After Park Ridge and Niles residents approved a $33.4 million Park Ridge Park District referendum in a 2022 election, renovations at Oakton Sports Complex are beginning to take shape and the refreshed complex is on schedule to open in August 2025, according to a Park Ridge Park District spokesperson.
Marketing and Public Relations Director Margaret Holler said Oakton Park and its ice arena, driving range and dog park will remain entirely closed until the construction is completed. The district also has a website for updates on the project.
The project’s latest update was the installation of steel framing for the entire building. “With the steel framework in place, it is now easy to envision the new spaces,” Holler said.
So far, the main ice rink flooring, dashers (the boards that surround the rink), bleachers, and mechanical systems have been removed. The outer structure, including the wood beams and ceiling, is being retained. The support building has been gutted, and new team rooms have been framed out in masonry. According to Holler, new piping and plumbing are being installed.
Holler said the construction has included new footings and framework for the entire building including the studio ice rink, indoor athletic field, lobby, concessions, restrooms and office areas. The roof of the studio ice rink is also being placed and concrete flooring has been poured in select areas of the park.
After voters approved the $33.4 million referendum for the Park Ridge Park District, costs rose, and in 2023, the park district approved a 6% levy hike and a near $40 million contract with the architect and construction manager to oversee and carry out the work at the incoming sports complex.
The design calls for the complex to include a turf field, a new walking path around the park, new netting for the driving range and relocating the park’s dog run.
Per the contract approved by the park district, construction for the ice rink is slated to finish in May 2025. The indoor turf construction is set to finish in February 2025. The parking lot and ring road are set to be the last phase of construction and wrap up in August 2025.
