Smile Politely

Have you been to the Martens Center yet?

Julie McClure
A large wall mural with colorful silhouettes of children against a yellow and gold checked background.

The Champaign Park District’s latest facility opened last fall, and I finally got over there to take a look inside.

A wide metal staircase on a wooden platform runs along a wall covered in a large colorful mural.
Julie McClure

The facility has multiple spaces for fitness, including a gym with upper level walking track, a weight and fitness machine room, and a group fitness room. During the first year of operation, individual memberships are available for just $60 for residents, and memberships for a family of up to three are $120. It’s $20 for each additional family member.

A large gym with shiny wood floors and basketball court markings. There is a walking track above the court, around the perimeter.
Julie McClure
A row of elliptical machines and exercise bikes in a large room, with two televisions hanging above them.
Julie McClure
A row of metal cylinders with weighted balls on either side. It sits on a floor of green turf.
Julie McClure

There’s a large “play room” with various electronic games that also keep kids moving.

Double glass doors with the glass tinted bright pink, looking into a large open room.
Julie McClure
A console with two large tv screens is against a white concrete wall. There is a mat with two blue circles on the floor in front of the tvs.
Julie McClure

There are also several classrooms for STEM, STEAM, cooking classes, and more. This month, the park district has a few free classes available for kids, including “Cool”inary Class and Full Steam Ahead. Registration is required.

A large classroom with an oval shaped table with red-orange chairs surrounding it. There are two rows of computers adjacent to it, and a tv hanging on the wall
Julie McClure
A room filled with rectangular metal tables, each with two stools. There are ovens along one wall.
Julie McClure

As we head into spring and summer, there will be plenty of opportunities to check out the refurbished Human Kinetics Park behind the Martens Center. There’s new playground equipment and a splash pad, as well as a basketball court, fustal court, and a baseball/soccer field combo.

A park with a playground, pavilion, and walking path. In the foreground is a wooden sign that says Human Kinetics Park in white lettering.
Julie McClure

Find a full list of amenities at the Martens Center at the Champaign Park District website.

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