Mundelein parks receive nearly $2.4 million grant for expansion

A small building in the Mundelein Park & Recreation District's flagship park will be expanded and improved with the help of a nearly $2.4 million state grant.

Officials learned recently the district would receive a Parks and Recreational Facility Construction grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for work on what is known as the Chalet at Keith Mione Community Park.

Built in 1978, the 2,000-square-foot facility early on was referred to as a warming house for the sled hill nearby. What now is considered a recreational/multi-use facility can hold 40 people and has two rooms, a kitchen and a fireplace.

"It's very functional but it's very small," said Mary Priller, district spokeswoman. The building fronts tennis courts, a small lake and playground, and it is in an accessible location for what has become a hub of activity.

Improvements will include expansion of the building to 12,000 square feet with the addition of a gymnasium, two fitness rooms, a nutritional classroom for cooking, an outdoor terrace and rain garden and green roof system. The total cost of the project, which is expected to begin in the middle of next year, is $3.15 million. Completion is expected in mid-2016.

"We will be able to offer additional health, wellness and cultural arts programs to our residents," said Margaret Resnick, parks director.

Resnick said the district has run out of room for some programs and is at capacity for group fitness and dance classes. The district has been renting space for summer daycamp at nearby Mechanics Grove Middle School and would be able to switch to its own facilities.

And, she said the expansion would allow the district to offer cooking classes, to address a void in nutritional programs in the area and provide health and wellness benefits.

"The community continues to grow and the needs continue to change and the interests, too," Priller said.

Several building features are intended to promote sustainability, including a green roof with plants to decrease run off and cool the building. Bioswales to filter water also will be included.

The park grant is used to fund construction projects and includes land acquisition, development, construction, reconstruction, architectural planning and open space. The most recent grants bring the total awarded to nearly $58.5 million. Vernon Hills also applied for funds to add a gym, increase the size of the pool and other work at its Lakeview Fitness Center but has not received word on the status, according to Jeff Fougerousse, executive director.