Barrington OKs expanded rec center

After months-long negotiations with the village of Barrington, the park district is back on track to open its expanded Langendorf Park recreation center next winter.

Village trustees have granted the park district a special-use permit to build the two-story, 55,600-square-foot center that voters approved last February.

A main issue in recent months has been village's desire to add a sidewalk to Lions Drive west of the McDonald's and to extend the park's existing bike path to a proposed pedestrian and bike bridge at the neighboring Shops at Flint Creek.

The Barrington Park District agreed to have its traffic consultant would work with the village's to determine the best location for the new sidewalk.

Trustees were complimentary of the park district's work on enhancing Langendorf.

"I know this is going to be a great project," Trustee Beth Raseman said.

The existing building at 235 Lions Drive is about 23,000 square feet. About 10,000 square feet of it that's tied to the Aqualusion aquatics facility will be retained. Much of the rest will be demolished.

Park board President Christine Garry said construction wouldn't interrupt existing activities at Langendorf, particularly summertime swimming at Aqualusion.

The new building's amenities include a fitness center, locker rooms, double gym and walking track, preschool and day care wing, senior activity space, community and aerobics rooms, administrative offices and storage.

The center's red brick and general design will match what remains of the existing building. The gym will include windows allowing in much natural light during the daytime.

Last year's referendum asked taxpayers for $12 million to build the project. It's costing residents with homes worth $500,000 about $137 more per year in property taxes.