The Community Recreation Center (CRC) is an innovative design by Chicago-based Perkins and Will, experienced in designing and constructing recreational facilities. The Park District of Oak Park has been working with the architects over the past five years from feasibility through design, and now to construction of this multi-faceted facility. This energy-efficient building will feature components and building materials chosen to meet Net Zero Energy building requirements, including:

• An array of solar panels on the roof and parking area
• HVAC systems and mechanical equipment with the highest efficiency ratings
• Increased insulation values in the walls and roof
• High-performing windows
• Green roof and bioswale
• LED lighting throughout the project
• Occupancy sensors in rooms and daylight sensors in perimeter spaces
• EPA Indoor Air Plus requirements for paint and materials
• On site battery backup resiliency

A generous $1.78 million grant has been awarded to the Park District of Oak Park to build their Community Recreation Center as a Net Zero Energy building. In order to qualify for the grant, the Foundation requires that the building receive a third-party certification ensuring the building is efficient in its energy use. This facility is slated to receive the International Living Future Institute’s Zero Energy Certification. In addition to funding construction and materials, the grant program requires that grantees provide educational opportunities to help residents learn about the building’s energy-efficient features. The Community Recreation Center will have educational panels and an energy usage display to illustrate how the building is constructed. Once the facility opens, the District will also closely monitor the performance and use to ensure the building meets the Net Zero Energy building benchmarks, which is a requirement for the final portion of the grant.

This NetZero building will reduce our annual electric costs by $78,000 per year. This will be the second Net Zero facility for the Park District of Oak Park.