Issue link: https://pdop.uberflip.com/i/1262060
4 www.pdop.org in our parks Parks Foundation of Oak Park Launch Capital Campaign for Community Recreation Center Prominent Oak Park Residents to Lead Campaign With a desire to create "A Place to Belong" for all Oak Park residents, the Parks Foundation of Oak Park has announced its plans for a capital campaign to raise private donations for the construction of a Community Recreation Center (CRC). Two prominent Oak Park community leaders, Mary Jo Schuler and Dr. David A. Ansell, M.D., are volunteering to lead the campaign to raise $25 million in private funds in order to build the Community Recreation Center. A life-time resident of Oak Park, Schuler is a philanthropic leader, businesswoman and parent committed to making a difference in the community. Dr. Ansell is senior vice president for Community Health Equity at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. His research and advocacy focus on eliminating health inequities; and his most recent book is "The Death Gap: How Inequality Kills." The co-chairs believe the Community Recreation Center is important for Oak Park, particularly youth who lack for a welcoming, affordable place to participate in after-school programs, and for seniors who express a desire for a year-round, indoor walking track and recreation space. The CRC will provide gymnasium space for indoor sports including basketball, pickleball and volleyball, as well as a walking track, fitness center and rooms for after-school programs and community meetings. As fundraising goals are reached, Phase 2 will include an Aquatics Center with indoor swimming pools for lap swim, zero-depth play, and warm water therapy. The concept of the CRC is that it will help address community wellness needs for multi-generations of Oak Park residents. Numerous community surveys have validated that Oak Park lacks affordable recreational and fitness opportunities for all families in the community. With the launch of the CRC campaign, the Foundation is receiving support and funding commitments from private and corporate donors, to foundation and state grants. All of this support, including that from private citizens, will contribute to creating a Community Recreation Center for all, built by the community, without raising tax dollars. Please visit parksfoundationop.org for more information about the CRC and how you can get involved. Mary Jo Schuler Dr. David A. Ansell, M.C. Community Recreation Center Virtual Open House Wednesday, June 17, 6:30P via Zoom See page 22 for details.