Construction On Lemont Park District Referendum Projects Begins May 18

LEMONT, IL — In March 2024, the Lemont Park District successfully passed a referendum with 70 percent of voters in favor of making upgrades and renovations to park district facilities while posing no tax increase to taxpayers, according to a news release shared from the park district.

Now, construction on these upgrades is ready to begin. Projects include renovations to the Centennial Community Center and the CORE, development of Derby Farms Park and a tennis and pickleball facility on 127th Street.

"For more than 30 years, the Centennial Community Center has been a valued asset, filled with memories and meaningful experiences. As we look to the future and improve the facility to better meet the needs of our community, we will have some temporary and permanent changes we would like to update you on," a news release shares. "Our new renovations will result in multi-use space to expand our program and educational offerings as well as create a beautiful, modernized space to host both community and private events."

The park district said that over the next few weeks, residents can expect to see construction crews mobilizing, staff clearing out spaces, as well as relocating trees, and landscaping to prepare for official construction which will kick off on May 18.

Construction fencing will be put up to allow crews to start working while keeping patrons safe, the park district said, adding that it hopes to keep disruptions to a minimum.

Here are a few things you can expect happening at the Centennial Community Center and throughout the District:

Facility Construction

Construction activities will begin at Centennial Community Center and The CORE, beginning as soon as May 18, with a phased construction project schedule to allow for continued use of facilities.

The first phase of Centennial construction will include the north Preschool and south end corridors while the first phase at The CORE will include an addition to the east side of the facility, according to the park district.

"We anticipate all classes and programs will be running as scheduled," the park district said.

Centennial Community Center Improvements

"Renovations and upgrades to the Centennial Community Center will modernize the facility, improve accessibility and infrastructure, and expand programming space," the park district said. "With the goal of maximizing the use of space, the District will be able to provide multipurpose programming rooms including dance, sports, cultural arts, cooking classes, birthday parties and special and private events."

Renovatoins will also provide more restrooms for the facility, a secure entryway and a lobby space.

"These enhancements aim to create a functional environment for residents of all ages," a news release shares.

Centennial Outdoor Pool Entrance

For the 2026 season, all patrons will be entering through the main doors of the Centennial Community Center. The outdoor pool will be open with regular hours.

Racquetball Courts

"After much consideration it was determined that the racquetball courts will be permanently taken offline and will no longer be available for use after May 15," the park district shared.

"We understand that history and cherish memories of this space, but due to the limited use, shifting interests, and overall accessibility, we have decided to repurpose the space to allow us to expand other needs throughout the building."

Preschool

Renovations are set to begin immediately after the school year ends, and the park district has started preparing classrooms earlier than usual.

"This will allow us to stay on track to welcome students back in the Fall in newly updated learning spaces," the park district said.

CORE Fitness & Aquatic Center Expansion

The CORE will undergo expansion including additional fitness studios, improved layout, and an enhanced lobby experience. These improvements will help accommodate fitness classes, gym space for sports and members, and provide a higher-quality fitness experience, according to the park district.

CORE East Parking Lot

The East parking lot at the CORE will not be available beginning May 18 and will not reopen until later this Fall.

Pickleball and Tennis Courts at Centennial Campus

New pickleball and tennis courts will be constructed to meet the rising demand for these activities, the park district said. New tennis courts, shade, and parking will be located on the north side of 127th Street, across from the park district. The existing tennis courts at Centennial campus will be renovated to six pickleball courts, with seating and shade.

The new renovation of the courts will provide an additional 45 parking spaces to the existing Centennial parking lot.

"The courts will provide modern, accessible spaces for both casual play and organized programming," the park district said.

Construction is expected to begin on the new tennis courts in the coming weeks.

Derby Farms Park

Development at Derby Farms Park will "focus on expanding outdoor recreational opportunities, including new fields, playground, splash pad, picnic shelter, a path system, restrooms and parking," a news release shares.

Work continues on the new traffic signal at 131st and Derby Roads, providing additional safety for parkgoers. Plans have been submitted for permitting and construction is anticipated starting later this year.

The total construction budget for these projects is approximately $17 million, funded through a bond issuance, according to a news release. The park district's existing bonds matured in 2025, and by reissuing these bonds, the park district was able to keep the tax levy as is.

"The Park District is committed to responsible financial management and ensuring that all funds are used efficiently and transparently," a news release shares.