Registration & Emergency Closing Information

Residency

Residents living within the boundaries of the Park District regularly support park facilities and programs through residential property taxes, and must currently reside at the residence. People living within the boundaries of the Urbana and Champaign Park Districts pay the resident (R) fees. Acceptable documents that prove current residency include, but are not limited to: utility bill, home-owner or auto insurance bill, cable bill, bank statement, vehicle registration, or voter registration card. Emailed copies are accepted. If in doubt about whether your document is acceptable call 217-367-1544. See also Reciprocal Agreement on this page.

The Urbana Park District has established a nonresident fee system in order to equalize payments by individuals residing outside of the Park District boundaries, so they will contribute to the overall financing of the park system on an equitable basis with residents. The Urbana Park District offers three options for nonresident program fees:

Individuals may pay 1.5 times the resident fee per program or membership (NR fee)
Individuals residing immediately adjacent to Urbana Park District boundaries have the option of annexing their property into the district. For more information, call 217-367-1536.
Individuals may purchase an Urbana Park District annual park membership. This fee is computed based on the assessed value of the participant’s property using the current Urbana Park District tax rate. The membership fee for rented properties is $100 per year. Memberships are valid for programs that begin between May 1-April 30, 2025, or May 1-April 30, 2026. Ask a Phillips Recreation staff member for additional information. These memberships do not qualify you as a resident for purposes of Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center Memberships.

Reciprocal Agreement

The Urbana Park District and Champaign Park District have a reciprocal agreement. A resident of one district can participate in programs at the other district at the resident rate. Not applicable to memberships at the Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center.

Boundry Map

Refunds, Cancellations, Withdrawals

If you withdraw from a program, you may choose to apply the fee toward another program or you may receive a refund of the program cost minus a $5 processing fee. If it is past the program's registration deadline, or if the program has already begun, a refund request form will need to be completed. They can be picked up at the Phillips Recreation Center or found online. Requests must be made no later than 10 business days after the last class attended. Requests for past classes will not be honored.

Refunds are processed by credit/debit card or as a mailed check. No cash refunds can be given. Refunds or credits will be issued within seven to ten business days after the Urbana Park District business office receives the written request.

There will be a $25 service charge on all returned checks.

Registration

Proof of park district residency is required for all new participants. Proof of residency may be emailed prior to registration, and payment is due at time of registration.

How to Register

By Phone – Register by phone at 217-367-1544 using your Visa, Discover, American Express or MasterCard during regular Phillips Center hours.
- First time registrants will need to prove residency before phone registration can be processed. Proof of residency may be emailed to info@urbanaparks.org prior to registration.
Walk-In Registration – In-person registration is at the Phillips Recreation Center - 505 W. Stoughton. Pay by cash, check or credit/debit card. Checks should be made payable to “Urbana Park District.”
Online
- New patrons will need to create an account; Returning patrons can log in using their current Urbana Park District account.
- Need help logging in? You can contact the Phillips Recreation Center at 217-367-1544 or email.

Youth Financial Assistance

(Partial Fee Waivers for Urbana Park District Residents)

In order to provide financial assistance to the greatest number of individuals and families, we are able to offer partial fee waivers to qualified participants. Youth Financial Assistance is available to those residing within Urbana Park District boundaries. Fee waivers are available year-round and are awarded based on demonstrated financial need.

Applications should be turned in at least two weeks before a program’s deadline. This allows adequate time for processing and approval. Place in a program is reserved once payment is received. Submit requests early. You do not need to wait for registration to begin before submitting your application.

Applications can be picked up in person at the Phillips Recreation Center, 505 W. Stoughton, Urbana.

Along with a proof of Urbana residency, one following items from each applicable category must accompany your fee waiver application:

Any of the following as they apply:
- USD #116 free/reduced lunch receipt
- Link Card or approval letter
- Housing Authority subsidized housing letter (show amount of subsidy)
- If you are a student who is doing research work at the UIUC and have a stipend or grant, a confirmation letter from that department on official letterhead
If presently employed:
- 2 months’ worth of pay stubs or bank statements
- Any document showing monies or subsidies received
- Official letters stating student assistantships and/or scholarships with amounts
- Completed Income Tax form (if self-employed)
- Official letter from employer (on official company letterhead) if you have just started working and have not received a paycheck yet
If presently unemployed:
- Official unemployment documentation

Behavior Code

In keeping with the Urbana Park District’s goals, we encourage fun for all participants. However, certain rules are necessary to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. The following behavior rules apply to all participants in Urbana Park District programs. Failure to follow these rules can result in dismissal from programs. No refunds are granted when a participant is dismissed for behavioral reasons.

Participants should:

Demonstrate respect to other participants and staff.
Use appropriate language.
Respect the physical and mental well-being of themselves, other participants, and staff.
Use equipment, supplies, and facilities as they are meant.
Refrain from participation in unlawful activities.

Photographs / Video

The Urbana Park District uses pictures of participants in its programs and events to inform others of recreational opportunities in promotional material including brochures, websites, social media, and this course catalog. If you do not want your picture taken, please tell our photographer(s).

Rain Outs and Cancellations

To find out if events or programs are cancelled due to weather, download the free rainoutline.com app on your smartphone and receive text alerts from Urbana Park District after signing up for desired facilities or events.

Create an account/sign up for alerts from the Urbana Park District. You can select one or up to all of our accounts to stay on top of what is happening. Or if you prefer to call, reach us by phone at 217-367-9575.

Signup for Alerts

Either online or by phone, use the following extensions to find out about each program area.

1 - Crystal Lake Park Family Aquatic Center
2 - Urbana Indoor Aquatic Center
3 - Swim Lessons
4 - Nadiators Swim Team
5 - Camp Fresh
6 - Lake House
7 - Youth Sports – Jan – Apr
8 - Youth Sports – May – Aug
9 - Youth Sports – Sep – Dec
10 - Adult Sports – Jan – Apr
11 - Adult Sports – May – Aug
12 - Adult Sports – Sep – Dec
13 - Sports Camp
14 - Fitness in the Park
15 - Outdoor Aquatic Fitness
16 - Indoor Fitness
17 - Arts Camp
19 - Nature Day Camp
20 - Nature Programs - general
20 - UPD Special Events
21 - Urbana Park District - general
23 - Dog Park