COMMUNITY PASSES PARK RIDGE PARK DISTRICT REFERENDUM FOR IMPROVEMENTS
AT OAKTON PARK AND FACILITIES
November 9, 2022 - The Park Ridge Park District’s referendum request for $33.4 million for improvements at Oakton Park and Facilities has been approved, according to unofficial results as reported by the Cook County Clerk’s Office.
The Park District Board and Staff are grateful to all the residents who took the time to learn about the proposed improvements for Oakton Park and Facilities, so they could make an informed choice when casting their votes. Over the past five years Board and Staff has worked with consultants and the community to develop the recommended plan. This election our residents confirmed that the project presented for taxpayer approval in the referendum was the best proposal that met the residents’ needs.
“We are honored by our residents’ trust and support of the Park District and our plans for improvements at Oakton Park and Facilities. We also greatly appreciate the efforts of the Citizens in Support of Park Ridge Park District Bond Referendum for advocating for the project,” stated Gayle Mountcastle, Executive Director of the Park Ridge Park District. She continued, “Throughout the process, we kept our residents’ needs at the forefront of our decision making. We will continue to seek our residents’ input as we move forward in the design development stage of the project.”
“This project fills gaps in our community's current recreational needs and plans for the needs in the future” stated Jennifer LaDuke, President of the Park Ridge Park District Board of Commissioners. “We are thrilled about the expanded recreational opportunities we will be able to bring everyone in the community, including kids, dogs, adults, and senior citizens. It will update an outdated facility, and it is a testament to the fact that Park Ridge cares about inclusivity with its increased accessibility.”
The next step in the project for the Park District is design development, permitting, and bidding. The Park District anticipates construction to begin in Spring 2024, and be completed in late Summer 2025. Project updates will be available at prparks.org and the Park District’s social media sites.
Park Ridge Park District (PRPD) is committed to protecting and improving our community’s parks and recreation facilities. These public assets play a critical role in our quality of life.
Over the past five years, PRPD has evaluated a variety of concepts to address the needs of the aging current facility and significantly enhance recreation opportunities at Oakton Park. The proposal includes the following improvements:
- Renovating the 53-year-old Oakton Ice Arena, including:
- Completing the required replacement of the outdated ice mechanical system which currently uses R-22 refrigerant which is no longer being produced.
- Repairing, renovating and/or replacing outdated, deteriorated siding, mechanicals, ice rink floor, dasher board system, bathrooms, locker rooms, lobby area and ventilation system, much of which are at the end of their useful lives
- Addressing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Illinois Accessibility Code (IAC) compliance issues throughout the building, including the multipurpose room, restrooms, locker rooms and bleacher seating
- Replacing the deteriorated parking lot and adding additional parking spaces
- Constructing a studio rink, training room and concessions area
- Building an indoor turf field and multipurpose rooms
- Creating a passive green outdoor gathering space
- Creating a half-mile pathway circling the park and offering indoor walking opportunities around the perimeter of the new indoor turf field
- Improving the existing driving range by replacing poles and netting
- Relocating the dog park to allow for facility and parking improvements
- Improving storm water management
In addition to providing our community with its top-requested new recreation facility—a multi-purpose sports complex—there are many other anticipated benefits of the proposed improvements:
- Expanding recreational opportunities for all ages, infants through seniors
- Extending the useful life of the existing ice arena
- Upgrading facility efficiency and reducing costly emergency repairs
- Improving accessibility for persons with physical challenges
- Freeing up programming space and wear-and-tear on other PRPD facilities, especially the gymnasiums
- Creating a self-funding facility positioned for the future
Click here for more information about the Oakton Master Plan process.
Contact Us about the Oakton Project
