Champaign Park District provides two locations for 50 Plus! programs:
Douglass Annex
512 E. Grove St
Champaign, IL 61820
Robert White
robert.white@champaignparks.org
Hays Recreation Center
1311 W. Church Street
Champaign, IL 61821
Jean Cousett
veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Membership Information
BENEFITS
-
Discounted rates on many programs at both Hays Recreation Center and Douglass Annex.
- Members get advanced early registration for the yearly senior trip.
- Free admission to several annual events plus these programs: Games, Fitness, BYO Lunch Discussions, Socials, Picnics, and more.
FREEBIES FOR ALL
- Fresh coffee weekday mornings.
- Table area to play cards/gather (based on availability).
BECOME A MEMBER
It’s easy to become a member! Register at any Champaign Park District facility, and you’ll be entered into our system to automatically receive member discounts on programming. Membership is nontransferable.
- M = Member
- NM = Non-member
Fitness
CHAIR EXERCISES
Ages 50+
These exercise sessions focus on providing you with a great workout while in the support of a chair. Focus on stretch and strength, core fitness, and yoga. No matter your preference, you are sure to burn calories!
HAYS RECREATION CENTER
Year round+ | M/W | 9:30 – 10:15a
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
DOUGLASS ANNEX
Year round* | M/W/F | 9-10a
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
No Class: September 20, November 15, December 25*
Fee (M/NM): Free with membership/$4 per session
CARDIO WORKOUTS
Ages 50+
Health is the new wealth, and we want all our 50 Plus! participants to be rich beyond their needs. Our cardio workouts feature a mix between video and instructed classes. Don’t want to sweat? Don’t worry, you can go at your own pace while enjoying a great workout!
Year round | Tu/W | 1-2p | Douglass Annex
Fee (M/NM): Free/ $4 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Enrichment
TECH TALK
Ages 50+
Whether you would like to learn about email or even troubleshoot some sort of tech, this class is perfect for you. In Tech Talk, you will have the chance to learn about computer basics, how to use your mobile device, apps, the internet, and much more.
Day: Every 2nd Thursday of the month
Time: 1-2:30p
Location: Douglass Annex
Deadline: Call and register for specific dates
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
MOVIE MONDAYS
Ages 50+
We cover it all, from your favorite classics to new premier movies at our Movie Mondays. Come view a different movie every Monday and we will provide the popcorn and beverages.
- September 11
- October 9
- November 13
- December 11
Day: Monday
Time: 12p
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Location: Douglass Annex
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
MEN’S CLUB | NEW!
Ages 50+
Men’s Club is a great way to come together to have fun, learn new things, and share experiences. Men’s Club will meet the first Wednesday of each month.
- September 6
- October 4
- November 1
- December 6
Day: Wednesday
Time: 10:30-11:30a
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4
Location: Hays Recreation Center
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
SENIOR MEETINGS
Ages 50+
Share your great ideas with us about new programs and activities or give your thoughts on what is already offered for 50 Plus programs
Douglass Annex
- September 11, October 2, November 6, December 4
Hays Recreation Center
- September 7, October 5, November 2, December 7
Time: 1:30-2:30p
Fee (M/NM): Free
SMART MEALS
Ages 50+
Smart Meals is a program designed to provide awareness and education on buying affordable, healthy foods that can be easily prepared at home. Each Smart Meal kit includes a recipe card, shelf-stable ingredients, a shopping list, and other educational materials. Each Smart Meal recipe is uniquely created by a registered OSF dietician. All meals are high in fiber and low in fat and sodium.
- September 18 | Deadline: September 11
- October 23 | Deadline: October 16
- November 27 | Deadline: November 20
Time: 2:30-3:30p
Fee : Free, but registration required
Location: Martens Center
Instructor: OSF Staff
MEDICARE AND YOU
Ages 50+
Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a FREE counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.
SHIP Counselors can help with:
- Initial enrollment
- Billing issues and appeals
- General information and problem-solving
- Selection of drug, Medicare Advantage and supplemental policies
- Analysis of Medicare’s costs and benefits
- Applications for financial assistance
SHIP counselors are NOT affiliated with any insurance company.
