Champaign and Urbana pools closed for summer, program cancellations

The Sholem Aquatic Center, Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center and the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center will remain closed for the 2020 summer season, according to announcements by the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts. 

Based on Gov. JB Pritzker’s 5-phase Restore Illinois plans, it is unlikely that groups of 50 will be allowed to congregate this summer. With this, both park districts canceled many summer programs.

Members who already paid for 2020 passes will have the option to transfer the membership to 2021 or get a refund.

Additional cancellations were also made:

Champaign Park District

• Prairie Farm will not open for the 2020 season.
• Summer Day Camps will be modified to fit a virtual curriculum. No on-site programming will take place.
• Spring/Summer Adult softball leagues will be cancelled.
• All special events scheduled through Labor Day will be cancelled. This includes park concerts, Champaign-Urbana Days, and Taste of Champaign-Urbana, a festival that was set to celebrate 50 years this year.
• No pavilion or facility rentals will be accepted through Labor Day.
• The Virginia Theatre is scheduled for renovation work this summer to install a new sound system and will be closed to the public through September 30.

The park district will issue refunds to anyone who has already paid for a canceled program.

“We are disappointed to have to cancel most of our summer programming, but take our responsibility to the public seriously,” said Executive Director, Joe DeLuce. “We want to remind everyone that the parks are still open and we encourage people to utilize the trails and green spaces near them as safely as possible.”

Champaign Park District parks are open, as are basketball courts, volleyball courts, Tennis courts, disc golf and dog parks. Playgrounds remain closed at this time. 

“Staff at Champaign Park District are working to provide creative, virtual programming for the community and will continue to evaluate the situation. Should the ability to host a small event or program safely pop up, we will notify the public!” DeLuce said.

Urbana Park District 

• All aquatics programs (swim lessons, swim teams, exercise programs) canceled through July 31.
• Summer Camps – There will be no summer camps this year. This includes Nature, Aquatics, Sports, Arts, and specialty camps.
• Adult Recreation – All adult recreation programs canceled through July 31.
• Youth Sports – All youth sports canceled through July 31.
• Adult and senior programming – All programs and classes (including fitness classes) canceled through July 31.
• Special events – All park district summer events (Strawberry Jam, Neighborhood Nights, etc.) canceled through July 31.
• Pavilion and facility rentals – No rentals accepted through July 31.

The park district will issue refunds to anyone who has already paid for a canceled program.

“We deeply feel the loss of our summer programs,” said Corky Emberson, Superintendent of Recreation. “COVID-19 is stopping our mission to serve the community. It is a mission we passionately believe in. But, we would be irresponsible if we put everyone in danger by ignoring COVID-19 and expert health advice.”

All Urbana Park District parks are open; however all playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts are closed.

The tennis courts and dog park are open, but please read and follow all safety rules.

If things improve (and if approved by public health officials), the park district could hold special, free “pop-up” events. The park district would publicize those events on social media.

Park district personnel are creating lessons and programs for kids and adults, and posting those programs on social media.