Celebrate Our 100th This Friday!
There is still time to buy your tickets for the Park District's Anniversary Celebration happening this Friday, April 13 from 6:30 to 9:00pm at Historic Pleasant Home. You can reconnect with old friends and neighbors as you enjoy scrumptious appetizers and tasty beverages from Cucina Paradiso, mouth-watering desserts from Sugar Fixe and sultry jazz music by the John Brumbach Trio. Tickets are only $25 for individuals and $40 per couple and can be purchased at the door. more details 

• Preview Gymnastics Classes for Ages 2-5 Years Old 
• Preview Gymnastics Classes for Ages 6+ Years Old  
• Detailed Gymnastics Online Registration Instructions  

Pool Schedules Are Now Online! Buy Your Pool Pass Through May 5 and SAVE $$$!  

See the NEW Taylor Park 

Dogs in our Parks 

Over the last 6 months the Park District of Oak Park, the Oak Park Police Department and the Village's Animal Control Division have received ongoing concerns over dogs off-leash in Park District parks. Park District ordinance states that no dogs are allowed in playgrounds, with the exception of service dogs, and dogs must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet in the parks.  In response to these concerns the Animal Control Division will increase its monitoring of parks throughout the community and, if necessary, cite dog owners for noncompliance.  Additionally, Resident Beat Officers from the Police Department will be monitoring parks periodically as well as Park District staff. 

Residents with specific off-leash complaints are being asked to contact Animal Control Officer Jason Pounds directly at 708-358-5680.  

A Retirement Reception for
Executive Director Gary Balling 

Mills Park Improvements
The contractors at Mills Park began grading on April 1 and are completing the final plumbing and electrical work. In the weeks ahead the newly-restored steel fence columns along Marion Street will be re-installed. Over 100 new trees are being planted and the new children's discovery area, including the unique labyrinth depicting the history of the park site, will be a wonderful place to visit when the park re-opens around June 1.

Conceptual Plans for New Gymnastics Center

Since the Park Board voted in January to move forward with construction of a new gymnastics center at 25 Lake Street, Williams Architects completed and presented the conceptual design for this facility to the public at a March 20 community meeting. The conceptual design for the building's exterior is featured above. You can view further images at  www.oakparkparks.com.Currently the Park District is scheduling the removal and relocation of utilities and will then schedule demolition of the former Aldi building located on this site. more details and images   

Ridgeland Common Plans Progress

In early April the schematic design of the Ridgeland Common Renovation Project and the updated cost estimates were presented to the Park Board. The Board is committed to closely monitoring the expenses for this project and we are pleased to report the cost estimates came in within budget. Renovation plans include the expansion of the ice rink to official size; new field lighting and fencing; a new children's water feature; pool gutters, updated mechanical systems; and a large activity/meeting room and two smaller activity rooms.  

As part of the District's capital improvement budget, additional dollars have been set aside for the replacement of the existing sports field with synthetic turf which will lengthen the sports seasons and allow for fewer game cancellations due to inclement weather. The cost estimate for the synthetic turf came in well under budget providing funds for additional park and facility improvements. If synthetic turf is installed, the sled hill at Ridgeland Common will be removed. The Park Board is expected to make a final decision on the synthetic turf option in late fall 2012. When completed, the 50-year-old Ridgeland Common Community Center, Pool and Park will look like new.