Community Recreation Center expansion to address growing community needs

According to community-wide surveys conducted over an extended period of time, the Wheeling community views the Wheeling Park District as a positive asset and a good value. Recreation, fitness, programming, and athletics play a significant role in the quality of life in Wheeling.
While the Community Recreation Center (CRC) has served the community well, the needs of the community are changing. With the construction of Town Center, Northgate Crossing and other new developments, and the relocation of Village of Wheeling senior services full-time to the CRC beginning January 2018, the Park District is experiencing a growing demand for fitness and programming space at the CRC.

As the number-one provider of recreational programming and services, the Park District has a responsibility to meet the needs of the community. Long-term study and financial planning have prepared the Park District to take on this project, but more steps need to be completed before final approval to move forward is given by the Park District Board of Commissioners.While the Park District Board of Commissioners has given the authorization to pursue the project, the Board will not give final approval until all bids have been reviewed.

The majority of the funding will come from the Park District Capital Project Fund. The Park District will not issue a referendum seeking additional financial support from the community, nor will the District seek a higher tax increase. Should the overall CRC project budget be approved by the Park District Board of Commissioners, the project plan will move forward immediately. It is expected to take 18 months to complete the entire project. This will be a phased project allowing programming and services to continue throughout the duration of construction.

 

EXPANSION/RENOVATION PROJECT DESCRIPTION
By analyzing how the Community Recreation Center is currently used and studying growth patterns and trends, the Park District identified the following areas of improvement that would most benefit guests.

 

New Enlarged Fitness Center

  • Improved atmosphere through greater visibility and openness
  • Additional fitness machines with more comfortable spacing
  • Adequate area for stretching, personal training, and assessment
  • Space for group exercise classes within the Fitness area
  • New fitness area locker rooms
Preschool Relocation and Renovation
  • Improved drop-off location and traffic flow
  • Dedicated and restricted entrance for preschool participants only
  • Transition space outside for classrooms
  • Modernized classroom features keeping pace with current educational trends
Second Gymnasium
  • Increased community open gym time
  • Additional league and tournament space
  • Large-group programming space
General Renovations
  • Redesign of entryway for improved visibility of the Guest Service area
  • Separate entrance into Fitness area to potentially increase hours of operation
  • Additional dedicated programming space on the first level of the CRC
Along with the expansion/renovation, deferred maintenance projects and a general refresh of the entire building are included in the scope of the project budget.