park District summer registration opens on March 6.

Don’t miss this chance to save while signing up for your favorite programs and activities! The first 2,000 households to register for an activity or membership can utilize the following $10 coupon code:

SUMMERFUN24

One use per household starting March 6, so act fast! Additionally, three lucky accounts will be drawn at random on March 7th to win a $50 Champaign Park District gift card which can be used for CUSR programming.

Create your account now and get ready to unlock a summer of fun at your fingertips! Visit our registration page to get started.

Create An Account
CUSR is switching to a new eCommerce platform to better serve you. Create your account today!

**PLEASE NOTE: Current members of Leonhard Recreation Center, Martens Center, Dog Park, Silver Sneakers, and Prime Fit, as well as 2024 Sholem Pool Pass holders will receive an activation link from Amilia to complete their household account creation. These accounts are also eligible for the $10 coupon code once account is activated!

To celebrate the launch of our new system alongside the launch of our summer registration, we’re hosting multiple parties on March 6!

Create an account now: https://bit.ly/CParksRegistration

Staff will be on site at various facilities (locations and schedule below) to provide technical support to those who need additional help getting set up, or those without access to internet. Computers will be available for registering if needed.

SmartRec Launch Parties

How to Create a Household Account

March 2024 News

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March is full of fun at CUSR! Check out our Youth & Teen, Adult, Athletics, and Registration Deadlines by clicking through the tabs below.

CUSR Center

Youth & Teen

Campers at the park with a staff member

CUSR Afterschool Program

Ages 5-22

Fill your afternoons with games, sports, arts and crafts, cooking, and hanging out with friends at the CUSR Center! We offer an amazing and safe atmosphere where participants will laugh, play, grow, and learn new skills.

To reserve your spot, pay the $10 non-refundable deposit per child, per month. The remaining balance will be due on the deadline listed below by 5pm. Participants will be dropped if payment is not made by the deadline in order to offer the spot to a wait-listed participant.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: CUSR’s After School Program starts at 2:30pm. It is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to coordinate a drop off time with the bus responsible for transporting their child to ensure an appropriate drop off time.

CUSR Afterschool
An adult and child at a table with decorative eggs.

Sensory Egg Hunt

Ages 2-10

The hunt is on! CUSR invites you to celebrate spring and enjoy some family fun at Prairie Farm! Hunters should bring a basket and be prepared to search high and low for colorful eggs. Be prepared to explore your senses while searching for special eggs with lights, sounds, and textures. Pre-registration is required.

Sensory Egg Hunt
Girl riding a horse

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

Ages 5+

Dreaming of riding horses and learning how to care for them? At Healing Horse Stables, you will learn riding skills through an hour-long session including various exercises and activities from a P.A.T.H. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship) certified instructor. You will also have a ground lesson where you will learn how to groom and saddle a horse.

Therapeutic Horseback Riding

CUSR Spring Break Camp

Ages 5-22

Are you looking for something fun and exciting to do over Spring Break? This program has just what you need! We will be filling our days with crafts, cooking, group games, and so much more! Please bring a sack lunch each day and note that CUSR is a nut-free camp.

CUSR Spring Break Camp

Disney Sing-Along Night

Ages 8-15

Join us for karaoke, as we sing your favorite Disney tunes!

Disney Sing-Along

Adult

Participants at a dance.

Western Party

Ages 14+

Howdy, it’s time to party Western style! Dress up in your best cowboy and cowgirl attire. We will learn line dances, play games like horseshoes, and have a rodeo obstacle course race. Refreshments will be served.

Western Party
A group of people playing a game

Donuts and Free-Throws

Ages 14+

Let’s have a sweet time on the court! We can shoot some hoops and enjoy donuts at the same time!

Donuts & Free-Throws
People watching a movie on a projector

St. Patty’s Day Party

Ages 14+

Are you feeling lucky? Join CUSR as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! We will be playing games, enjoying a tasty snack, and making a St. Patrick’s Day craft.

St. Patty’s Party
Participants in the Wizard of Oz

The Great Egg Hunt

Ages 14+

Teens and adults – join us as we hunt for eggs inside and outside of the CUSR Center. At the end of the hunt, you will be able to enter the eggs-travagant drawing for prizes!

The Great Egg Hunt

Other Great Adult Activities in March!

Adults’ Day-In Program 1
Ages 19+

Let us fill your day with fun crafts, games, and activities, while also hanging out with friends and experiencing new things within our community. Why stay at home when you can be in a fun zone!

Adults’ Day In 1

Adult’s Day-In Program 2
Ages 19+

Can’t get enough of our Adults’ Day-In Program? Do you want to participate in a productive and fun program? Join us every Tuesday and Thursday to engage in themed activities, crafts, and games.

Adults’ Day In 2

5 Corner Program
Ages 14+

Come hangout, enjoy food and interact with others while playing group bonding games.

Social Sundays

Social Sundays
Ages 14+

CUSR presents five programs that consist of fun and cool interactive activities, as well as field trips. Join us for one or more!

5 Corner Program

Game of Theory
Ages 14+

Join us as we play some of the fan-favorite board games. Learn new tactics or even participate in a game you never played before.

Game of Theory

The Movie Social
Ages 14+

Let’s pair a great movie with some delicious snacks and hang out with friends.

The Movie Social

Chef’s Club
Ages 14+

Learn how to cook or brush up on your cooking skills. This season we will focus on fast food inspired dishes. So, put your aprons on and get ready for some great food to cook and enjoy!

Chef’s Club

Karaoke & Dancing
Ages 14+

Attention all singers and dancers. We are busting out the karaoke machine for a night of fun and talent.  Whether you choose today’s hits or the classics, it’s going to be a great time!

Karaoke & Dancing

Flash Fun Friday – Free Program
Ages 14+

Fridays should be fun, and what’s more fun than free! Join us for some cool FREE spotlight programs. You’ll love it! Pre-registration is required.

Flash Fun Friday

Salon Skills
Ages 16+

Want to learn how to do cool nails and awesome hairstyles? CUSR will have two salon-skilled workshops for you to learn how to do manicures and haircuts. We will have all the supplies you need, plus simulation hands and head dolls for you to practice on.

Salon Skills

Special Olympics & Athletics

Participant playing Badminton

Special Olympic Dates to Know

State Basketball Competition
March 8-10

Powerlifting Competition
March 24
Bloomington, IL

Female participant with pink bowling ball

Strikes & Spares – Monday (Old Orchard)

Ages 13+

Bring your friends to the bowling alley for some fun! Perfect your skills while socializing with your friends and meeting new ones. Participants will be assigned to lanes and can bowl up to two games.

Strikes & Spares

Strikes & Spares – Wednesday (Western Bowl)

Ages 13+

Bring your friends to the bowling alley for some fun! Perfect your skills while socializing with your friends and meeting new ones. Participants will be assigned to lanes and can bowl up to two games.

Strikes & Spares

Mustang Track & Field

Ages 13+

There is something for everyone at Track & Field! You can train for field events, running, walking, sprints, long-distance, and wheelchair races. Athletes have the opportunity to compete at the District Track & Field meet.

Mustang Track

Events & More

Participants in the Wizard of Oz play.

The CUSR Winter/Spring guide is out now and registration is open! Stop by CUSR and grab your copy today!

March Deadlines

Youth & Teen Deadlines:

Adult & Special Event Deadlines:

Athletics & Special Olympics: