Universal School Principal Amina Murrar, her voice ringing with pride, stood at the podium outside the school’s new 30,000-square-foot UniPlex Sports Facility Friday morning in Bridgeview.
The facility is located at 9201 S. Odell Ave.
“Today is a great day to be able to share this incredible occasion with the community,” said Murrar, who has been associated with the Islamic school for 25 years as both a teacher and an administrator.
The new facility, which cost $7 million and took two years to build, is a work of art and offers two full-length basketball courts, a volleyball court, a pickleball court and an upper-level walking track as well as a fitness area with a variety of exercise machines.
Community members can pay for passes or memberships to use the facility before and after school.
Murrar said the new UniPlex will not only provide space for Universal School’s more than 800 students from pre-k through high school but also serve as a place for the community to workout after school hours.
Bridgeview Mayor Steve Landek, along with Universal School Chairman Dr. Amine Abdul, cut the ribbon officially opening up the new UniPlex.
“This is a great day and the community should be very proud of this new facility,” Landek said. “It took a lot of work and the perseverance really paid off. I just want to congratulate everyone involved in this project.”
No one was happier to see the new UniPlex open than Universal School boys’ basketball coach Konrad Dziewulski and his players.
“This truly is amazing,” Dziewulski said while watching his team scrimmage on the shiny new hardwood. “Last year was a tough year. We’re excited about this year with some new players and this amazing new facility.”
The team, which finished last year with a 4-22 record, was engaged in a spirited scrimmage with gym shoes squeaking up and down the court.
Team captain Azzam Atussi, of Willowbrook, said the team “has a whole new vibe this year” and a lot has to do with this incredible new facility. “There is a ‘wow factor’ now when you walk in here. Everyone is so appreciative to everyone who helped make this a reality.”
Aboulfatouh Sharara, the building facilities manager at Universal School, said the new building “is a big deal and it is going to draw people for early morning and after school activities.
“This is a beautiful facility and I know everyone around here is so happy and excited,” he said.
