CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — The summer season is shaping up to be a busy one for the Champaign Park District, with free concerts, Juneteenth celebrations, playground improvements, and the opening of a brand-new park all planned in the coming months.

During a recent appearance on Focus with Callie Luttman, Champaign Park District Marketing Manager Tachel Brown discussed a packed lineup of events and projects aimed at encouraging families to get outdoors and connect with the community.

One of the district’s signature summer programs, Jazz in the Park, has already kicked off for the season. The free concert series brings local jazz musicians to neighborhood parks, complete with food trucks, lawn chairs and picnic blankets.

“We just have free concerts from local jazz musicians in our parks,” Brown said. “People bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs, and they just chill out with their community and eat good food and listen to music. It’s really good vibes.”

The next Jazz in the Park event is scheduled for July 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Noel Park.

To hear the entire conversation with Callie Luttman and Tachel Brown, listen here: FOCUS – CHAMPAIGN PARK DIST SUMMER LINEUP by Illini Media Group

Brown also highlighted the opening of Sholem Aquatic Center for the summer season over Memorial Day weekend. She noted that both day passes and season passes are available, including free season passes for seniors enrolled in the Silver Sneakers health insurance program.

June will bring a pair of Juneteenth celebrations to Douglass Park in partnership with the Champaign Public Library.

The first event is scheduled for June 13 from noon to 3 p.m. and will feature live entertainment, yard games, pickup basketball, food trucks and a new scavenger hunt designed to teach visitors about the history of Juneteenth.

“One thing that we’re doing new this year is we’re having a Juneteenth scavenger hunt throughout the Douglas Park campus, where each stop along the scavenger hunt will help people learn about Juneteenth and its history,” Brown said.

A second Juneteenth celebration will take place June 19 from 6 to 8 p.m., giving families another opportunity to gather and celebrate on the federal holiday itself.

Brown said the park district’s goal is to create welcoming experiences for residents of all ages and backgrounds. “There’s always something to come for all ages and for different interests in life,” she said.

Beyond events, the park district is also investing heavily in playground improvements throughout the city.

Brown said new playground equipment has already reopened at Millage Park, while additional playground replacements are planned this summer at Wesley Park and Garden Hills Park.

The updated playgrounds will include new accessibility features and modern equipment designed for a wider range of users.

One of the most anticipated additions this summer is the future opening of Hedge Park on the city’s north side near Mattis Avenue.

Brown explained the new park grew out of long-term flood mitigation work in the Garden Hills neighborhood being completed by the City of Champaign. “They’ve been spending the last several years doing that,” Brown said of the flood control work. “And Hedge Park was actually born during that project, just kind of seeing the need for an additional park space in that community.”

The new park will feature walking paths, bridges and additional green space designed to improve accessibility and outdoor recreation opportunities in the neighborhood. “The big selling point of this park that I love is really the path system because it kind of gives you a safe place to go out on your morning walk, take your dog out,” Brown said.

The city is expected to complete construction later this summer before the Champaign Park District officially takes over management of the property. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is tentatively planned for late June.

Brown said one of the district’s guiding goals is ensuring residents have access to parks and green space close to home. “I think it’s just fun to see additional beautification in our city and just see new ways for the people that live here to be able to engage with the outdoors in a really accessible way, like basically in their backyard,” she said.

Additional information on summer programs, registration opportunities and upcoming events can be found through the Champaign Park District website and social media pages.