Aurora's Prisco Center back in line for major facelift

After a three-year wait, the Prisco Community Center in Aurora is back in line for a major overhaul that will include expansion of the fitness center and increased capacity for youth and adult programming.

Prisco members may use the Vaughan Athletic Center, 2121 W. Indian Trail, Aurora, for no cost during this time.

The project is made possible by a $2 million grant the Fox Valley Park District received from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It's part of the Park and Recreational Facility Construction program that provides state funding for renovation and construction of indoor recreation facilities.

Fox Valley originally was awarded the grant in 2014. A short time later the state froze all such grants as part of a statewide budget review.

The project will essentially create a new fitness center in Prisco, 150 W. Illinois Ave., and triple the current space of about 1,500 square feet to more than 5,000 square feet.

The added space will allow for greater group and senior fitness facilities, renovated locker rooms, accessibility improvements and flexible space opportunities with multipurpose rooms for program activities, events and rentals.

It also meets growing demands at both ends of the demographic spectrum, bringing early childhood and youth programming as well as senior and active adult programming to an area where such opportunities are needed.

A recent districtwide survey of residents indicated a high demand for adult fitness, as well as early childhood programming.

"We're thrilled to move forward with this project that will address many of our residents' wishes," Executive Director Jim Pilmer said. "We are thankful to the state for the funding assistance, and to our residents for their input that guides our planning.

"It's essential that we meet the fitness needs across all age groups and demographics in our communities, and this project will allow us to do that."

Located just north of downtown Aurora, the Prisco Center is a hub of activity in a busy area, with an approximate population of 60,000 residents living within a two-mile radius.

Completion of the project is expected in July.