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New Train Cars Introduced at Rehm Park

children sitting on orange, blue, and purple hand pedal train cars

The Park District of Oak Park is excited to share the arrival of new train cars at Rehm Park, continuing a beloved tradition since 1960. As one of the park’s most recognizable attractions, the hand-powered trains have created lasting memories for countless children and caregivers.

After the manufacturer of the original train cars went out of business, the Park District continued careful maintenance and thoughtful efforts to extend their lifespan. However, many of the original train cars have reached a point where they can no longer be safely or effectively repaired, and the parts and materials necessary for proper restoration are no longer available. Ensuring the ongoing safety and reliability of this attraction made replacement a necessary step.

In selecting a partner for the new train cars, the Park District prioritized both quality and historical continuity. The company chosen for this project designs the new cars based on the same original manufacturer that produced the original trains, preserving the classic look and feel that the community has come to know and love, while incorporating modern safety and durability standards.

We are thrilled to continue offering this special tradition to Oak Park families for years to come. The new train cars represent both a commitment to safety and an investment in the joyful experiences that make our parks so meaningful.

We look forward to seeing families create new memories aboard the Rehm Park train this season!

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Oak Park Voters Do Not Approve Park District Indoor Aquatics Facility

lap pool with clear divider in background showing additional pools and waterslides captioned view from lap pool

While a majority of Oak Park residents voted “no” on the recent bond referendum to fund an indoor aquatics facility at the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex, the Park District remains focused on meeting the community’s recreational needs.

“The Park District of Oak Park Board of Commissioners and staff remain committed to serving our community and appreciate the strong engagement throughout this process,” said Kassie Porreca, President of the Park District Board of Commissioners. “We respect the outcome of the vote and will continue working to provide high-quality recreational spaces and programs for all.”

“We are grateful to residents who participated at every stage — from sharing input through
surveys and attending informational sessions to making their voices heard at the polls,” added Jan Arnold, Executive Director. “This level of engagement reflects the community’s deep commitment to parks and recreation. Moving forward, the District will evaluate options for the outdoor pool at Ridgeland Common while continuing to deliver meaningful and accessible programs.”

As part of its long-term planning, the District will engage the community through planning
meetings to assess future improvements for the Ridgeland outdoor pool, with construction
anticipated for 2031–2032 at an estimated cost of $10 million. For ongoing updates on programs, projects, and services, please visit www.pdop.org and follow us on social media.

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About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 54,000 residents, providing nearly 8,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers, 18 parks totaling 84 acres, a community recreation center, two outdoor pools, indoor ice rink, gymnastic center, the Oak Park Conservatory, Cheney Mansion and Pleasant Home. Since 1912, our high-quality programs and well-maintained parks and facilities have dependably met residents’ diverse leisure, wellness, childcare and other needs and helped enhance quality of life. Learn more at pdop.org/.

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2026 Park & Facility Planning Meetings

colorful smiley faces

Continued investment in our parks and facilities is critical to the Park District’s mission. Each park site plan is revisited and updated within a 10-year period. The Park District revisits each site plan per this policy in order to identify additional park amenities desire by our residents, to budget strategically for these improvements and to be prepared for grant opportunities. To learn more about the Park & Facility Planning process, please click here.

The Oak Park community is invited to attend the following 2026 Park & Facility Planning Review meetings.

Oak Park Conservatory: May 13
Rehm Park: October 14
Euclid Square Park: November 4

Details regarding the location and time for each meeting will be available on our website, social media, and enewsletters.

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Park District of Oak Park Earns 2025 Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award

Lifeguards practice safety skills in the water

The Park District of Oak Park has been named a 2025 Platinum International Aquatic Safety Award winner. This prestigious recognition is awarded to the top 10 percent of aquatic safety teams that exceed industry standards for risk management and aquatic safety.

This award is presented by Ellis & Associates, the global leader in aquatic safety and risk management. To validate our lifeguards and aquatic facilities are held to the highest standard, Ellis & Associates conducts three audits each summer. These evaluations include unannounced site visits and live-action drills and rescue simulations.

To earn Platinum recognition, recipients had to:

  • Achieve ‘Exceed Industry Standards and the Standards of the Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program’ on all audit scores.
  • Score 97.78% or higher on all Lifeguard Observations, Supervisor Observations, and VAT Observations Exceeded the Ellis & Associates Comprehensive Aquatic Risk Management Program Standards

Congratulations to our outstanding aquatics team for their commitment to safety and for delivering an exceptional summer season.