It's another beautiful summer in Glencoe. The flowers are blooming and the renovations to your Community Center are moving forward. The quality of work completed thus far meets our high expectations, and we are confident that you will be pleased as well. We look forward with great anticipation to many classes and programs (including early childhood and preschool programs) moving back into the renovated facility this October.

Since our last update, the construction team has been hard at work and the following progress has been made:

- The “old gym” has successfully been divided into two levels! The upper level will be the home of three new classrooms, as well as a new multipurpose room with an adjoining preparation kitchen. The lower level will house a variety of program studios such as yoga, karate, dance, and general fitness. All of these areas are nearing completion, and should be ready for use, along with the new gym, when children return to school this fall.

- A new full size gym has been built. This is an addition rather than a renovation, because it is a brand new amenity to the community center. In the coming weeks, the new gym floor will be installed and painted, and the bleachers will be installed as well. The gym is nearing completion, and should be ready for use at the close of summer when children are heading back to school.

In the planning stages of the Community Center, the Glencoe Park District committed to complete renovations with minimum disruptions to existing programs and services. Thanks to the cooperation of many, this has been made possible. In order to help construction move forward, the park district returned to its “roots” by moving the administrative offices to Watts Center, located at 305 Randolph St. Watts was the home base for the Park District before the former North School was used as a Community Center in the late 1970’s. The Children’s Circle Full Day Preschool Program has also moved to Watts and is housed in two classrooms in a modular building and a classroom in Watts Center. The Panda, Koalas, Teddy and Kinder Korner camps are being held at Sacred Heart School in Hubbard Woods and School District #35 generously granted use of both South and West Schools this summer.

Work has begun on the administrative area of the Community Center, including the new lobby and main entrance. Renovation will also soon begin on the new community hall, and four additional program rooms located in the original 1928 school building. The park district is looking forward to the re-opening of the Community Center with great anticipation, excited to offer the residents of Glencoe new programs that will serve more ages and interests than ever before.

The Park District is also looking forward to offering Glencoe residents the opportunity to entertain friends and guests in the newly renovated Community Center. We will now have the ability to offer creative events such as hip-hop or basketball themed birthday parties, and host celebrations such as bar mitzvahs/bat mitzvahs, as well as receptions, holiday parties, and other private functions.

The new Community Hall, a beautiful beamed-ceiling room with an adjacent outside terrace, will be perfect for parties and celebrations. There will be a catering and instructional kitchen to support these rentals if needed. The Center will also feature a large multi-purpose room that has an adjoining kitchen, great for kids’ birthday parties and events. The new state-of-the art playground can also be a great addition to any child’s party. Other areas of the Community Center that may also be rented include the gym, studio, and program rooms.

Stay tuned for more about the renovation and watch for new classes and programs about to come your way! If you have any questions or comments about the renovation, please contact Rod Aiken, Executive Director, at (847) 835-7530.

Thank you again for your continued support through this exciting process.