Here are some details about the picnic:

Food: This year, we want to make it easy on the cooks, so lunch will be catered (we're thinking either a local barbeque restaurant or Biaggi's). Please help us with these arrangements by letting us know how many to expect from your house - reply to Molly by Jun 17.

Venue: Centennial Park has a pavilion which we have rented until 3 pm. The pavilion has several picnic tables and electricity. But there is no countertop, kitchen or sink. Restrooms and water fountains are nearby. The Leonard Recreation Center (about a 100-yard walk) has the nearest restroom facilities. The park district may place porta-potties closer to the shelter, though. Bring lawn chairs and drinks if you wish (coffee, iced tea and lemonade will be provided). Please note that the rental agreement does not permit us to have alcohol on site.

Parking: The nearest parking lot is off of Sangamon Dr. (see map below)

Fun: This is a very kid-friendly park - playground, aquatic center, and the Prairie Farm petting zoo. More information here: https://champaignparks.com/park/centennial-park/

Use of the Aquatic Center: The nearby Sholem Aquatic Center has lots of fun water features for kids. Day passes for non-residents cost $13.50 per person (children under 3 years of age are free). Parents, please note the Youth Day-Pass Policy:

YOUTH DAY PASS POLICY

Individuals aged 13-17 may use the pool without a parent/guardian. Now, all day pass holders aged 13-17 need to have a Champaign Park District household account with current photos on file to gain entry into the pool, regardless of whether or not the parent accompanying the child/children is going to stay with them. This update does not affect pool (annual) pass holders.

To create a household account, a parent/guardian needs to fill out a form at Sholem Aquatic Center or Leonhard Recreation Center with contact information including name, address, age, date of birth, etc. for each child and parent/guardian. Once information is obtained by staff, each child 13-17 will be able to check in and purchase a day pass without a parent/guardian in the future.

Why?

This procedure will help us to have reliable emergency contact information in case of an incident. If a guest needs emergency assistance or help getting home, we will better know who to reach out to.

Weather: The pavilion has open sides. If threatening weather arises, the aquatic center is the nearest shelter.

If you have questions, email Molly at maryjdaniel@outlook.com or call her cell phone at 217-549-2303.