Oakton Sports Complex
2800 Oakton Street in Park Ridge
847-692-3359
PRParks.org

Q. You’re at the finish line for the Oakton Sports Complex. How does it feel and what are you most excited about?

I couldn’t be more excited for the Park Ridge community as we approach the finish line for the Oakton Sports Complex. This project has been in discussion since 2017, and while I officially joined the Park Ridge Park District when construction began in 2024, I had the privilege of attending the groundbreaking in March of that year before my employment started. Standing there on that day, I was struck by the deep tradition within those walls and the overwhelming community support for this long-awaited project.

From that groundbreaking moment to today, it’s been incredible to witness the transformation. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the board members and staff, past and present, who played a role in making this vision a reality. A special thank you goes to our current staff who have dedicated the past 17 months to attending every meeting, reviewing construction details and ensuring that this facility would be the very best for our residents.

The Oakton Sports Complex will truly offer something for everyone. … I can’t wait to see residents walk through the main entrance for the first time, to witness their reactions, and to see the ways they make this space their own.”

Over the last year and a half, I’ve had the opportunity to track the progress month by month, and with each milestone, my excitement has grown. What was once the Oakton Ice Arena is now a true multi-sport destination. In addition to renovating the existing ice rink (keeping the footprint and walls of the community tradition), we’ve added two multi-purpose rooms, an athletic training room, a studio ice rink and an elevator for improved accessibility to the Olympic Room, now also serving as a third multipurpose rental space. We’ve included a 60-by-60 yard indoor athletic field for a variety of sports, an indoor walking track surrounding the athletic field and a concessions stand with an outdoor patio. Outside, we’ve increased parking capacity and added a walking path around the park and through the oak tree grove. We’re also looking forward to the installation of solar panels, as well as the completion of the new netting and poles at the driving range and opening the new dog park.

The Oakton Sports Complex will truly offer something for everyone, providing recreation opportunities for all ages and interests. I can’t wait to see residents walk through the main entrance for the first time, to witness their reactions, and to see the ways they make this space their own. This is a proud moment for our community, and it would not have been possible without the dedication of our board and staff and the continued support of the public.

Q. What do you think will surprise residents the most about the new venue?

That’s a tough question because there is so much to be proud of in this transformation from the Oakton Ice Arena into the Oakton Sports Complex. While the new features and expanded opportunities will certainly impress, I think what may surprise residents most is how we were able to grow into a true multi-sport destination while still preserving the deep history and tradition of Oakton.

The original ice arena structure was not demolished within the renovation. In fact, many of its original elements remain. You’ll still see the iconic wooden ceiling and beams overhead in the rink, a nod to decades of memories. The Olympic Room is still here, and the footprint of the former main entrance and pool locker area has been reimagined into five modern team locker rooms. The very foundation of the former ice rink is still part of this facility, serving as the bones upon which we’ve built something new.

From the outside, the new main entrance will feel like you’re stepping into a completely different building. But the moment you enter the ice arena, those familiar touches will bring back memories for anyone who grew up skating, watching games or attending events here. We’ve even created a history hallway leading from the multi-purpose rooms to the studio rink, highlighting Oakton’s story from the acquisition of the land in 1966, to the opening of the swimming, diving and wading pools in the summer of 1969, to the debut of the Oakton Ice Arena in the fall of that same year, all the way through our current renovations.

This grand opening is about more than a building, it’s about connecting generations. Visitors will be able to enjoy all the exciting new features while also reliving the history that has made Oakton such an important part of our community. And beyond the tradition, I think people will be amazed at just how much is now within these walls — from diverse sports and fitness opportunities to programs for all ages and interests.

Q. Give us a few details about some of the additional leagues, classes and programming now at the Park District’s fingertips.

The new Oakton Sports Complex opens the door to an incredible range of programming and opportunities for the community. Our popular skating program is returning with a full lineup of figure skating and hockey lessons for all ages and skill levels, including a new Parent & Me program for parents to explore skating together with their little ones. Our brand-new athletic programs will bring energy and variety to the space throughout the day, including programs for multiple age groups, adult and teen soccer and football leagues, Legacy Sports classes for adults 55 & up (which include programs such as walking flag football and walking soccer), and skill-building classes in baseball, football, soccer, lacrosse and more.

With so many offerings under one roof, the Oakton Sports Complex will provide opportunities for recreation, fitness and community connection like never before.”

We are also teaming up with our staff from the Centennial Fitness Center to introduce fitness classes at Oakton for the first time, offering Turf Tough Bootcamp in the indoor athletic field. Bounce House Open Play classes are also being offered on the indoor athletic field, providing a great childcare option for parents who are participating in the Bootcamp program, or who just want to get their littles ones out of the house to burn some energy. Beyond structured programs, we’ll have designated times for free public use of the indoor walking track around the athletic field when programs are not in session.

The facility will also be home to rentals from our affiliate groups, including football, cheerleading, lacrosse, baseball, softball and soccer, with space available for community rentals as well. With so many offerings under one roof, the Oakton Sports Complex will provide opportunities for recreation, fitness and community connection like never before.

Q. Finish this sentence: The Oakton Sports Complex will be…

A vibrant hub for the community, a place where lasting memories are made, and where our staff works tirelessly to meet the needs of residents. It’s not just an ice arena; it’s a versatile facility offering programs for a variety of sports, skill levels and ages. This center reflects the dedication of past and present staff over the last seven years, ensuring that traditions established in 1969 continue to thrive.

The facility will also be home to rentals from our affiliate groups, including football, cheerleading, lacrosse, baseball, softball and soccer, with space available for community rentals as well.

Once the solar panels are installed in late winter 2025, the complex will also be one of the most energy-efficient buildings in Park Ridge. Soon, the golf driving range and dog park will open, adding even more recreational opportunities for the community. With so much to offer, the Oakton Sports Complex is truly the place to be!