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Grand Opening of the CRC

crc aerial view

Park District of Oak Park Celebrates Grand Opening of the New Community Recreation Center

The highly anticipated new Community Recreation Center (CRC) located at 229 Madison Street is officially opening its doors to the public on May 22, 2023. The much-needed community facility offers a wide range of amenities and programs designed to promote health, wellness, and community engagement. The 42,000-square-foot Center features the following amenities:


•Three-lane indoor walking/running track
•Fitness center with cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and free weights
•12,000-square foot gymnasium with 12 basketball hoops that can be converted into two middle-school sized basketball courts or four short courts and will also host pickleball, volleyball, badminton, and more
•Esports Lounge equipped with consoles, PCs, and video games for classes, tournaments, and open play
•Childcare (3 months to 11 years old) for CRC visitors
•Inclusive locker room equipped with individual lockers, private changing rooms, lavatories, and showers
•Multi-purpose room for programs and events
•Two community rooms available for programs and meetings
•Free afterschool program for Oak Park youth in 6th through 12th grade on school days from3:00 – 6:00 p.m. with structured and unstructured activities supervised by our staff social worker beginning fall 2023
•Access to mental health resources from the Community Mental Health Board office suite
The facility is fully electric and collects energy through solar panels and energy saving construction and mechanics. The facility is also equipped with battery storage that collects and stores electricity so the facility may continue operations in the event of a power outage. This

facility is the second Park District facility built to operate as a Net Zero facility and is a testament to our commitment to sustainability. This amenity was made possible by a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Foundation and supplemental funding from the Village of Oak Park’s sustainability funding.


“We are thrilled to provide our community members with a new space to engage in healthy activities and to connect with neighbors,” said Jan Arnold, Executive Director of the Park District. “Our goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and encouraged to pursue their health and wellness goals.”


To celebrate the grand opening of the Community Recreation Center, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a grand opening event on Sunday, May 21 from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. The community is invited to explore all the CRC has to offer with family friendly activities, games, and giveaways. Visitors are welcome to walk the indoor track and participate in organized and open game play in the gymnasium, Esports Lounge, and Playzone childcare room. They can also explore the fitness center where staff will be available for questions and demonstrations or enjoy fitness and dance demos in the Fitness & Dance studio. Additionally, Rush Oak Park Hospital staff will provide health screenings and feature our “Walk with a Doc” program.


Monthly memberships starting at $25 for adults 19+, $20 for 12–18-year-olds, and $5 for 8–11-year-olds will be available for purchase. Fitness and Playzone childcare passes will also be available for purchase. Finally, all Oak Park residents can sign up for a free CRC Track Membership which allows access to the walking/running track during normal operating hours.


“We invite everyone in Oak Park to join us for this exciting occasion and learn more about the many ways the Community Recreation Center can enhance their quality of life,” added Kassie Porreca, Park Board President. “We’re confident the CRC will be a central gathering place for our community and a great source of pride for years to come.”
For more information about the Community Recreation Center and its

programs, please visit pdop.org/crc.

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About the Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 53,000 residents, providing nearly 3,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers: 18 parks totaling 84 acres, 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 https://www.pdop.org/.

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Opioid Overdose Prevention Project

narcan box and nasal spray

By the Village of Oak Park – OAK PARK, Ill. — The Oak Park Department of Public Health is launching a new initiative this month aimed at preventing deaths caused by opioid overdoses.

Emergency opioid overdose boxes will be installed in seven (7) easily accessible, public-facing locations throughout Oak Park. Each box contains several pouches with doses of naloxone nasal spray and instructions on how to administer the potentially life-saving medication, which is designed to block the effects of an opioid overdose.

Most boxes will be accessible 24 hours a day, and anyone who wishes to take one or more of the free pouches may do so anonymously regardless of immediate need. Boxes will be installed on Village-owned light poles this month at the following approximate locations:

  • Corner of South Blvd. and Harlem Ave.
  • Corner of North Ave. and Ridgeland Ave.
  • Corner of Randolph St. and Marion St.
  • Corner of Washington Blvd. and Austin Blvd.
  • Near the alley between parking lot 33 and 900 S. block of Humphrey Ave.

