The Oak Lawn Park District is proud to announce that construction has started to convert the bath house at Memorial Park (102nd & Major Ave.) to a multi-generational recreation center. Construction fences will be placed around the building and parts of the path just east of the parking lot, along with the placement of a construction trailer starting Wednesday, November 27.
This project was made possible thanks to the $2.1 million grant the Oak Lawn Park District was awarded earlier this year from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act, or PARC, grant program. Construction will continue through the winter, with the facility set to open next summer. The splash pad will open Memorial Day weekend, depending on any delays.
The project includes converting smaller rooms, such as locker rooms, shower facilities, and storage areas, into larger multipurpose rooms and new restrooms. The entry vestibule will be changed to a lobby and reception area.
“We’ve had great success this past year with getting grants to offset the cost to the taxpayer for some exciting, high-profile projects,” said Tom Hartwig, executive director. “This added space allows us to expand our program offerings and utilize a space that has sat dormant for years. We are thankful for our local elected officials, Senator Bill Cunningham and State Rep. Kelly Burke for their support, the Illinois Association of Park Districts, the State of Illinois, and Governor Pritzker, for their efforts in emphasizing the importance of these grant programs to help improve communities across the state.”
The PARC grant program, which is part of Governor Pritzker s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital improvement program funded a total of $28 million in projects to local governments. These projects are to further public recreational opportunities throughout their communities whether that is renovating existing buildings or constructing a new community center. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) administers the program.
“As we continue to build a stronger future for our community, updates to local landmarks like the Memorial Park Recreation Center represent substantial progress,” said State Rep. Kelly Burke of Evergreen Park. “I was pleased to secure this funding so I could help improve the experiences of the many people who take advantage of the recreation center every day, as well as for new people who haven’t gotten that chance yet.”
