New rec center takes West Chicago to 'new level'
After surveying West Chicago's new, $15.5 million, 70,000-square-foot recreation center Saturday morning, Sam Aiuppa pledged to drop his membership at Lifetime Fitness.
The West Chicago resident said the new Athletics, Recreation and Community Center is only 10 minutes from his home and easier to get to than driving to Warrenville or Bloomingdale. It's also going to be a fun place for his sons, 4 and 8.
"It's a beautiful facility. They worked hard to put this together," Aiuppa said. "We've finally got something."
Aiuppa's comments were music to the ears of West Chicago leaders, who worked for years to bring a recreation center to town.
Nestled in Reed-Keppler Park, ARC Center construction began in August 2013 after voters approved a tax increase. Residents will be able to use the building beginning Monday.
Saturday was an open house for residents and a celebration of a vision shared by not only park district leaders, but city and business officials, too.
"We deserve this facility," said Dave Sabathne, former 10-year West Chicago alderman and current president of the Western DuPage Chamber of Commerce. "I'm so proud of the community to come up behind this."
Added West Chicago Mayor Ruben Pineda: "The ARC Center today is a big part of the next step and next level for West Chicago and West Chicago Parks. It's really impressive to see what they've done."
Frank Lenertz, who has served on the West Chicago Park District Board since 1972, credited supporters of a failed 2012 tax increase for not giving up and praised the community for supporting the recreational vision that is now a reality.
Residents streamed through the main entrance after cutting of a ceremonial ribbon, which was punctuated by a fist pump from Lenertz. People checked out the fitness center, community rooms, basketball courts with an elevated walking/running track, children's play area and mingled with former Chicago Bull Charles Oakley, who put on a basketball clinic and signed autographs.
"It's absolutely wonderful. I think it will be an asset to the community," said West Chicago resident Dotty Tinnes, whose husband, Steve, has worked for the park district for 33 years. "This is for all ages, not just children, high school kids. Every aspect has been covered."
Joe and Karen Golimar, who live in an unincorporated area near West Chicago, toured the facility with their granddaughter, Taylor Estrada, 9. The Golimars are considering hosting a birthday party at the ARC Center for Estrada next September when she turns 10.
"(The facility's) really nice," Karen Golimar said. "It brings people together. You get to see your friends."
For more information about the facility or memberships, visit we-goparks.org, or call (630) 293-9474