History of the Park District of Oak Park

The first Frank Lloyd Wright Races were held.

A new intergovernmental agreement merged the Recreation Department with the Park District.

A bust of Frank Lloyd Wright was displayed in Austin Gardens.

Summer music concerts at Scoville Park began.

Ridgeland Common was totally enclosed and a heating system was added, making the building a year-round facility. Indoor soccer was offered during the off-seasons of the pool and rink.

The intergovernmental agreement between the Village and the Park District was modified.

The Board purchased 218 Madison Street for purpose of renovation to house office space, a maintenance garage and a gymnastics center.

New park signs installed

Cheney Mansion was selected as an American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Showcase Home.

Easter Egg Hunt was held for the first time at Ridgeland Common. This event was previously held at Mills Park.

The Park District cosponsors the GALA fireworks display on July 4.

A competitive gymnastics team was started.

A new intergovernmental agreement allowed for final merging of the Parks & Recreation Department with the Park District.

Summer camps served approximately 1700 youth.

S.C.A.W. camps were offered for the first time.

Smoke-free policy instituted in all Park District buildings.

Cheney Mansion activities included “Breakfast with Santa” & “Cheney Cooks!”

Side chairs designed by Pleasant Home Architect George Maher were loaned to the Milwaukee Art Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago.

A computerized pool/rink pass I.D. system instituted.

Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory present $11,465 to Park District from proceeds of annual herb sale.

New water fountains were installed in compliance with ADA requirements.

After School Arts Program was offered in cooperation with District 97.

Newly renovated pools opened at Rehm and Ridgeland Common.

The New Conservatory Center opened.

Barrie Park remediation begins.

John L. Hedges retires as the Executive Director of the Park District after 20 years of service. Gary F. Balling was named as the new Executive Director.