Oak Park-River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois, is undergoing a significant transformation with a $102 million construction project aimed at replacing its outdated physical education (PE) facilities. The new wing, part of an initiative known as Project 2, will feature state-of-the-art amenities designed to enhance student experience, inclusivity, and functionality. The construction addresses decades-old infrastructures, providing modern, inclusive spaces that accommodate various student needs. Scheduled for completion by summer 2026, this project represents a substantial, long-term investment in education and student well-being.
Modernization Efforts
State-of-the-Art Gymnasiums
The new wing will include larger, multi-use gyms that can accommodate various sports and physical activities. These modern gyms are designed to serve as both practice and competition spaces, showcasing the school’s commitment to offering high-quality athletics facilities. The upgrade will address numerous limitations of the current gymnasiums, enhancing both functionality and safety for students. By transforming these facilities, the school aims to provide an environment where students can excel in their athletic pursuits and feel more engaged in physical education activities.
Furthermore, the gyms will be equipped with contemporary amenities that will support a wider range of sports and recreational activities, making them more versatile and accommodating. The designs are not merely about adding more space but about creating multifunctional areas that can easily transition between different uses. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the PE wing will be able to adapt to the evolving needs of the student body, making it a cornerstone of the school’s physical education programs for years to come.
Advanced Swimming Facilities
A centerpiece of the new PE wing is the installation of a 25-yard-by-40-yard pool, replacing the outdated pools from 1928. This modern pool will provide a safer, more reliable environment for aquatic activities. The new swimming facility underscores the school’s dedication to keeping up with contemporary standards and ensuring student safety during swimming sessions. Not only will the new pool provide a venue for physical education classes, but it will also support the school’s competitive swimming teams and other aquatic programs, encouraging greater student participation in water-based activities.
The introduction of advanced swimming facilities represents a significant upgrade, addressing the limitations of the nearly century-old pools that previously served the school. The new pool will feature state-of-the-art filtration and safety systems, making it a much healthier and secure environment for students. This commitment to modernizing the swimming facilities is part of a broader strategy to ensure that all students have access to high-quality, safe, and engaging physical education opportunities, reflecting a holistic approach to student well-being.
Inclusivity Initiatives
All-Gender Locker Rooms
One of the hallmark features of the new PE facility is the inclusion of all-gender locker rooms. This element reflects the district’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment that respects all students’ identities. By providing locker rooms designed to support gender non-conforming students, the school fosters a sense of belonging and respect among the student body. The inclusion of all-gender locker rooms signifies a progressive move towards greater inclusivity and aligns with broader societal shifts towards acceptance and diversity.
Including all-gender locker rooms ensures that all students feel comfortable and affirmed in their identity while participating in school activities. This change not only supports gender non-conforming students but also educates the entire school community about the importance of inclusivity and respect for all individuals. The district’s decision to incorporate these facilities into the new PE wing is a testament to its commitment to equity and its willingness to address the diverse needs of its student population, setting a positive example for other schools to follow.
Accessibility Improvements
Accessibility is a major focus in the new wing’s design. An elevator meeting all accessibility requirements will be installed, ensuring that every student can access the different areas of the PE wing without barriers. This improvement aligns with Oak Park-River Forest High School’s broader mission to offer inclusive and equitable facilities for all students. Incorporating such features demonstrates the school’s dedication to removing obstacles that prevent students with disabilities from fully participating in physical education and other activities.
By prioritizing accessibility, the school is ensuring that all students, regardless of physical ability, have equal opportunities to benefit from the new facilities. The addition of the elevator is part of a comprehensive effort to make sure that every aspect of the new PE wing caters to the diverse needs of all students. This commitment to inclusivity and accessibility underscores the district’s holistic approach to student welfare, ensuring that the educational environment is supportive and accommodating for everyone.
Expanded and Specialized Facilities
Multipurpose and Dance Gyms
Replacing the existing studio, the new multipurpose and dance gym will offer more space and better amenities to support a wide range of physical education programs. This enhancement facilitates diverse activities, from dance routines to aerobics, catering to varied student interests and promoting physical fitness. The new, spacious design is intended to support not just traditional PE classes but also to provide a venue for extracurricular activities, fostering a more vibrant and engaged student community.
