Sholem Aquatic Center
Location: 2205 West Sangamon Drive
Phone: 217-398-2581
Bus Line: Brown & Blue
Hours: Open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day with reduced hours when Unit 4 schools are in session. (See below)
Reduced Public Hours: Subject to change due to aquatic competitions, staff availability or weather conditions.

Closed for the season

Regular Hours:
Monday-Friday: 12:30 - 7:00 p.m. (open until 8pm in July)
Weekends: 11am- 7:00 pm (open until 8pm in July)
Early Bird Time: (Season Pass Holders Only) Weekdays 12-12:30 p.m.

Sholem Program & Events (PDF)

Cardboard Boat Race - See Flyer

The Sholem Aquatic Center is fun for everyone!

• Play with guests of all ages and swimming abilities at The Beach, an 8000 square foot activity pool with play and spray features for interactive fun.
• Take a relaxing float in your inner tube down The Rapids, a 660-foot winding river that loops and meanders so that you can ride it all afternoon!
• For those more adventurous guests there are The Falls, the 170-foot tube slide that twists and turns as you descend into The Rapids.
• The excitement will truly begin as you try The Plunge, the 197-foot tunneling body flume slide that will spiral you into the splash pool.
• Your little ones will love The Puddle with it's toys and slide designed just for toddlers. This zero-depth kiddy pool is the perfect place for some water play with your little ones.
• We haven't forgotten those of you looking for a place to swim some laps. Whether for fitness, relaxation or swim team, The Sea is an 8-lane, 25-yard lap pool that will meet your needs.
• Thinking of bringing a group to the Sholem Aquatic Center? Consider renting either The Prairie, The Field, or The Meadow, our private rental lawns for your next company outing, family reunion, or birthday party.
• After a day of fun in the sun you can stop for a snack or a meal at The Oasis, our new concession stand with plenty of seating in the shade or in the sun.

• Sholem Sharks Swim Team Info
• Sholem Sharks Website

Daily Admission Rates:

In order to receive resident admission rates, residents must present their resident ID card at the pool. Get your free resident ID today at Bresnan Meeting Center, Leonhard Recreation Center, Springer Cultural Center, Tennis Center, or Sholem (after opening day).

Pool Pass Rates: If you already have your Champaign Park District Photo ID card, you can order/renew your pool pass online by clicking here.

Rental Information

We offer the option for groups to rent the Sholem Aquatic Center in the evenings (after our public swim hours).  The entire facility can be rented or you can rent a part of the facility. CLICK HERE for rates & more information.

Please contact Megan Kuhlenschmidt at   or 819-3981 if you are interested in setting up a date and time for your groups rental.

Pool History:

• Named in honor of Jerome J. Sholem who was a Champaign Park District Commissioner from 1969 to 1975
• Construction started in September 1959 at a cost of $474,361
• Dedicated June 4, 1961
• Demolished Fall 2005
• Reopened as Sholem Aquatic Center on July 1, 2006

Waterslide History:

• Originally owned and operated on Park District land in Centennial park by Rainbow Bend Ltd.
• Was purchased from Rainbow Bend Ltd. on March 28, 1994.
• Demolished Fall 2005

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.