Roselle Scout Lodge in line for face lift

Roselle Park District officials are planning a $30,000 “face lift” for the Scout Lodge on Pine Street this spring.

The lodge, which was created through a volunteer effort in the 1960s and later donated to the district, remains primarily in its original state.

“We will basically just give it a little face lift in conjunction with the Scouts,” park Director Robert Ward said. “But the lodge will retain its cabin-style feel, with features like the old, knotted paneling and big fireplace.”

Ward met with a consultant Monday to discuss changes necessary to make the building more accessible to people with disabilities, such as adding larger doors and changing sink and mirror heights in the bathrooms.

Other improvements will include new flooring, painting some of the walls and installing new, energy-saving lighting.

Ward said the park district budgeted $30,000 for the project, but construction quotes indicate the work might cost less.

Local Scout troops also will put sweat equity into the project, Ward said, helping out with projects like pulling up flooring and planting flowers. Electric work and other projects that require a professional hand will be awarded to contractors.

The lodge is used by Roselle Boy and Girl Scout troops for meetings and special events. It can be rented by others, Ward said, but demand is not high.

“In its current condition, it’s not that pleasing,” he said. “It is a great space, but right now it’s just not that presentable.”

Once the lodge is upgraded, officials hope to use the venue for park district educational programs, to rent it for events like birthday parties, and even to hold summer camps there in 2012.

The project will take five to six weeks and is slated to be complete by April 30, but Ward said he hopes work will be complete by mid-March.