The Martens Center is a colorful addition to the Champaign Park District
Traveling north on Market Street in Champaign, you may have noticed the colorful new building near Human Kinetics. This is the Martens Center, Champaign Park District’s newest facility (opened October 2022) with an indoor track, gym, classrooms, an interactive play area, and more.
You’ll want to find the most up-to-date info on hours, pass prices and more on the Champaign Park District website. Both daily and annual pass prices are incredible affordable, starting at just a few dollars per person for a day. No childcare is available on site while you work out.
When You Arrive
The Martens Center at Human Kinetics Park is a state-of-the-art facility, and you’ll notice that from the moment you walk in. A large hand-painted mural adorns the stairwell, which leads to the indoor track, some multi-purpose group fitness rooms, and various multi-use instructional rooms.
Spacious, bright classrooms are set up to serve multiple populations. The Joe DeLuce Innovation Center houses 3D printers, a Lego wall, and space for creative, collaborative projects. Group fitness rooms are equipped with televisions for streaming workouts and large windows allowing for plenty of light. A fully-equipped gym with weights and machines provides space for members to work out.
From the second floor, look down for a bird’s-eye view of the interactive games room, sure to be a favorite of school-age kids and teens (and adults!) alike. Check out the light wall, a Dance Dance Revolution-type game, and other virtual-reality activities. For those ages 13 and older, there are also rowing and cycling machines hooked up to video games – keep moving to keep playing the game, otherwise the system shuts off.
The Martens Center’s gymnasium has court space for open play, basketball, volleyball, pickleball and more. An instructional kitchen boasts commercial-grade equipment for cooking and nutrition classes. The Martens Center is also home to the Don Moyer Boys and Girls Club, with plenty of space for participants to learn and play together.
The Martens Center is a membership gym, so be sure to check out the annual and monthly rates on its website. Want to check it out before committing? Daily Passes are just a few dollars for residents, making the Martens Center a super budget-friendly option for families looking for some indoor fun, especially when it’s chilly out!
Looking for more fun near the Martens Center?
Human Kinetics Park, located directly behind the Martens Center, features a great playground and splash pad, too. Tie in some fun outdoors as well as indoors, when the weather cooperates!
Looking for more places to play around Champaign-Urbana?
- Anita Purves Nature Center
- Champaign Public Library: What Families Can Expect
- Exploring Kids’ Spaces in Champaign-Urbana Public Libraries
- Health and Wellness Center
- Illini Union Rec Room
- Krannert Art Museum
- Martens Center
- Museum of the Grand Prairie
- Prairie Farm
- Spurlock Museum
- University of Illinois Ice Arena
- Urbana Free Library: What Families Can Expect