Get Your New Year's Resolutions Ready: We Have a Sneak Peak into Woodridge's New Fitness Center

After more than a decade of imagining, budgeting, planning and building, Woodridge Park District’s new Athletic Recreation Center is slated to open Jan. 2. Can’t wait? Don’t worry — we have a sneak peak into what the facility will look like.

The new building at 8201 N. Janes Ave. will be open from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. on weekdays, 6 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturdays and 7 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sundays, according to its website. Group fitness classes will be offered every night, and there will be open gym facilities, a running track, opportunities to join athletic teams and even a decked-out rope course. These are the details:

Fitness center

This 5,700-square-foot space will have it all: outdoor views, 50 pieces of cardio equipment including treadmills, ellipticals, cross trainers, steppers, bikes and rowers, internet access and individual TVs attached to the equipment. Free weight training equipment, mirrored walls, designated stretching areas and rubber floors are just some of the other perks.

The center’s group exercise room takes up 1,730 square feet of space and is ready for just about any activity with mirrored walls, a full sound audio system, a sport wood floor, adjustable ballet bars and exercise equipment. The space will also feature Fitness On Demand TM virtual reality video exercise programs.

Walking/running track

Look outside right now. Do you really want to attempt a run in the subzero temps the Chicago area is about to endure for the next several months? The ARC is making it easy to run indoors with its new ⅛-mile track. The track is 200 meters per lap with several lanes. If you’re a member of the gym, you automatically have access to the track. If you’re just indoors for the colder months, you can consider a 3-month pass, which is $50 for a Woodridge resident, or a daily pass for $3.

Turf

If hitting the weight room isn’t quite your style, the ARC will have a 40x60-yard artificial turf that can be divided in two for soccer, lacrosse, football, rugby, youth softball, baseball, ultimate Frisbee, cheerleading and open play. The area will also feature batting cages, scoreboards and seating for spectators.

Like the track, turf space is included in a fitness membership. If you’re not a member, the ARC lists several options for using the turf here.

Gym

The multi-court gym is a high-school sized basketball court and can be converted into two junior high-sized courts, four biddy-sized courts, three volleyball courts or three badminton courts. Payment options for using just the gym space are available here.

Ropes course

If you’re on the turf field, make sure you look up — 25 feet above you is a complete ropes course that’s available for rental. This course in particular features five different course elements with the option of a free-fall or controlled descent experience. The ARC suggests renting out the course for parties, field trips or other events. Each participant must be at least 12 years old. Rental for two hours with 10 people is $250.

Other goodies

The ARC will also have program rooms, which will be available for rental, and men’s and women’s locker rooms with separated shower areas.

The ARC’s grand opening will take place at 5 a.m. Jan. 2.

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