Boxes will also be installed at the following community locations:

  • Oak Park Public Library – Main Branch; lobby (834 Lake St.)
  • Maple Park; bathroom building (1105 S. Maple Ave.)

“There is no doubt that there is a real need for this type of resource,” said Oak Park Public Health Director, Dr. Theresa Chapple. “We are excited to be able to bring forth a program that is so accessible throughout Oak Park as we truly believe that this is a key step in working together to reduce opioid overdoses in our community.”

Naloxone, also commonly referred to as the trademarked name Narcan, is a safe medication that works to block the effects of an overdose from opioids such as heroin, prescription painkillers and fentanyl. 

Individuals concerned that someone is experiencing a drug overdose should immediately call 911, administer naloxone following the easy-to-use instructions included with the kit and stay on scene until emergency responders arrive.

Naloxone has no adverse effects, even on children. Naloxone is an opioid blocker, so it will not have an effect, positive or negative, on anything other than an opioid overdose.

Oak Park is no different than many communities across the country that have seen an increase in opioid overdoses in recent years. In 2022, 151 people experienced overdoses in Oak Park throughout the course of the year.

Project expenses are funded by the Illinois Opioid Allocation Agreement, through which settlement funds from opioid manufacturers and distributors are distributed to states for use in combatting the opioid epidemic.

Anyone needing help with opioid use disorders, including families of anyone affected by the disease, can get help 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 833.234.6343, a hotline hosted by the Illinois Department of Human Services. Find more information at www.ilhelpline.org.  

More information about Oak Park’s naloxone program, including a list of frequently asked questions and an up-to-date list of available locations, can be found at www.oak-park.us/naloxone. 

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Barrie Park Renovation begins in June

barrie park athletic field

Both Barrie Center tot lot and Barrie Park playground will be updated to include accessible surfacing for the enjoyment of all patrons. The Barrie sled hill will undergo repair and enhancements as well.

These areas will be closed June 1 through the end of the year. The north end of the park will also be closed during this time to rebuild the retaining wall. The fields will remain open for sports and play.

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Outdoor AEDs at all Park District Comfort Stations

aed symbols: cross and heart

In case of an emergency, every comfort station in our parks is equipped with an outdoor automated external defibrillator (AED). After calling 911, start the AED and follow the automated, step-by-step instructions to aid in an emergency. When visiting a park, please take note of the location of these life-saving devices.

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The Parks Foundation donates $10,000

park board and foundation pose with scholarship fund donation check

“The Parks Foundation of Oak Park donates $10,000 to PDOP’s Scholarship Fund”

The Park District of Oak Park received a generous donation of $10,000 from the Parks Foundation to support its Scholarship Fund. The District’s Scholarship Fund is available to assist under-resourced individuals and families who lack financial access participate in Park District programs.


Each year, the Parks Foundation supports the Scholarship Fund with donations secured from hosting fundraising events along with individual gifts. Edward Kerros, Parks Foundation vice president, stated “We believe in fostering connections and building community among Oak Park residents. Participating in Park District programming affords all individuals the opportunity to do just that.”
Jan Arnold, executive director, said “The Parks Foundation is an invaluable partner and supports the Park District in many ways. We are especially grateful for their support of our Scholarship Fund as their donations aide in our efforts to ensure equitable access to our parks and programs.”


Scholarships are awarded on an annual basis to each individual in a qualifying household. Funds may be applied to all Park District programs, including classes, passes, and special events reducing the cost of a program up to 75%. Applications for the 2023 Scholarship Fund will be released online December 1. Individuals are encouraged to apply for funds each year. Please visit pdop.org/scholarships.

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About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 53,000 residents, providing nearly 3,000 programs and special events annually throughout our versatile recreation centers, 18 parks totaling 84 acres, 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 https://www.pdop.org/.

About the Parks Foundation of Oak Park: The Parks Foundation promotes giving opportunities around Oak Park parks and to support extraordinary projects within the Park District of Oak Park. Its mission is to collaborate with Oak Park residents, community groups and partner organizations to support exceptional and extraordinary projects that enhance our parks and community life. Founded in 2012, the Foundation is chartered with the State of Illinois as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. While a separate and independent entity, the Foundation coordinates closely with the Park District of Oak Park to help address community health, recreation and wellness needs for all. For more information, visit the Parks Foundation website at: https://parksfoundationop.org.