The growth and development of residents results from a synchronized blend of
community-based opportuni es to engage in ac vi es and learning. Community-
based experiences build social connec ons among residents and help youth
weave a sense of iden ty and belonging. Consequently, recrea on and fitness are
important sources of social capital that generate returns for genera ons. The Park
District of Oak Park seeks to serve the recrea onal needs of more than 52,000
residents, yet it doesn't have the gymnasium space for many health and sports
ac vi es or community gatherings that our community needs and desires.
Because all residents can benefit from access to affordable recrea on and fitness
opportuni es, the Parks Founda on of Oak Park aspires to offer op ons for a
fitness center, indoor track, childcare, and community programming space.
COMMUNITIES BENEFIT FROM RECREATION CENTERS
Studies show that having a Community Recrea on Center fosters a cohesive sense
of community and provides a space for friends, neighbors and family to connect
and build mul -genera onal es. Mario Pistone of Parkin Architects Ltd. shares
that: "(By building) a great recrea on center, a community is building a crèche
for tomorrow's leaders. Through inclusion and shared successes, sports venues
harness the unifying power of play, which can dissolve perceived differences based
on gender, physical ability, sexual orienta on, religion and culture. Facili es that
foster community programs build leadership skills. Team and group-based ac vi es
develop par cipa on and social cohesion. They also build skills for community
dialogue."
• A safe, supervised public space for youth
MORE THAN A SPACE
FACILITIES THAT
FOSTER
COMMUNITY
PROGRAMS BUILD
LEADERSHIP SKILLS.
