Current
Capital Improvement Projects
2.10.12 Project Update: Community Meeting
On Thursday, February 9 a community meeting was held to present information on the progress of the Ridgeland Common Renovation Project. Architects from Nagle Hartray presented a project update including a look at what the exterior of the building may look like. PowerPoint Presentation
If you would like to make a comment regarding the project update presented on February 9, please click here.
Future Plans for Ridgeland Common
At the October 20, 2011 Regular Park Board Meeting, the Park District of Oak Park Board of Commissioners accepted a plan outlining a major renovation of Ridgeland Common.
Ridgeland Common Base Renovation Plan
A community information meeting was held on November 14, 2011 at 7pm at the Oak Park Public Library to provide information about future plans for Ridgeland Common. A PowerPoint presentation was made by representatives from Nagle Hartray Architects. (view the presentation).
Project History
In 2007, an Existing Conditions Study determined this 50+ year old facility has outlived it useful life. Over the past four years, the Park District has collected public input through community meetings and surveys to help shape the future of this heavily-used facility.
2007 Ridgeland Common Existing Conditions Study
2008 Ridgeland Common Facility & Site Planning Process
2010 Community Survey Results
At the August 23, 2011 Regular Park Board Meeting architects from Nagle Hartray Architecture presented two concepts to the Park Board based on community input received. One plan showed a renovated Ridgeland Common while the other proposed a new facility.
Preliminary Concepts
Cost estimates for these plans were presented to the Park Board on October 6, 2011. The renovation plan estimated cost was $23.5 million while the new construction was estimated at $30 million.
Preliminary Concepts Cost Estimates
“The Park Board is committed to pursuing the mission of the Park District. We have listened to our community and developed a plan that best meets their recreational needs,” said Park Board President Marty Bracco. “We look forward to moving forward with this project and providing a facility to be enjoyed by our residents for the next 50 years.”
Planned Improvements
Ridgeland Common currently houses an outdoor pool, indoor ice arena, a large meeting room, sports fields, dog park, and sled hill. The base project cost for the renovation option includes complete building reconstruction with expansion of the ice rink to official size (85’x200’) equipping it for year round use; new lighting and fencing for fields; new children’s water feature; pool gutters, mechanicals and pipe replacement. Although most of the pool mechanicals will be replaced, the main pool’s shell is still in good condition and will not be replaced as part of the renovation. The future plan brings all spaces to one level, eliminating the need and cost of an elevator.
Two alternates were also outlined in the accepted plan and may be considered as the project progresses. Alternate 1 includes play field improvements including new grass, dog park replacement and the removal of the sled hill. Alternate 2 proposes the installation of synthetic turf.
As the Park District moves forward with the Ridgeland Common project, the Park Board is committed to acting fiscally conservative and staying within budget and space limitations. A contingency of over 20% has been built into the cost estimates which will be revisited at the design stage and monitored throughout the construction phase.
Bond Issuance
The Park District’s top priority at Ridgeland Common is to meet the needs of our community by providing quality park and recreation facilities. To do so affordably and efficiently and to ensure that this project will not raise taxes, the Park District is working with a professional team from Speer Financial, Inc., a public financial consultant, to issue bonds in the amount of $30 million. The first steps for the Park Board was to approve an ordinance that authorized the bond issuance process, to approve a reimbursement resolution, and to approve a “bond order” setting a public hearing. These steps were approved at the August 23, 2011 Regular Board meeting. The Park Board conducted a public hearing on the bond issuance on September 15, 2011. At the October 20, 2011 Park Board Meeting the Park Board approved the sale of the first bond issuance.
In addition to providing the financial resources for the renovation of Ridgeland Common, the bonds will also fund the expansion of the Park District’s gymnastics center and buildings and grounds operations. It is important to note that the sale of bonds is a financial tool. This is not a request for additional money. In fact, this is an economically prudent way to provide residents of all ages with the recreational facilities and activities they desire which support and encourage healthy and active lifestyles. Timing for the bond sales is ideal because interest rates are currently at a historical low. Bond sales now could save the District as much as $1 million over the 20-year life of the bonds by taking advantage of the low rates.
Moving Forward
A Community Information Meeting is planned for Thursday, February 9 to provide a status report on the progress of the Ridgeland Common Renovation Project. Architects from Nagle Hartray will present a project update including a look at what the exterior of the building may look like. Please join us at the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield Street at 7pm.
Next steps include developing an operations and programming plan to be implemented during building renovation. The Park District will strive to minimize the impact on Park District participants during the renovation. It will consider temporary locations, partners in programming and alternative providers to continue to provide quality recreation opportunities to residents.
The Park Board is acting fiscally responsible in choosing to renovate Ridgeland Common rather than replacing the facility. The Ridgeland Common project is within the District’s budget parameters and allows for the maintenance of the District’s balanced approach to capital projects. Since the District began a major capital improvement program throughout the parks system in 2005, it has stretched its funding capability over time by phasing renovations and repairs of facilities and parks. Since 2005 major improvements have been completed at 11 parks and 8 Park District facilities. Currently 4 major renovation projects are in progress. (more information) The Park District will be able to continue these park and facility improvements throughout Oak Park while carrying out this needed renovation of Ridgeland Common.
For more details, please contact Gary Balling, Park District Executive Director, at garyb@oakparkparks.com or 708/725-2020.
Project Timeline:
August 2011
- Ridgeland Common concept presentation to the Park Board
- Board approves an ordinance that authorizes the bond issuance process; a reimbursement resolution, and a “bond order” setting a public hearing.
September 2011
- Board conducts public hearing on the bond issuance
October 2011
November 2011
- Park Board approved the agreement with Nagle Hartray Architecture for Professional Architectural Design Servies for the renovation of Ridgeland Common
- Ridgeland Common Renovation Information Meeting
Oak Park Public Library Veterans Room, 834 Lake Street
February 2012
- Ridgeland Common Renovation Project Update Community Meeting
Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield Street
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