The multipurpose gym will be equipped with modern flooring, lighting, and audio-visual systems, creating an optimal environment for various physical activities and performances. This versatility ensures that the gym can be used for a multitude of events, ranging from sports practices to school assemblies, maximizing its utility for the school. By providing high-quality facilities, the school is encouraging greater student participation in a variety of physical activities, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Upgraded Weight Room
An expanded weight room will tackle current capacity limitations, providing a more efficient and accommodating environment for strength training. The new facility will be equipped with modern equipment and designed to meet the needs of the increasing number of students interested in weightlifting and fitness. This upgrade addresses the growing demand for fitness resources among students, catering to the diverse interests and fitness goals of the student body, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to work out in a safe and well-equipped environment.
The new weight room aims to provide a comprehensive strength training experience, with equipment that caters to different skill levels and training needs. By expanding the space and updating the equipment, the school is creating a more inclusive environment where students can pursue their fitness goals without feeling overcrowded or limited by inadequate resources. This investment in the weight room is part of a broader effort to promote physical health and fitness among students, encouraging them to develop lifelong healthy habits.
Supporting Educational and Administrative Needs
Comprehensive Classrooms and Offices
In addition to new sports facilities, the project includes PE classrooms, offices for PE and athletics staff, equipment storage spaces, and a conference room. These enhancements indicate a comprehensive approach to fostering both physical and academic growth among students, allowing for better organization and management within the PE department. The new classrooms and offices will provide dedicated spaces for the planning and execution of the school’s physical education programs, improving overall efficiency and effectiveness.
The inclusion of well-equipped PE classrooms will enhance the instructional component of physical education, allowing teachers to provide more comprehensive lessons that combine theory with practice. By creating spaces that support both the administrative and educational aspects of physical education, the school is ensuring that the PE department can operate more smoothly and effectively, ultimately providing a better experience for students.
Enhanced Healthcare Facilities
The inclusion of a new treatment room for athletic trainers further underscores the district’s focus on student health and well-being. This facility will ensure faster response times and better care in the event of sports injuries, aligning with the overall aim to prioritize student safety alongside their academic and athletic development. A well-equipped treatment room is an essential component of any comprehensive athletic program, providing immediate care and treatments that can help prevent injuries from becoming more severe.
By upgrading the healthcare facilities, the school is demonstrating a commitment to maintaining the highest standards of student care. This new treatment room will play a crucial role in supporting the school’s athletes, ensuring that they receive the medical attention they need promptly and effectively. This focus on health and well-being is a key component of the broader project, which aims to create a safe and supportive environment for all students.
Addressing Existing Inefficiencies
Revamped Boys’ and Girls’ Locker Rooms
The new boys’ and girls’ locker rooms are designed to solve longstanding issues such as poor ventilation, plumbing problems, and inadequate space. By addressing these inefficiencies, the renovation will provide students with a more comfortable and functional space to change and securely store their belongings. The upgrades aim to create an environment that is both practical and pleasant, ensuring that students have a positive experience in the locker rooms.
The improvements will address specific issues that have long plagued the existing locker rooms, such as cramped spaces and lack of privacy. By creating well-ventilated, spacious, and secure locker rooms, the school is responding to the needs and concerns of the student body. These upgrades are a critical component of the overall project, reflecting a commitment to improving the daily experience of students and ensuring that they have access to facilities that meet contemporary standards.
Student Commons and Pre-Function Space
Another significant addition is the creation of a student commons and pre-function space. This area will cater to students waiting for activities or rides and spectators attending events. The space reflects a thoughtful approach to student logistics and comfort, offering an inviting environment for relaxation and gathering. By providing a dedicated space for students to congregate before and after activities, the school is addressing a key aspect of student life that often goes overlooked.
The student commons will be designed to be a versatile and welcoming area that can accommodate various needs, from socializing and study sessions to event preparation and relaxation. This addition not only enhances the functionality of the new PE wing but also contributes to the overall sense of community within the school. Providing such spaces demonstrates the school’s commitment to creating a holistic and supportive environment where students can thrive both academically and socially.
Supporting Performing Arts
Upgraded Performing Arts Green Room
Oak Park-River Forest High School in Oak Park, Illinois, is embarking on an ambitious $102 million construction project designed to overhaul its outdated physical education (PE) facilities. This effort, known as Project 2, aims to create a modern, state-of-the-art wing featuring advanced amenities to significantly improve the student experience. Beyond providing functional enhancements, the new construction emphasizes inclusivity by offering spaces that cater to a wide array of student needs. This renovation responds to the shortcomings of the school’s decades-old infrastructure, ensuring that future generations have access to contemporary, inclusive environments conducive to physical education and overall well-being. Scheduled for completion by summer 2026, Project 2 represents a long-term investment in the institution’s educational framework and the holistic development of its students. This pivotal initiative underscores the school’s commitment to adapting to current educational standards and promoting student welfare through substantial, carefully planned improvements.
