Oak Forest Park District Plans for New Recreation Center

The Oak Forest Park District has been busy this past winter on the heels of their 50th anniversary. They have announced plans to build a new Recreation Center on the property of Central Park and they are in the works of building a new shelter style building at Dons Burns Park.

The new building is projected to be done by September 2019 and they are in the process of completing all the permits needed. It is a welcomed addition due to the fact that the staff has been wanting to add new programs but did not have the room. The Oak Forest Park District is looking forward to adding new programs that have been in the wings for years.

The new building will be built in an open concept with the ability to divide the space into two separate rooms. Each room will have the ability to hold 60 people and have access to a kitchen. The staff has big plans which includes moving some activities to the new building so they can free up the gym for new sports activities. They are very excited to develop new classes and activities for their residents also. Some ideas they are kicking around are science classes for youth, cooking classes and new art classes. The building will be available for rental by the community also.

John Harris has been an Oak Forest Park District Commissioner for the past year and a half and believes the new building will enhance the park district. "We considered a lot of different projects. We wanted something that would be good for all of our residents overall," he commented. "The best thing about the new addition to the park district is, it will not cost the residents anything," Mr. Harris explained. All funds will be coming from bond for capital improvements, so no tax increase will be needed for the expansions.

The building will be on the north west corner of the property where the Tichan House currently sits and will have to be demolished. The Tichan House has sat on the property of the Oak forest Park district since its inception. It has been used for a myriad of activities including meetings for C.O.U.R.T., various classes over the years and has been a meet up spot for various sports activities.

They are aware that there will be some citizens that are nostalgic about the old house and have scheduled an open house and viewing so good byes can be said to the house that has been a part of the community for so long. They have planned the open house for January 30, 31st and February 1st. The public is welcome to come, take pictures and officially say their good byes before demolition starts.

The second building is currently in the works at Don Burns Park on Forest Avenue. The new structure will be a shelter type building with concessions, bathrooms and storage for the Oak Forest Park sports teams. The front will have an open shelter with picnic tables and has a projected completion date of April 17th, 2019. Not only will it be used for sporting events, they plan to hold community events for the public. They have already planned a movie in the park on June 21st showing Incredibles 2.

Cindy Grannan, Director of the Oak Forest Park District since 2008, has worked for the Park for the past 35 years and is excited about the new buildings. She commented, "The staff has worked their tails off on both of these projects. Our staff has been amazing."

She also credits the city of Oak Forest for helping with the process of acquiring the needed permits, zoning and plans in order to make these projects come to fruition. "Travis Bandsta, who is the Economic and Community Development Directors, and Katie Ashbaugh, the Community Planner, were phenomenal assisting us in the whole process and our working relationship was fantastic."