Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
The Northbrook Park District is inviting the community to a grand opening celebration for the newly renovated Northbrook Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, August 23.
The all-ages free event will feature:
- Pop-in hands-on demos for dance, fitness, art, cooking and theater
- Preschool story time
- 15% off program registration on-site*
- First 15 children to register for youth programming will receive a limited-edition puppy plush!
- Free seat cushion with all Senior Center memberships purchased at event
- Family entertainment
- Complimentary coffee tumblers (while supplies last)
- Prize drawings for free tickets for Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences performances
- Scavenger hunt to earn “Pick Your Own” passes for Park District activities (access to golf courses, Techny Prairie Activity Center and more)
- Light refreshments
*15% off is valid for all autumn classes, excluding flex reg programs. Discount must be redeemed at the front desk and only valid throughout the event.
The building at 3323 Walters Ave. officially reopened in June after a $12.1 million renovation, one of the Northbrook Park District’s most exciting projects in recent years. The building houses classes and programs for all ages, along with Sunshine Preschool, Northbrook Theatre and the Northbrook Senior Center. The renovation led to a multifaceted transformation of the facility, which was originally built as a school in the 1960’s and acquired by the Park District in 1986.
Park District Board President Mike Goodman said the project reflected the community’s desire to improve and invest into existing facilities. Funding included a $2.8 million state grant, or nearly 20% of the overall cost, which exemplifies the Park District’s commitment to fiscal stewardship, he said.
“This represents a major accomplishment, and another strong example of the district’s commitment to fiscal discipline in leveraging partnerships and resources at the local and state level,” he said.
The building now has a welcoming main entrance that leads directly to the customer service front desk, and the interior features expanded hallways and plenty of natural light. There are new areas for performance programs, including a new Studio Theatre, and new gathering areas, including comfortable booths in the hallway.
There are revamped rooms for art programs and senior wellness, a state-of-the-art teaching kitchen, renovated classrooms, a new gym floor and more.
Soothing decorative elements include curvy ceiling panels and calming blue and earth tones, as the design by Wight & Company opens in new tab incorporates biophilic principles intended as a desire to create spaces that connect humans and the environment.
Here are some of the programs taking place at the Northbrook Community Center this fall:
- Cooking classes for parents/tots, youth, teens and adults.
- Expanded visual arts classes for families, children and adults.
- The return of Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences with “The Tale of a Whale” on September 11-20, and “Pete the Cat” on November 14 – December 6.
- “Beetlejuice JR” by Northbrook Theatre Youth Company opens in new tab on October 20-25.
- “Fools” by Northbrook Adult Community Theatre opens in new tab on November 6-8.
- “Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus” by Northbrook Community Theatre opens in new tab on December 11-13.
- Youth, adult and senior drama classes.
- Dance classes for parents/tots, early childhood, youth and seniors.
- General interest classes for ages 0 to 14.
- Senior Center classes and activities for ages 55 and up.
For more information, come to the grand opening celebration, visit the facility during regular business hours, learn more at nbparks.org/communitycenter or call (847) 291-2993.