Date: September 25
Time: 1-2p
Fee: Free, but registration required
Location: Martens Center
Deadline: September 18
Questions: lynne.franco@champaignparks.org or 217-819-3971
Food & Fun
HAYS POTLUCKS
Ages 50+
Join us every Thursday for a potluck lunch. The first Thursday of every month we celebrate birthdays for that month. Throughout the season, we celebrate holidays and have other fun events.
Year round* | Thursdays | 12p | Hays Recreation Center
Fee: Bring a dish to share or $5
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
LUNCH BUNCH
Ages 50+
Enjoy a delectable, leisurely lunch with friends. Pass around pictures of grandkids or share a funny story. There’s nothing like bonding over a meal! Meet us at the restaurant.
Date | Location | Deadline
- September 13 | Fazoli’s | Deadline: September 6
- October 11 | Panera Bread | Deadline: October 4
- November 8 | Chili’s | Deadline: November 1
- December 13 | Red Lobster | Deadline: December 6
Day: Wednesday
Time: 11a
Fee: Cost of your meal
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Sign up in the Senior Binder at Hays Recreation Center or call 217-239-1152
SUPPER CLUB NIGHTS
Ages 50+
Join a group of seniors for delicious food and lively conversation at a couple of our local restaurants. Treat yourself – you deserve it!
- September 13
- October 11
- November 8
- December 13
Time: 4-6p
Fee (M/NM): Cost of your meal
Location: Confirmed at Douglass Senior Meeting each month
Deadline: Monday prior to each trip at Douglass
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Douglass Annex by the Monday before
BYO LUNCH DISCUSSION
Ages 50+
Bring your own (BYO) lunch and join us for a roundtable discussion – we will provide the dessert! We will have special guest speakers or discuss current events. Come and discuss new ideas and express your own!
HAYS RECREATION CENTER
Date: 9/11, 10/9, 11/13, 12/11
Day: Monday
Time: 12-1p
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Sign up in the Senior Binder at Hays Recreation Center or call 217-239-1152
DOUGLASS ANNEX
Date: 9/14, 10/19, 11/16, 12/21
Day: Thursday
Time: 1-2p
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Douglass Annex
Fee (M/NM): Bring your own lunch
Deadline: 1 week prior to program date
CHILI COOK OFF
Ages 50+
Bring your best chili recipe and we will have guest judges on hand to determine the best chili is Champaign County.
Date: September 29
Time: 12-3p
Location: Douglass Annex
Fee(M/NM): Free/$5
Sign up at Douglass Annex
RED HAT TEA PARTY
Ages 50+
It’s time to grab your red hat and favorite side dish for this delightful luncheon! Enjoy conversation and stories as we dine together in our favorite red hats.
Date: October 20
Time: 11:30a-1p
Location: Hays Recreation Center
Fee: Bring a dish to share or $5
Sign up in the Senior Binder at Hays Recreation Center
VETERAN’S DAY HAM AND BEAN LUNCH
All Ages
To honor our veterans, the Douglass 50 Plus! participants will serve a delicious ham and bean lunch. It will be free as long as it lasts, so don’t be late!
Date: November 9
Time: 12-2p
Location: Douglass Annex
Fee: FREE
Sign up at Douglass Annex
FRIENDSGIVING POTLUCK
Ages 50+
Spend the holidays with your 50 Plus family! We will have a Thanksgiving Potluck and would love for you to join us! Please RSVP by November 15 and notify us which side dish you will be contributing.
Date: November 22
Time: 12-2p
Location: Douglass Annex
Deadline: November 15
Fee: Bring a dish to share or $5
Sign up at Douglass Annex
Activities
QUILTING
Ages 50+
Is quilting your hobby? Stop by and join our quilting club. This club has a great group of participants that creates different quilting designs together.
Date: Year Round
Day: Tu/W
Time: 10a – 12:30p
Location: Douglass Annex
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
COFFEE & CRAFTS
Ages 50+
Join us for some DIY crafts and coffee. Enjoy making things such as motivational cards for individuals in nursing homes, bookmarks for children, and homeless mats for those less fortunate. We will provide ideas, supplies, and coffee – you just bring your creativity!
