The Douglass Community Center is a multi-use facility equipped with one full-size gymnasium (including 6 basketball hoops) and a classroom. Douglass hosts youth and adult basketball, LIONS basketball team, summer youth programs, the LEAD after school program, school out day programming, special events including CU Days, morning walking, and birthday parties and rentals. The Douglass Community Center is proud to serve the residents of the Douglass Park area and beyond.
Open Gym
Open gym is available at the Douglass Community Center when the gym is not being used for programs. Please bring an extra pair of shoes and, if possible, your own equipment. A limited amount of equipment is available to borrow – photo ID required. Please note that, at times, scheduled open gym hours may be cancelled due to Champaign Park District programs or facility rentals.
Scheduled Open Gym Hours
- Adult Basketball, ages 18+: Saturdays & Sundays, 10a-2p
- Fee (R/NR): $2/$3 per visit
- ID Required
Program Registration
To see all current Douglass Community Center programming, or to register for a program, please visit our Registration page.
Rental Information
The Douglass Community Center gym is available to rent for tournaments, trade shows, and other gatherings. Douglass does not have any other rooms or spaces available for rent aside from the gym. Find more information at our Rental Information page below.
Birthday Party Packages
Ages 4-12
We offer great parties in the gym at the Douglass Community Center. At our facility, you may rent space and provide your own entertainment, or let our party experts handle all the details while you sit back and relax. Hurry space is limited!
• Parties run for 2 hours
• Host provides invitations, goodie bags, and food
• Packages include room rental and set up of tables and chairs
Basic Birthday Package
Staff will decorate in the birthday party child’s favorite color, and guests will have access to the gym for free play.
Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Max: 24 – includes adults and children
Reservations: Schedule at least 3 weeks in advance of date
Staff-Led Themed Birthday Packages
Choose from one of four fun themes. Party theme details are in the table below.
Days: Saturdays and Sundays
Max: 24 – includes adults and children
Reservations: Schedule at least 3 weeks in advance of date
Find more Birthday Party information at our Rental Information page below.
| Party | Party Description |
|---|---|
| LEGO Party | Do you have a little one who’s crazy for LEGOS? Have a LEGOthemed party at the Douglass Community Center. Guests will play pin-the-mustache on the LEGO guy and take part in LEGO bingo, led by a staff member. Guests will have an opportunity to freebuild after cake and presents. |
| Superhero Party | Up, up, and away! There’s a special superhero celebrating a birthday! Do you have what it takes to be a superhero? Create a superhero mask and put your skills to the test during Superhero freeze tag. All games and activities will be led by a staff member. |
| Mythical Mayhem | Fairies, Unicorns, and Dragons abound at this magical party. Create a magic wand to help you through the fun games like Ring the Unicorn Horn or Pin the Wand on the Fairy. After cake and presents, go on a scavenger hunt to look for the dragon's jewels. |
| Cookie Creations | Frosting and sprinkles will abound at this sweet party. Guests will be able to design their own apron and then get busy decorating the cookie of their dreams. |
History
- In July of 1941 neighborhood residents formed “The Douglass Community Service Center Committee” who kicked off fundraising efforts to address the inadequate, segregated facilities which served the black community at the time.
- By 1943, the group acquired land for a new facility adjacent to Douglass Park.
- In September of 1943 the group completed a second proposal to the federal government for a grant to fund facility construction. This grant application was successful, and the federal government agreed to pay $18,500 towards the construction of the facility provided that the community could raise an additional $14,500. These additional funds were raised from various groups including the black community ($3000), Home and War Chest Organization ($2500), City of Champaign Recreation Department ($3500), City of Urbana ($2000), and the remainder was funded by individual donations.
- The new facility broke ground on February 18, 1945. The original construction cost of the 17,058 sq. ft building was $35,000.
- The Douglass Community Center was dedicated on September 23, 1945.
Grants
- 2010: $10,408 Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant for energy efficiency at the Douglass Center, Douglass Annex and Springer Cultural Center
- 2014: $300,000 IDNR OSLAD grant for park improvements that included a trail, playground, splash pad, and outdoor fitness equipment dedicated in late spring 2015.
- 2014: $25,584 IDNR Illinois Youth Recreation Corp grant for a Douglass youth and natural areas program.
- 2014: $2,900 Outdoor Foundation/Outdoor Nation grant for summer youth program scholarships
