Bloomingdale Park District to host Johnston Recreation Center grand re-opening July 13
Submitted by Bloomingdale Park District
The Bloomingdale Park District celebrates the grand reopening of the Johnston Recreation Center from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 13.
The center located at 172 S. Circle Ave. was renovated as part of a $9.9 million referendum passed in the 2016 election.
The entire facility was modernized to include committed space for active older adult programming, improved early childhood/preschool space, and enhanced security throughout.
Grand reopening festivities include: ribbon cutting, tours, program demos, free play in The Clubhouse Indoor Playground and free opportunity to exercise in the B-Fit Center.
Enhancements to the building include a secure preschool wing on upper level; programing space for seniors/active adults; improved registration/front desk access; and an interactive play addition for preschool, rental use and birthday parties.
There also are improvements to the fitness room and fitness equipment, multipurpose/arts and crafts/kindergarten rooms, and multipurpose room for over 125 people with adjacent covered patio.
They also have updated the teaching/concessions kitchen and made improvements to the Gymnastic Junior Gym's restroom, ventilation system and lobby/viewing area.
Other improvements include: motorized divider curtain and basketball hoops; gymnasium lobby/waiting area; additional viewing opportunities from upper level into gymnasium; family toilet rooms; toilet room in every preschool room. There also have been infrastructure improvements including plumbing, mechanical, electrical (with added efficiencies) and fire sprinkler system.
The recreation center also features improved, modernized finishes; additional natural light and skylights; and exterior facade improvements.
Other projects included in the 2016 referendum were:
• Re-engineering of the Springfield Park Ballfield Complex to prevent widespread flooding of fields and nearby paths, along with installation of new batting cages, fencing and backdrops, concrete walkways, shaded dugouts with windscreens, updated lighting, entrance gate, and new basketball court and standards. The Springfield Park Ballfield Complex was completed in spring 2018 with a ribbon cutting and dedication held May 6, 2018.
• More deck shade and deck space, replacement of the children's sprayground, new public benches and picnic tables, and various other improvements were completed at The Oasis Water Park in time for its grand reopening held June 1, 2019.
• Restoring the shorelines of the Springfield Park wetlands to address nonnative, invasive species and improve stormwater management.
As responsible stewards of the community's tax dollars, the Park District is excited to complete these projects so that ballgames can be played with minimal interruption, and residents of all ages can enjoy a first-class recreation center and water park.