Driving Range Reopens September 9!
We are excited to announce that the Oakton Driving Range will reopen on Wednesday, September 9! We appreciate the community’s patience throughout this improvement project and are pleased to welcome golfers back to the range.
About the Project:
The Oakton Driving Range has been closed to allow for the replacement of the Range’s netting and support poles, along with significant turf restoration resulting from this construction.
Before construction began, the Park District worked closely with engineers and conducted a comprehensive trajectory study to determine the appropriate height and placement of the new poles and netting. This work was necessary to help ensure the safety of patrons and staff and protect surrounding areas of Oakton Park. The project experienced several unforeseen challenges that extended the closure beyond our original expectations. The specialized steel poles required for the project had a lengthy manufacturing lead time, delaying installation until late 2025. The new poles and netting were completed in early 2026, after which site cleanup, fencing, and restoration work could begin. As restoration progressed this spring, another significant challenge emerged. In early May, it was determined that the Driving Range irrigation system had sustained damage and would need significant repairs. Growing grass to replace the turf damaged during construction was a challenge without a functioning irrigation system, however staff utilized temporary irrigation cannons to support germination and turf establishment while work on a permanent irrigation solution continued. Because healthy turfgrass is essential to the operation and long-term sustainability of the Driving Range, adequate time was needed for the newly seeded areas to become established before reopening the facility. We are happy to report the irrigation system has been repaired, and along with favorable weather conditions, turf restoration is progressing nicely. We will be ready to welcome golfers back on September 9th!
In addition to the new poles and netting and restored grounds, golfers will also notice improvements to the admissions building and restrooms, and new dividers in the individual hitting bays. Limited concessions will be available and Harp and Fiddle will be offering alcoholic beverages for sale in the evenings and weekends.
We know this has been a long wait, and we sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of our golfers and the entire community as we worked through the complexities of this project.
Use of the Des Plaines Park District’s Golf Center Driving Range
We have made arrangements with the Des Plaines Park District for Park Ridge Park District residents to receive the resident rate at the Golf Center Driving Range. To receive the discounted rate, please check in at the front desk and ask for the “Park Ridge Special Rate”. This special will remain available until the Oakton Driving Range reopens.