Monthly News

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation Announces the Flamazing Race, a New Summer Event

June 17, 2025 by Tachel Brown

Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation (CUSR) has announced a new special event this summer. The event, dubbed the Flamazing Race, is a twist on a classic rubber duck race.

The inagural Flamazing Race is set to take place on Sunday, August 10, 10am, at Sholem Aquatic Center. Community members are invited to pre-purchase rubber flamingos online and watch them race down the Sholem lazy river during the event. Winners will receive exclusive prizes.

All proceeds from flamingo sales will support the CUSR Scholarship Program, which enables Champaign-Urbana in-district residents with disabilities who need financial assistance to register for programming at half the cost.

Christina Mott, CPRP, CTRS

CUSR Program Manager

“Recreation is essential in everyone’s lives,” said Christina Mott, CUSR Program Manager. “The Flamazing Race is a fun way to make recreation more accessible to individuals of all abilities.”

Flamingos can be purchased for $5 a piece or $40 for a “Zazzle” of 10. Participants who purchase a flamingo will gain free entry into Sholem Aquatic Center on the event day and are welcome to stay and swim after the event concludes. Participants do not have to be present at the event to purchase a flamingo to race.

Flamingos can be purchased at: https://app.amilia.com/store/en/champaignparks/shop/activities/5996346

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Christina Mott, CPRP, CTRS
CUSR Program Manager
217-819-3862
christina.mott@champaignparks.org

CUSR’s Christina Mott on Becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist

March 28, 2025 by Tachel Brown

Christina Mott, CTRS, CUSR Program Manager

We are pleased to announce that CUSR Program Manager Christina Mott has become a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)! Read what Christina has to say about this impressive achievement and what it will mean for the future of Champaign-Urbana Special Recreation.

1. How would you describe a CTRS to someone who’s never heard of one?

I actually spoke to my daughter’s Girl Scout troop a few weeks ago about what a CTRS is (and to try and recruit the next generation of TR professionals!). I told them that my job is to help people have fun and make sure that people who may need a hand having fun get what they need.

A CTRS uses recreation as a form of therapy to help people improve their health. CTRSs learn how to assess an individual’s abilities, listen to their goals, and determine a recreational activity to help that person achieve their goals and be successful while keeping in mind any limitations that person may have. A CTRS can look at any activity, a game, a sport, an art program or theater group, anything in the realm of recreation and find a way to involve every person in a meaningful way. We are trained to look at all parts of an activity and see how all aspects of it can be broken down into tasks that a person can build on.

2. What does being a CTRS mean to you?

Being a CTRS means so much to me! I believe that Parks and Recreation can bring communities together and in the importance of removing barriers to recreation. There is so much value in being able to use recreational therapy to enrich someone’s life and to bridge gaps in access to a person’s community. Not only being able to promote inclusion but giving others the tools to include their community members is invaluable to me. I think I really fell in love with the concept that EVERYONE should have access to fun, and it motivated me to invest in the field by becoming a CTRS.

3. How will having a CTRS on staff impact CUSR going forward?

Having a CTRS on staff at CUSR is very beneficial to us as an organization. All of the Program Area Coordinators here are very experienced professionals who have the ability to create programs that meet the needs of a diverse group and me being a CTRS gives me the knowledge and skills to steward further growth in this direction and assist in the overall enhancement and expansion of services provided by CUSR.

4. Anything else you’d like to share?

I love what I do here at CUSR and becoming a CTRS was just the cherry on top of what already is my dream job!

Apply to the CUSR Advisory Committee to Make a Lasting Impact

February 11, 2025 by Tachel Brown

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!

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

September 24, 2024 by Tachel Brown

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/

May 2024 News

April 22, 2024 by Alicia Buskirk

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

Youth & Teen

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

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

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

Special Olympic Dates to Know

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

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.

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

May Deadlines

Youth & Teen Deadlines:

May Afterschool | April 24
Summer Jam | May 18
For Kids Only Camp – Week 1 (Full Day) | May 20
Camp Spirit – Week 1 (Full Day) | May 20
For Kids Only Camp – Week 1 (Half Day) | May 20
Camp Spirit – Week 1 (Half Day) | May 20
Young Athletes | May 27

Adult & Special Event Deadlines:

Adults’ Day-In Program (M/W/F) | April 24
Adults’ Day-In Program (Tu/Th) | April 25
Garden Club | April 27
Ice Cream Social | April 30
Chef’s Club | May 2
CUSR & PJs | May 3
Improv Club | May 4
Parks and Fun Tours | May 5
5 Corner Program | May 8
Big Screen Movie Night | May 14
Crafts & Snacks | May 15
Flash Fun Friday | May 17
Dine Time | May 19
A Day in Science | May 21
Trivia Night | May 24

Athletics & Special Olympics:

Mustang Open Gym | May 18 (Drop-in Program)
Mustang Softball | April 24

April 2024 News

March 25, 2024 by Alicia Buskirk