Local officials are hoping a large renovation of the Watts building will create additional recreational opportunities, as well as fresh social ones.
“I’m hoping this will be a place where old friends can re-connect and new friends can be made,” State Sen. Julie Morrison said at an April 11 groundbreaking hosted by the Glencoe Park District for the envisioned $6 million revamp of Watts.
With Morrison, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider and several village officials in attendance, Park Board President Lisa Brooks spoke of the need of a strong park system.
Brooks said the Park District is cognizant of the benefits of living in Glencoe, but believed enhancements were necessary for the building at 305 Randolph Street.
“Still we are challenged (with) meeting the growing need for public access to social and recreational opportunities that widely support health and well being,” Brooks said. “This includes facing the national crisis of access to affordable, early child health care and after-school care.”
As part of a Park District’s 2015 Master Plan, combined with community feedback and board discussion, officials created a plan for a face-lift for Watts, originally constructed in 1959 with outdoor ice rinks added in 1972.
The project is set to convert approximately 2,300 square feet of previously unused space — mostly on the building’s second floor — to be converted into multipurpose rooms for dance and theatre classes and other programs such as chess and engineering activities. There will also be new amenities for the ice skating support areas, an outdoor social space, and upgrades to the lobby, locker rooms, bathrooms and storage facilities along with a new elevator allowing for ADA compatibility.
Park District Executive Director Lisa Sheppard labeled the project as one of the biggest for the Park District since the renovation of the Takiff Center that was completed in 2009.
Part of the reason for the change is tied into growing interest in the Park District’s afternoon offerings, given the proximity of Watts to South School, according to officials.
“Our after-school program is growing leaps and bounds so we really need the extra space,” Sheppard said.
A Park District spokeswoman later said there will now be space to offer three after-school classes instead of the one currently available.
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The projected cost of the endeavor sits at approximately $6 million, with $2 million set to come from non-referendum bonds, $2.5 million from an Illinois Department of Natural Resources Park and Recreation Facilities Construction grant and the remainder from Park District fund balances, according to the Park District.
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A group of local families donated $100,000 to finance a gathering plaza and outdoor fireplace.
With construction underway, the building is now closed with the outside portion scheduled to be completed by November and the second floor will be done by the end of the year.
Meanwhile, given the growing interest in the sport, the Park District is set to introduce six portable pickleball courts in early May on the main ice rink and will be operational through October.
Brooks spoke of her hope the project would expand the village’s recreational opportunities.
“What ties us all together I believe is a shared appreciation of the value of parks and recreation and its vital contribution to our well being and quality of life,” she said.
Separately, the Park District has announced the Park Avenue ramp for the Lakefront Park/Glencoe Beach will be inaccessible to pedestrian traffic through mid-May due to ongoing construction work. As the work continues, people can access Glencoe Beach through the Hazel Avenue ramp and the stairs.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.