The Lake House in Crystal Lake Park

206 W. Park Urbana, IL 61801
Orange/Gold Bus Route
Just north of University Avenue at the corner of Park Street and Race Street

217-328-1069 boating season/weather closures
217-367-1544 facility rental information

The Lake House is a cozy spot for birthdays, anniversaries, retirement parties, bridal and baby showers, rehearsal dinners, family reunions, corporate trainings, meetings, retreats, graduation and holiday parties. Between November and March, you can add the fireplace for atmosphere! Tucked away in Crystal Lake Park, the Lake House offers a beautiful view of Crystal Lake Park and easy access to pavilions, playgrounds, and boating opportunities in the park. The rental room can seat 50 people or accommodate up to 60 standing people. There is a two-hour minimum for all rentals. Please make your request at least two weeks in advance.

Boating

May 4 - May 27: Saturdays and Sundays from 12-7pm (open Memorial Day)
May 30 - Aug 11: Thursdays-Sundays from 12-7pm (open Independence Day)
Aug 17 - Sept 2: Saturdays and Sundays from 12-7pm (open Labor Day - last day of the season)

2024 Boating Rental Fees

Kayaks: $11/half-hour or $13/hour
Canoes: $11/half-hour or $13/hour
2-person Paddle Boats: $12/half-hour or $15/hour
3-person Paddle Boats: $13/half-hour or $16/hour
4-person Paddle Boats: $14/half-hour or $17/hour

We accept all major credit cards, cash or check (with valid ID) as payment. Fees include Coast Guard-approved life jackets with sizes ranging from infant to adult. An adult must accompany anyone under 16. A valid driver's license or major credit card is required as a deposit on all rentals.

Group Boat Rentals

Save up to 25% on regular boat rental prices when you book your group boat rental at least two weeks in advance! Call the Phillips Recreation Center at 217-367-1544 to arrange your group boat rental today!

Facility Rental

Lake House Rental Form

Email your requests.

Every rental includes use of a prep kitchen with counter space, small microwave, sink, ice machine, use of refrigerator and freezer.

Available Extras

Coffee: $7/gallon
Tea / Lemonade: $4/gallon
Fireplace (November-March): $25
TV/DVD: $10
Ceiling-Mounted LED projector with sound: $20

Rental Requests

Rental requests should be made at least two weeks in advance.

Call Janet at 217-367-1544 ext. 277, to discuss set-up options and accommodations for larger parties. All rentals require a $100 deposit. Often groups will work with a rental company for additional tables and chairs for an outdoor ceremony. We’d be glad to help you plan your next celebration.

Request packets are available at the Lake House, Phillips Center and by e-mail. Or download a rental packet. You must complete a request and return it to the Phillips Recreation Center with a $100 damage deposit. Requests are only accepted when the request form and deposit have both been received. Preferably, two weeks advance notice should be given to reserve the Lake House. Many weekend dates are booked several months in advance, so plan accordingly. Staff will try to accommodate requests with less notice if the space and staffing are available.

After you submit your form and deposit, the Community Program Manager must then approve your request. After you are called with approval, you will receive a receipt, your permit and paperwork copies. No requests are approved without a call from the Manager.

Fees

Days	Inside Room (seats 50)	Inside Room with Patio (seats 80)
Monday-Thursday	$55/hour	$70/hour
Friday-Sunday	$65/hour	$80/hour
Add use of the lakeside deck to your facility rental: $50/2 hours
Meeting Rental-Seminar Rates: $45-$55/hour, access to all the Lake House features.

Call Janet at 217-367-1544 ext. 277 to see if your meeting qualifies for our seminar rate.

Payment

The $100 damage deposit must be received to make your request. After the rental is approved, the deposit will be cashed (if paid with a check) or will be charged (if paid with a credit card). A full refund for the deposit will be issued approximately two weeks after your rental minus any costs for staying late, damages, additional staff time required to clean up, or other miscellaneous charges.

Full payment for the rental must be made no later than two weeks after notification that your rental has been approved. If payment is not received before the end of the two-week period, the reservation may be cancelled and $50 will be deducted from the damage deposit. We would be glad to discuss a payment plan if you believe you’ll require an extension.

PLEASE NOTE: Any party that stays over the scheduled time will be charged an additional amount at 1.5 times the hourly rate.