In numerous local community surveys, the need for a Community Recreation Center was ranked as a high priority need by residents. To meet this need without raising taxes, the Parks Foundation and a group of volunteers launched a capital campaign seeking donations from foundations, corporations, families, and individuals. All fundraising efforts were a result of the Parks Foundation's campaign, and in total, the Parks Foundation raised $15.5 million of the $22 million that went into building this community hub.
The Community Recreation Center was successfully opened in May 2023, and offers an indoor track, gymnasium, fitness center, studio, esports lounge, community rooms, a child playzone, inclusive locker rooms, and the Community Mental Health Board. The availability of the facility helps to ensure the Park District is meeting the diverse needs of residents of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and economic statues, both now and in the future.
- Fiscal Responsibility
Oak Park is a place for all to feel welcome: to be safe, to be healthy, and to feel a sense of belonging. Many decades ago, the Village took action to embrace equity for all and establish our community value of strength in diversity. Ever since then, Oak Park has been committed to its inclusive mission.
Our diverse collection of families presented different recreation and fitness needs, and although Oak Park enjoyed many park district services and amenities—including two outdoor pools, parks, an ice rink, a gymnastic center, tennis courts, and nearly 3,000 programs—local residents lacked access to a gymnasium, fitness facility, an indoor walking track, or a multi-generational community center that served families and individuals including the growing senior population.
Based on public engagement through community surveys and the 2016 feasibility study, we believed the construction of a Community Recreation Center would meet the diverse needs of residents of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and economic statuses. The Community Recreation Center was designed to offer our community:
- A safe place for youth of all ages to go immediately after school
- A year-round, indoor walking track that Oak Park residents of all ages can access at no cost
- A place for Oak Park youth to access mental health services and creative social-emotional programming
- Affordable group classes and fitness opportunities for individuals and families
- A place for teen programming on weekends and evenings
- A place to bring our community together and make connections to build and strengthen community bonds
Many Oak Park residents were feeling financial pressure from increasing property taxes. The Parks Foundation of Oak Park and the Park District listened to these community concerns and committed to using existing resources in conjunction with a Capital Campaign to build a much-needed Community Recreation Center without increasing taxes.
The Parks Foundation of Oak Park committed to primarily funding this project with grants and charitable donations. In addition, the operating costs of the facility are funded by user fees. The Capital Campaign was spearheaded by a group of local residents, donors, and volunteers committed to the achievement of this bold, transformative project.
Milestones
Check out some of the major milestones that led up to the grand opening of the Community Recreation Center. From the initial campaign launch to fundraisers to the groundbreaking to the day the building opened its doors, the Parks Foundation provided the necessary financial support to make the CRC a reality for Oak Park. Many thanks to our many generous donors.
Click the images to enlarge.
See Press Releases
Capital Campaign Kick-off
CRC Groundbreaking
CRC Grand Opening
Tribute brick pavers purchased by families and organizations in support of the CRC
Donor Wall
CRC Milestone TimelineThe Parks Foundation is a non-profit corporation that is tax-exempt under Section 501(c)3.
