Park & Facility Updates

All parks and facilities observe modified hours or full closures on major holidays. Full schedule listed here.

Holiday closure schedule for December 2025 – January 2026: • Christmas Eve (December 24): Recreation Center closes at 2:00 p.m. All parks remain open dawn to dusk. • Christmas Day (December 25): Recreation Center closed all day. All parks remain open dawn to dusk. • New Year's Eve (December 31): Recreation Center closes at 5:00 p.m. • New Year's Day (January 1): Recreation Center closed all day. All parks remain open dawn to dusk. Lacey Community Center follows the same schedule as the Recreation Center. La Grange Fitness closes with the Recreation Center on all holidays listed above.

The Board approved the 2026 fee schedule at the October meeting. Most program fees increase 2–3% to reflect operating cost increases.

The Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 fee schedule at the October 28, 2025 meeting. Most program fees reflect a 2–3% increase over 2025 to address operating cost increases, the district's fourth consecutive year of modest, inflation-aligned adjustments. Key changes for 2026: • La Grange Fitness memberships: resident monthly rate increases from $39 to $40 • Youth program base fee: increases from $48 to $49 per session • Pavilion rental (half-day): no change from 2025 rates • Financial Assistance Program: eligibility expanded to households at 250% of the federal poverty level (up from 200%) The complete 2026 fee schedule is available at the Recreation Center front desk and in the Winter 2026 program guide.

Referendum-funded inclusive play equipment opened September 10, designed for children of all abilities ages 2–12.

New inclusive playground equipment at Sedgwick Park opened September 10, 2025. Funded by the 2024 referendum and designed in partnership with SEASPAR and local disability advocacy groups, the play structure is fully accessible and designed for children of all abilities. Highlights: • Transfer station with accessible approach ramp, providing full wheelchair access to the main structure • Ground-level sensory play panels (textured surfaces, musical components, tactile elements) • Full-bucket and harness swings in the accessible swing bay • Poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing throughout, compatible with wheelchairs and walkers • Age-appropriate zones: toddler (ages 2–5) and big kid (ages 6–12) The old structure was removed in August 2025. Twelve new benches were also installed around the play area perimeter as part of the project.

The Board of Commissioners formally adopted the five-year strategic plan at the February 2025 regular meeting.

At the February 10, 2025 regular Board meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously adopted the 2025–2029 Park District Strategic Plan. The plan was developed over eight months with input from more than 600 community members through resident surveys, three public meetings, and six focus groups. Four strategic priorities: 1. Access & Inclusion: ensure all programs and facilities are accessible regardless of ability or income 2. Environmental Stewardship: reduce the district's carbon footprint; expand native plantings across all park properties 3. Financial Resilience: diversify revenue streams; reduce dependence on a single funding source 4. Community Connection: deepen partnerships with schools, businesses, and civic organizations The full strategic plan document is available at the Recreation Center front desk and on the district website.

• 2025–2029 Strategic Plan [PDF]

The 12,000 sq ft south wing addition is open, adding two multipurpose rooms, an expanded fitness floor, and a stretching studio.

Construction on the Recreation Center south wing expansion wrapped up November 15, 2024, two weeks ahead of the December 1 target. The new wing adds 12,000 square feet including two multipurpose rooms (Rooms E and F), an expanded fitness equipment floor, and a dedicated stretching and yoga studio. The south wing opened to the public November 18, 2024. The contractor, Elmhurst Construction Partners, completed the project $220,000 under the approved budget. Unused funds were returned to the capital reserve per Board policy.

Voters approved the $7.8M capital improvements referendum with 64% support, funding facility renovations across the district.

On April 2, 2024, La Grange voters approved the Park District's $7.8M capital improvements referendum with 64% support. Thank you to the community for your continued investment in our parks and facilities. Referendum funds support: • Lacey Community Center renovation (Phases 1 & 2) • New inclusive playground equipment at Sedgwick Park • Recreation Center roof replacement • Deferred maintenance projects across all nine parks A complete project priority list and five-year phased schedule was published in the Spring 2024 program guide and is available at the Rec Center front desk.