La Grange Park's Recreation Center is about to get a lot more room to play.
Construction is underway on an $11.3 million expansion of the Recreation Center at 1501 Barnsdale Road. The big addition: a full-size gymnasium with one basketball court, an elevated indoor walking track, and flexible athletic space for pickleball, soccer, baseball/softball, and badminton. Doors should open by the end of May 2027.
For kids and families, that means more room for youth developmental sports leagues, open gym, drop-in pickleball, after-school programs, and an expanded summer camp — programs the district already runs but has long struggled to fit into its existing space. The expansion is also expected to keep more recreation dollars in town, as residents who currently supplement their activities at neighboring park districts will have more options closer to home.
About 60 residents and leaders grabbed shovels at the April 14 groundbreaking, including a couple dozen kids who each got a turn.
"This is what we've looked for from before this building was built," Board President Robert Corte told the Pioneer Press. "We were looking for gym space and now we're finally going to get what the people want."
The Community Park District board voted 4-1 in December 2025 to award the contract to Chicago Heights Construction Co., selected from about 10 firms. Commissioner Mike Marusic cast the lone no vote, saying he didn't think residents wanted the gym. But a 2022 district survey told a different story: 61% of respondents said La Grange Park lacked enough indoor recreation, and 57% specifically asked for a walking track.
The best part for taxpayers? No tax increase. Executive Director Jessica Cannaday said the district's programming already brings in enough revenue to cover operating costs. Voters approved a $10.7 million bond to fund construction back in April 2023.
Right now, La Grange Park families spend roughly $500,000 a year at the neighboring Park District of La Grange and another $300,000 to $500,000 at districts in Westchester, McCook, and beyond. That money can stay local once the new space opens.
The expansion also adds a stage, concessions, a redesigned lobby with play spaces and study nooks, and a dedicated entrance for preschool and summer camp drop-off. TRIA Architects designed the project.
And there's more coming. The district hopes to start planning Phase 2 as early as 2028, which would renovate the preschool wing and add a rooftop green space.
