Douglass Community Center
Location: 512 East Grove St.
Phone: 217-398-2573
Fax: 217-398-2575
Bus Line: Gray
Hours:

• Mon-Thur: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
• Sat & Sun: 12:00 - 5:00 pm
• Adult Open Gym: Thue & Thur
• Youth Open Gym: Mon, Wed, & Fri
• Open Gym Hours vary, please call.

The Douglass Community Center is equipped with a full-size gymnasium with six basketball goals and a stage. The building is open seven days a week for informal and organized programs and activities.

History:

• In July of 1941 neighborhood residents formed "The Douglass Community Service Center Committee" and had a mass meeting to start fund raising efforts because the black community's need were not being met with the inadequate, segregated facilities which existed at the time.
• By 1943, land adjacent to Douglass Park was acquired through increased efforts by the black community.
• In September of 1943 a second proposal to the federal government for a grant was made. The government agreed to offer $18,500 provided the community could raise an additional $14,500. 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 filed out by individual donations.
• Ground was broken for the new facility on Feb. 18, 1945
• Original construction cost of the 17,058 sq. ft building was $35,000
• Dedicated Sept. 23, 1945.

CLICK HERE to download a PDF copy of the Champaign Park District Facilities/Parks/Trails map.
Note: You may have to save it to your hard drive first and then open it in Acrobat.