Fort Hill Activity Center wins top honors
Within 10 days, Naperville Park District's Fort Hill Activity Center will receive top honors from two industry associations for its outstanding design and development.
On Jan. 9 at its 2018 Awards Luncheon, the Fox Valley Branch of the American Public Works Association announced that Fort Hill Activity Center was selected as the Public Works Project of the Year in the category, "Structures - $5 Million to $25 Million." The facility's architectural firm, Williams Architects, submitted the nomination.
Naperville Park District's Board President Mike Reilly and Director of Planning Eric Shutes attended today's award presentation.
"We are proud that Fort Hill Activity Center was recognized by a public works association as an excellent facility," said Eric Shutes. "Part of the APWA's mission is to 'increase awareness of the vital role of public works in everyday life.' Fort Hill Activity Center is a great example of the value of a public building in enriching the lives of people every day."
On Jan. 19 at its annual conference, the Illinois Park and Recreation Association will recognize Fort Hill Activity Center as the Overall Winner of the Outstanding Facility and Parks Award. In a letter to the Naperville Park District, IPRA officials explained that this award "recognizes public agencies for their exceptional and unique achievements in design and development."
"We are thrilled that Fort Hill Activity Center was chosen as the overall winner for this competitive award," said Executive Director Ray McGury. "We have heard much positive feedback from our users about the beauty, functionality, and impact of this building. We are grateful that with support from Naperville taxpayers, we were able to design and construct this facility that benefits our community and also serves as a model for other park districts across the state."
Planned by the Naperville Park District after an extended period of gathering community input, Fort Hill Activity Center helps meet a long-standing need for indoor recreation in Naperville. Long-range capital planning, conservative financial stewardship of tax dollars and securing multiple grants and partnerships allowed the Park District to build a facility with flexible, attractive recreation spaces that can host a variety of activities. The building's sustainable features, such as the solar panels, daylighting, an efficient HVAC system, and permeable pavers will lead to cumulative environmental benefits and cost savings. Financially self-sustaining in its first year, the Activity Center is a friendly, community space to enable people of all ages and abilities to enjoy a healthier lifestyle year-round.
The project architect was Williams Architects and the construction manager was Wight Construction.