You can help shape Falcon Park's future

Want to be a part of the new Palatine recreation center?

The park district is looking for several residents to serve on a committee to help direct development of the new Falcon Park facility.

"We feel it's important to involve our residents' ideas, opinions and expertise in our project," said Executive Director Ron Gbur.

Since the 1990s, the park district has been looking for land in that part of town for a rec center. In 2004, the district bought a little more than 14 acres for the cause east of Rand and Hicks roads.

Among the slated indoor features are a gymnasium, running track, program-meeting rooms, a child-care room and a turf field. Outdoor features include walking paths, playground, lighted multipurpose athletic field, and a water spray pad.

In all, park district officials hope to choose eight to 10 residents for the committee, which will meet several times over the next few months.

For the past couple of years, the Palatine park board and staff have been working toward building the village's third recreational center, in addition to Birchwood and the Community Center.

The district has retained PHN Architects of Wheaton for the project. A preliminary budget of $10 million to $12 million has been established, along with conceptual site plans.

The new committee will help refine the building components, function, layout and finishes. Ultimately, the panel will offer its ideas to park commissioners for final approval, officials say.

"We want to choose people from different geographic locations and people with different expertise for this," said Gbur.

Those interested in serving should submit their name, address and a brief description of their background, capabilities and experience. E-mail the information to Gbur at rgbur@palatineparks.org by March 10.