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Park district and library detail capital upgrades, senior programming and drive‑through service
Summary
Oak Lawn Park District said it secured over $6.35 million in grants, is using a $2.1 million grant to renovate the Memorial Pool bathhouse for senior programming, and issued $15 million in alternate‑revenue bonds for district capital projects; the library reported rising use and will open a drive‑through pickup window on April 1.
Tom Hartwig, executive director of the Oak Lawn Park District, told the chamber the district has received more than $6.35 million in grant funding over the past three years and highlighted a $2.1 million park grant to renovate the Memorial Pool bathhouse for senior programming and expanded special recreation services.
Hartwig said the district issued $15,000,000 in alternate‑revenue bonds to pay for capital projects across the park system, including an overhaul of the ice arena (concrete floor replacement, new dasher boards and a chiller replacement) and a range of HVAC, roof and parking upgrades. He said many facilities are aging and the bond financing addresses a broad list of infrastructure needs.
The Oak Lawn Library reported 235,000 visitors in 2024 (a 16% increase year‑over‑year), more than 1,500 programs and nearly 62,000 program attendees, and growth in teen and senior engagement. Library staff said they will add a drive‑through service window for holds pickup, set to launch April 1, and plan interior remodels to expand daytime senior programming while preserving evening and weekend public programming.
Both the park district and library emphasized partnerships with local schools, businesses and nonprofits for programming and sponsorships and invited chamber members to collaborate on events and services.
