Facility would be added to the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex
OAK PARK, IL (Dec. 18, 2025) – The Park District of Oak Park (PDOP) announced it will place a $40 million bond referendum question on the March 17, 2026, general primary election ballot, asking Oak Park residents whether they wish to approve funding necessary to construct an indoor aquatics facility addition at the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex.
The Park District Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to put the referendum to a public vote.
“Oak Park residents have consistently expressed interest in an indoor pool, beginning with our 2019 Community Survey and growing to more than 60% support for year-round aquatic opportunities in our 2023 Community Survey. This sentiment was again echoed by community members during the 2025-2029 Comprehensive and Strategic Master Plan development,” said Kassie Porreca, President of the Board of Commissioners. “It is our responsibility as Commissioners to ask the community to make the final decision on whether they want this new amenity as part of the Park District offerings.”
According to preliminary architectural concepts and schematics, the proposed facility would include:
· A 25-yard lap pool (6-8 lanes) for lap swimming and swimming instruction
· A warm-water pool for therapy, fitness and swimming instruction, and recreation swimming
· An indoor splash pad with small and large slide features
· New locker room areas
· Updated lobby and user access
· Birthday room and/or program space addition
“If residents approve the referendum, the outdoor pool at the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex would be closed and that site would be used to an accommodate indoor aquatic addition,” said Jan R. Arnold, PDOP Executive Director.
Although the PDOP maintains a long-standing responsible approach to fiscal management while undertaking improvements, available funds will not cover the total cost to build the aquatic center. If approved, the funding for the facility’s construction would come from the issuance of 20-year general obligation bonds. The tax increase will be approximately $13.36 per month ($160.30 per year) on a house valued at $430,000.
Without funding from the referendum, the indoor aquatic facility will not be built.
The Park District will hold a series of community information sessions for residents to learn more about the proposed project that would be possible if voters approve the referendum. Sessions are set for 7 p.m. at the Community Recreation Center (229 Madison Street).
· Thursday, January 22
· Wednesday, February 4
· Thursday, February 25
Childcare is available during the community sessions. Please RSVP to save a spot.
For more information about the referendum, project details, tax impact and information sessions, visit pdop.org/indoor-pool or email referendum@pdop.org.
# # #
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 https://www.pdop.org/.
