Northbrook Park District’s Leisure Center renovation will benefit users of all ages

The Northbrook Park District has announced that the renovation of the multigenerational spaces inside the Leisure Center is expected to start this fall.

The 40,000-square-foot Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave. in Northbrook, serves as the headquarters for the park district’s recreation programs for children and adults, hosting Sunshine Preschool, the Senior Center and the Northbrook Theatre.

Dating back to the 1960s, the building used to hold the former Indian Ridge School and was acquired by the park district in the 1980s. The facility needs to be renovated and upgraded to extend its life span and boost the park district’s ability to meet the needs of the community.

“This renovation represents a significant investment in the future of our community,” Northbrook Park District Executive Director Chris Leiner said. “We’re grateful for our board of commissioners’ continued support and shared commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Northbrook. These upgrades will allow us to better serve residents of all ages with spaces that are more welcoming, functional and inclusive. It’s about honoring the legacy of this facility while preparing it to meet the evolving needs of generations to come.”

The cost of the project is currently estimated at about $12.1 million, and will be partially funded by a $2.8 million grant from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

The project will feature functional upgrades catering to all users and elevating the interior of the building with a more open and inviting feel.

There will be an improved and welcoming main entrance, an enhanced lobby with a new reception area and expanded hallway spaces.

The building will feature all new exterior windows and facade improvements, and classrooms will have ambient lighting and new viewing windows for a brighter, more communal atmosphere.

New features will include a social lounge, additional art spaces and a technology and training room.

There will be upgrades to the classrooms, demonstration kitchen and multipurpose rooms, including the addition of a fireplace.

The bathrooms will be renovated, and technology will be added throughout the building to augment meetings, presentations and special events.

The Northbrook Theatre will have a designated entrance with a new direct outdoor walkway, along with upgrades to the smaller theater space as well as the lower-level green room, dressing rooms and costume area.

Safety enhancements will include a designated access point for the early childhood area and improved wayfinding signage.

The work will also upgrade the building to current ADA standards, including accessible bathrooms in the early childhood classrooms.

“For decades, the Leisure Center has provided Northbrook with a communal gathering space where children, families, adults and seniors can nurture their interests, explore new hobbies and make new friends,” Northbrook Park District Director of Recreation Eileen Loftus said. “We are thrilled to embark on this renovation project, which will allow us to offer an even more vibrant and welcoming recreational space for our community.”

As an element of the upcoming renovation, the park district is evaluating the facility’s name. Members of the community are invited to share ideas and feedback at nbparks.org/projects/leisurecenter by Friday, May 9.

During construction, all programs that typically take place at the Leisure Center will be relocated to other park district facilities, plus a few additional locations in the community. All park district staff that currently work at the Leisure Center will also relocate and continue running their respective programs.

“Our patrons will continue to interact with all the familiar faces they see at the Leisure Center,” Loftus said. “We know that many in our community have developed a sense of comfort and trust with our staff members, and they can rest assured that will not be disrupted during the construction project.”

Sunshine Preschool will be held at the Sports Center. The preschool’s furniture and materials will be moved to the new temporary location to ensure a familiar and welcoming environment for children and families.

Adult and senior programs, including drop-in programming, events and wellness, will be held at other Northbrook Park District facilities, including Village Green Center, Techny Prairie Activity Center and the Sports Center.

As the start of construction approaches, additional information regarding the plans for this facility will be shared at nbparks.org/ projects.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.