HAYS RECREATION CENTER
Date: 9/5, /9/19, 10/3, 10/17, 10/31, 11/14, 11/28, 12/12, 12/26
Day: Tuesday
Time: 10a-12p
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Sign up in the Senior Binder at Hays Recreation Center or call 217-239-1152
DOUGLASS ANNEX
Date: 9/15, 10/21, 11/17, 12/15
Day: Wednesday (Friday starting 9/15)
Time: 1-2:30p
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Douglass Annex
Fee (/NM): Free/$4 per session
CREATIVITY CURVE | NEW!
Ages 50+
We’re partnering with Family Services to get creative! A variety of projects will be created together to show off at Douglass Annex meetings.
Date: 9/18, 10/16, 11/20, 12/18
Day: M
Time: 11a
Location: Douglass Annex
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Douglass Annex
SENIOR INTRO CLASSES | NEW!
Ages 50+
Have you ever been curious about starting a new hobby, but wanted to try it out first? Join us as we learn something new and sample some of the programs the Champaign Park District has to offer. Meet at location or ride in the van from Hays Recreation Center.
CLASS | DATE | LOCATION
- Intro to Pickleball | September 27 | Outdoor Pickleball Complex
- Intro to Pottery | October 25 | Springer Cultural Center
Day: W
Time: 1-3p
Fee (M/NM): Free/$5
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Hays Center
MEMBER APPRECIATION HAYRACK AND BONFIRE
Ages 50+
Join us for a weenie roast, hayrack ride, s’mores, and fun!
Date: September 29
Day: F
Time: 10a – 2p
Location: Kaufman Lake
Deadline: September 19
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Hays Center or Douglass Annex
DOUGLASS SENIOR STYLE SHOW
Ages 50+
Come see the seniors strut their stuff down the catwalk at the 49th Annual Senior Style Show. Please come “Dressed to Impress” to fit this stylist occasion. Tickets are required for entry and can be purchased at Douglass Annex or Douglass Community Center.
Date: October 1
Day: Sunday
Time: 3-6p
Location: Douglass Community Center
Tickets: $25
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Hays Center or Douglass Annex
HOLIDAY TREE AND CARD DECORATING
Ages 50+
It’s a festive time of year, filled with good cheer! As we ring in the holiday season, enjoy good food, friends, a special holiday breakfast, and decorating holiday cookies.
Date: December 1
Day: F
Time: 12-3p
Location: Douglass Annex
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Sign up at Douglass Annex
SENIOR HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER
Ages 50+
Help support our seniors and all the fun activities they get to enjoy by coming to the Hays Recreation Center to purchase some baked goods provided by the seniors themselves! We will have cookies, pies, cakes, and more!
Date: December 5
Day: Tu
Time: 9a-4p
Location: Hays Recreation Center
SENIOR HOLIDAY PARTY
Ages 50+
Culminate the calendar year as we come together for our annual Holiday Party. More information and tickets will be announced soon!
Date: December 15
Day: F
Time: 4-8p
Location: TBD
Deadline: TBD
Fee: TBD
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AND TRIVIA
Ages 50+
Ring in the new year with party hats, trivia, and friends!
Date: December 29
Day: F
Time: 12p
Location: Hays Recreation Center
Fee (M/NM): Free/$5
Road Trips
SENIOR ROAD TRIPS
Ages 50+
It’s time for summer fun on the run! Van space is limited, so hurry and register for these members-only trips!
- September 20 | Lisle, Illinois
- Enjoy a tour of the Morton Arboretum, where we will explore large-scale “Of the Earth” sculptures, the Gerard T Donnelly Grand Garden, and dine and shop at the Ginkgo restaurant and Arboretum store.
- Deadline: September 8
- Time: 9a-4p
- Fee (Members Only): $30
- Enjoy a tour of the Morton Arboretum, where we will explore large-scale “Of the Earth” sculptures, the Gerard T Donnelly Grand Garden, and dine and shop at the Ginkgo restaurant and Arboretum store.
