Oak Park, IL (April 15, 2024) – As part of the Park District of Oak Park’s design competition to renovate or replace the Field Center, residents are asked to provide feedback during a public comment session.
The public may view the designs at the Community Recreation Center from Thursday, April 25, through Sunday, May 5. Each design display will have a QR code to anonymously collect responses, focusing on how well each design aligns with the Park District’s values.
“Community feedback is a pivotal step in the Field Center renovation,” said Jan Arnold, Executive Director of the Park District of Oak Park. “We want to ensure that the project embodies excellent design principles and reflects the Park District’s sustainable, inclusive and innovative values.”
Judges will view the designs and evaluate each based on creativity, strength of the design concept, functionality, sustainability, interpretation of the design guidelines and public comment. The top three submissions will advance to the next round.
The competition jury, comprised of architects, designers and building experts from the community, will then interview the finalists and review their designs. The winning team will be awarded a $1.8 million contract to complete the construction.
The competition is a callback to the Field Center’s original construction: It was developed after a design competition for a “Playground Structure” in 1926 won by John Van Bergen. Van Bergen’s designs were also built at the Park District’s Fox, Stevenson, Andersen and Carroll parks.
For further information, visit https://pdop.org/ or contact Edith Wood at edith.wood@pdop.org.
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About Park District of Oak Park: The Park District of Oak Park serves the recreation needs of Oak Park’s 52,000 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/.
