Infrastructure Project – 2025-2026
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. The majority of the projects will be completed by the fall of 2025, with the exception of the Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center, which is targeted for 2026.
We understand this will interrupt programming schedules and traffic flow. We apologize for any inconveniences this will cause and appreciate your patience as we complete the work. These improvements are necessary to improve safety and accessibility, while extending the life of facilities, so we can provide high-quality services to the community for years to come.
Parking Lots – Complete
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.
- David Johnston Center – complete
- Ice Arena (north portion of parking lot) – complete
- Community Pavilion – complete
- Administrative Building/Central Pool/Ice Arena Phase I – complete
- Centennial Aquatic Center – complete
- Stony Creek Golf Course – complete
Ice Arena Update – Complete!
We’re happy to announce that the Ice Arena will is now open to the public! The Oak Lawn Ice Arena underwent a major renovation that was completed in January of 2026. Improvements to the facility include a new ice surface, with new dasherboards, and netting.
- 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 – COMPLETE: The fitness center portion of the project is complete! The locker rooms on the first floor, second floor bathrooms and hallway are still in progress and are anticipated to be complete mid-November.
- Racquet, Fitness & Gymnastics Center: This project is scheduled for 2026 and includes a mechanical unit replacement, roof replacement and coating, along with a new front desk and lobby finishes.
Other Current Projects:
Wolfe Wildlife Renovation
The Oak Lawn Park District is excited to announce that Phase I of the Wolfe Wildlife Rejuvenation Project is currently underway. The first phase of the project is partially funded thanks to a successful Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant worth $600,000. The project includes six new pickleball courts, exercise equipment, game tables, along with path and light pole replacements.
Wolfe Wildlife Refuge, located at 109th & Laramie Ave., is a 45-acre natural wetland area that is home to over 100 species of birds, along with frogs, turtles, ducks, raccoons, foxes, and butterflies. There is a full playground, walking path, splash pad, and is home to the annual Howl-O-Ween event in October. The portion of the rejuvenation project that begins this year includes the following:
- Bridge Decking Replacement
- Six (6) New Pickleball Courts
- Game Tables
- Split Rail Fence Replacement
- Exercise Equipment Installation
- Overlook Replacement
- Trail Sitting Location
- Nature Restoration
- Select Path & Light Pole Replacement
Work will begin on Phase II of the project starting next summer. Phase II work includes replacing the remaining path and light poles. This part of the project is being funded thanks to another successful grant application from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) as part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) worth $1.67 million.
For more information, contact Oak Lawn Park District:
Ryan Gory, CPRP, CPSI
Superintendent of Parks & Planning
Oak Lawn Park District
5501 W. 110th Street, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
708-857-2201
RGory@olparks.com
