Northbrook Park District To Transform Leisure Center With $2.8M Grant

NORTHBROOK, IL — Following news last month it will be receiving $2.8 million in state grant funding for a renovation project, the Northbrook Park District is solidifying plans to "transform" the multigenerational space inside the Leisure Center.

Located at 3323 Walters Ave., the 40,000-square-foot facility that serves as the headquarters for recreation programs for children and adults in Northbrook, hosting Sunshine Preschool, the Senior Center and the Northbrook Theatre. The building, which dates back to the 1960s, used to hold the former Indian Ridge School, before being acquired by the park district in the 1980s.

Gov. JB Pritzker announced Jan. 10 the Northbrook Park District will be receiving the money as part of his Rebuild Illinois capital program. The money is awarded to local governments throughout the state for construction, renovation, and improvement of buildings or land purchases for public recreational opportunities.

In all, $28 million is being awarded to 13 municipalities and government agencies. The funding comes from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act, or PARC, grant program and is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

RELATED: $2.8M Awarded To Northbrook Park District From Grant — Pritzker

"The forthcoming renovation is set to bring about transformative change for the Northbrook Park District and its diverse user base," Northbrook Park District Executive Director Chris Leiner said. "Catering to the varied needs of our community, the project will benefit seniors, early childhood programs, theater, visual and performing arts enthusiasts, and those seeking versatile meeting spaces. The impact of this investment will extend beyond physical upgrades, ensuring the facility's ability to serve the community for years to come."

According to officials, the project will enhance the Leisure Center with a variety of new and exciting areas, including a new lounge, additional art spaces, and a technology and training room, among others. Areas that will be renovated or reconfigured include multi-purpose rooms, the demonstration kitchen, the costume shop/programming space, the early childhood center and the dressing rooms. The work also will upgrade the building to current ADA standards.