Construction has already begun on updating and renovating the Oak Lawn Ice Arena with more projects scheduled to take place.
Tom Hartwig, who has served as the executive director of the Oak Lawn Park District the past four years, told a large audience that attended the State of the Village address in February that the Oak Lawn Ice Arena, 9320 S. Kenton Ave., is long overdue for a face-lift and repairs.
“We are committed to ensuring our facilities remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for residents,” said Hartwig, who has been affiliated with the Oak Lawn Park District for over 26 years. “These improvements will not only extend the lifespan of our facilities but also enhance the overall experience for the community for years to come. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to bring these exciting upgrades to fruition.”
Hartwig said it was time to begin these park district projects. It has been nearly 20 years since a large renovation of the ice arena has taken place, Hartwig said.
The Oak Lawn Ice Arena has been closed since late March as a construction crew was busy at work in the back of the building on Monday afternoon. Improvements to the facility will include a new ice surface, with new dasher boards, and netting. During this period, facility rentals, including birthday parties and private ice time, will be unavailable, Hartwig said.
This project will be completed by the fall. Improvements include the renovation of two locker rooms and one group locker room.
Parking lot replacements will also occur at the Stony Creek Golf Course, 5850 W. 103rd St., and the Centennial Aquatic Center and Splash Pad, 9300 S. Nashville Ave., beginning this month, Hartwig said.
Hartwig again said the projects were long overdue and have been delayed because of the pandemic.
“The last three years, we have had a 100% rate of getting grants,” Hartwig said.
Hartwig also said that $2.1 million in grant funding will be used to upgrade what was once the old Memorial Park pool and bathhouse at 102nd and Major Avenue.
The old facility has been used as a storage center for the park district the past few years. The one new addition to Memorial Park was a splash pad that was installed a few years ago and remains popular with kids and families.
All the upgrades of the parks and facilities will cost $15 million overall in grant funding, Hartwig said. The renovation is a result of surveys filled out by residents and what they would like to see done with the parks. A major concern was to update the infrastructure of the facilities, he added.
Construction is also taking place at Memorial Park with the old center fenced off to the public. Hartwig said that with the assistance of the village, the new center will be completed by the fall. He said programs for seniors will be provided at the new Memorial Park facility.
The David Johnston Center, which is directly across the street from the Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., and on land that also includes Westside Baseball, will receive an upgrade.
The updated David Johnston Center should tentatively be completed this fall, Hartwig said.
The Community Pavilion, which was built in 1987, will be renovated beginning in August. Improvements will focus on the first-floor locker rooms and second-floor bathrooms. New flooring will be installed in the weight room and multi-purpose rooms on the second floor.
Renovations will also be occurring at the Oak Lawn Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center, 10444 S. Central Ave., beginning in 2026. The mechanical unit and roof coating are scheduled to be replaced. Installation of a new front desk and updated lobby finishes will also occur, Hartwig said.
Oak Lawn Mayor Terry Vorderer, who was a former Oak Lawn Park District commissioner, said the park district provides an abundance of programs that will now be enhanced.
“Our park district is as great as any other,” Vorderer said. “We have so much to offer in Oak Lawn.”