Demolition work begins for Mount Prospect’s Lions Park makeover

The Mount Prospect Park District began demolition this week at Lions Memorial Park on its way to replacing Lions Recreation Center and Big Surf Pool.

The work is the result of a successful $46,225,000 borrowing request approved by voters and also funds improvements to Lions Memorial Park and RecPlex. It was the first referendum approved for the park district since 1969.

The recreation center was built in 1970, while the pool was last renovated in 1984.

The new pool will feature zero-depth entry, spray features, water slides and lap lanes, while the recreation center will consist of a two-story building containing an elevated walking track, full-size basketball courts, art studio, dance rooms and spaces for early childhood/preschool and senior/active adult programming.

In addition, the park will be improved with six pickleball courts, a small skate plaza, an outdoor basketball court, an outdoor game area and parking lot improvements.

Work is expected to be concluded by the spring of 2027.

As the work proceeds, the playground is only accessible through the path near the ball fields at the corner of East Shabonee Trail and South School Street, according to the district’s website.

As utilities are installed and a drainage area created, a construction fence has been installed around much of the park. Once that is complete, fencing will be reduced and a large area for walking will open by spring.

Meanwhile, the tennis courts, playground, some parking, both baseball fields and the Veterans Memorial Bandshell and fountain will remain open throughout construction.

The RecPlex portion of the project — adding air conditioning to the gym and converting two courts to multisport turf — is in the early stages of planning. The goal is to begin that work after the new recreation center is in operation.

“After many months of planning and preparations, we're excited for work to begin,” Park District Deputy Director George Giese said. “2026 will be a busy construction year, and we look forward to bringing these new facilities online for our residents in 2027.”