The Oak Lawn Park District will be undertaking an infrastructure project aimed to update and maintain current facilities. This project includes a major renovation at the Oak Lawn Ice Arena, the replacement of numerous parking lots and roofs, along with updating portions of the interior at the Community Pavilion and the Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center. Many of the projects will be completed by the fall of 2025, except for the Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center, which is targeted for 2026.
“We are committed to ensuring our facilities remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all residents,” said executive director, Tom Hartwig, “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.”
Project Highlights:
Parking Lot Replacements:
The following facilities are scheduled for parking lot replacements are with tentative start dates for construction. As we get closer to the start dates, we will provide information on how to best enter and exit parking lots during construction.
- Stony Creek Golf Course – tentatively starting late April 2025
- Administrative Building/Central Pool/Ice Arena (South portion of lot)– tentatively starting late April 2025
- Centennial Aquatic Center – tentatively starting late April 2025
- David Johnston Center – tentatively fall, 2025
- Community Pavilion – tentatively starting mid-August 2025
- Ice Arena (north portion of parking lot) – tentatively starting fall, 2025
Oak Lawn Ice Arena
The Oak Lawn Ice Arena has been closed since late March to undergo a major renovation. Improvements to the facility include a new ice surface, with new dasher boards, and netting. During this time, facility rentals, including birthday parties and private ice time, will be unavailable. The facility will re-open to the public in the fall. Other improvements to the facility include:
- Renovation of two locker rooms with new accessible shower, toilet, and sink
- Renovation of one group locker room, with new accessible shower, toilet, and sink
- Replacement of rink refrigeration system, including:
- New ammonia compressors
- Brine pumps
- Control system
- Safety shower
- Leak detection system
- Snow melt pit
- Evaporative condenser, pump, and storage tank
- Variable frequency drives
- Replacement of existing sand floor, including both cool and warm floor below with new concrete floor system (underneath the ice surface)
- Replacement of existing sanitary main in the arena area
- Replacement of electric feeders to the refrigeration system
- Community Pavilion & Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center
- Other portions of this project are focused on updating and maintaining our current facilities.
Community Pavilion:
Renovations at the Community Pavilion (9401 S. Oak Park Ave.) are tentatively set to begin in August 2025. Improvements will focus on:
- Upgrading the first-floor locker rooms and second-floor bathrooms
- Installing new flooring in the weight room and multi-purpose rooms on the second floor
- Installing a new chiller system
Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center:
Scheduled for 2026, the Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center (10444 S. Central Ave.) will undergo updates that include:
- Replacement of the mechanical unit and roof coating
- Installation of a new front desk and updated lobby finishes
These improvements may temporarily disrupt programming schedules and traffic flow, the Park District is dedicated to ensuring the work is completed efficiently to minimize inconveniences. For more information and progress updates, please visit www.olparks.com, and follow the Oak Lawn Park District on Facebook and Instagram.
