Community Recreation Center Renovation and Expansion Groundbreaking set for May 7
WHEELING, ILLINOIS-After years of planning, the Wheeling Park District (www.wheelingparkdistrict.com) is moving ahead with the construction phase of the Community Recreation Center (CRC) Renovation and Expansion project. A groundbreaking ceremony will take place at 100 Community Boulevard in Wheeling on Monday, May 7, at 6 pm.
The project will be carried out in two phases over a 16-month period. Phase I is the construction of a new gymnasium and fitness area; Phase II involves the renovation of existing CRC spaces. Camosy Construction, located in Zion, IL, is managing the construction and will begin work the week of April 30 with the installation of construction fencing and earthwork on the north-northeast exterior of the building. Soon after, interior work will start with a temporary facility entrance and Guest Service desk so that demolition can begin. The CRC will remain open throughout construction to allow programming and services to continue.
Part of the Heritage Park Campus, located off of Community Boulevard in Wheeling (between Wolf Road and Northgate Parkway), the CRC opened in 1994 and has undergone one addition of a fitness center and indoor pool in 2000. Over the last 24 years, the needs of the community have changed. New, large-scale developments and the Village of Wheeling senior services relocating to the CRC have added to the growing demand for gymnasium, fitness and programming space. Currently, the CRC is undersized for the number of guests who take part in programs or use the facility regularly.
"Our residents and guests have voiced a strong desire for more gymnasium space, an expanded fitness center, space to accommodate Village of Wheeling senior programs and additional larger program areas, " said Jan Buchs, Executive Director, Wheeling Park District. "It is our responsibility to meet the needs of the community. From their input and feedback, we have developed a plan and are very excited to start construction."
Long-term study and financial planning have prepared the Park District to take on this extensive project that will provide for the current and future needs of the residents and guests of the Wheeling community. The majority of funding will come from the Park District Capital Project Fund. The Park District will not issue a referendum seeking additional financial support from the community, nor will the District seek a higher tax increase.
CRC Expansion and Renovation Project Benefits
By analyzing how the CRC is currently used and studying growth patterns and trends, the Park District identified the following areas of improvement that would most benefit guests.
New Enlarged Fitness Center
• Improved atmosphere through greater visibility and openness
• Additional fitness machines with more comfortable spacing
• Adequate area for stretching, personal training, and assessment
• Space for group exercise classes within the Fitness area
• New fitness area locker rooms
Second Gymnasium
• Increased community open gym time
• Additional league and tournament space
• Large-group programming space
General Renovations
• Redesign of entryway for improved visibility of the Guest Service area
• Separate entrance into Fitness area to potentially increase hours of operation
• Additional dedicated programming space on the first level of the CRC
Along with the expansion/renovation, deferred maintenance projects and a general refresh of the entire building are included in the scope of the project.
Additional Resources
<URL destination="http://www.wheelingparkdistrict.com ">www.wheelingparkdistrict.com