- October 13 | Arthur, Illinois
- Visit the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, IL to experience the harvest season with over 300 varieties of pumpkins, premier displays, mums, and various mazes and gardens. We will end this trip with a mela provided by an Amish family in their home.
- Deadline: October 6
- Time: 9a-4p
- Fee (Members Only): $30
- Visit the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, IL to experience the harvest season with over 300 varieties of pumpkins, premier displays, mums, and various mazes and gardens. We will end this trip with a mela provided by an Amish family in their home.
- November 15 | Bloomington, Illinois
- Get your holiday shopping done while we visit the Bloomington Mall followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Bring money for shopping and we will provide the meal.
- Deadline: November 3
- Time: 9a-4p
- Fee (Members Only): $20
- Get your holiday shopping done while we visit the Bloomington Mall followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Bring money for shopping and we will provide the meal.
MYSTERY ROAD TRIP
Ages 50+
On the road again! We’ll keep you guessing with our trips to who-knows-where. Come with an open mind and enjoy a relaxing day trip to a mystery location. Trip and fee with be revealed at Douglass Monthly Senior Meeting. Members only.
Date: 8/29, 9/27, 10/26
Day: W
Time: 1-3p
Location: Departs from Douglass Annex
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Games
BINGO
Ages 50+
TGIF! End your week with fun people and a game of bingo. Prepare to have a great time! Champaign Park District will provide the prizes.
Deadline: Must register weekly by 7 days prior to the program date
HAYS RECREATION CENTER
Date: 9/1, 9/15, 10/6, 10/20, 11/3, 11/17, 12/1, 12/15
Day: Friday
Time: 10a-12p
Min/Max: 6/30
Fee (M/NM): Free/ $4 per session
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
Sign up in the Senior Binder at Hays Recreation Center or call 217-239-1152
DOUGLASS ANNEX
Date: 9/29, 10/27, 12/29
Day: Friday
Time: 12-2p
Min/Max: 6/10
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org
Fee (M/NM): Free/$3 per session
Sign up at Douglass Annex
CHOOSE YOUR GAME!
Ages 50+
Spend time with friends playing games like Bridge, Bunco, Euchre, Spades, and Skip-Bo!
Program | Day | Time | Location
Bridge | M* | 1-4p | Hays Center
Bunco | Th | 10a-12p | Hays Center
Spades | Th | 10a-12:30p | Douglass Annex
Euchre | Th | 1-4p | Hays Center
Pick your game | F | 1-4p | Hays Center
Date: Year Round
No Program*: September 4, October 13, November 10, November 24
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
CARDS & GAMES
Ages 50+
Spend the afternoon with friends playing games like Euchre, Skip-Bo, and Trivial Pursuit!
Date: Year round
- Tuesday | 1-4p
- Thursday | 1-4p
- Friday | 2-4p
Location: Hays Recreation Center
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
BUNCO!
Ages 50+
Yes, this dice game from the past is back! Whether you remember your grandmother’s Bunco Club from your childhood or you’ve never heard of the game but want to try something different, sign up for our Bunco party. We’ll have fun prizes!
Year round* | Thu | 10a – 12p | Free for members/$4 per session
Location: Hays Recreation Center
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
HAYS BRIDGE GROUP
Ages 50+
Bid, Call, Dealer – Come one, come all to our Bridge Group. Bridge will be meeting three times a week at the Hays Recreation Center. Brush up on your skills, meet new people, and socialize while playing.
Year round | Mondays | 1-4p | Hays Recreation Center
Fee (M/NM): Free/$4 per session
Questions: call Jean at 217-239-1152 or email at veronica.cousett@champaignparks.org
BILLIARDS AND CARDS
Ages 50+
Show off your skills at the Douglass Annex as you play billiards or spades and listen to music with friends.
Date: Year round*
Day: Th
Time: 10a-12p
Location: Douglass Annex
Fee (M/NM): Free/$3 per session
Questions: call Robert at 217-819-3961 or email at robert.white@champaignparks.org