Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
The Northbrook Park District’s Leisure Center will close on Friday, Aug. 1 for an exciting renovation project ushering in a new era for the building, which will reopen in spring 2026 as the Northbrook Community Center.
Dating back to the 1960s, the 40,000-square-foot Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Ave. in Northbrook, will undergo a major upgrade aimed at modernizing and enhancing the space for patrons and staff.
The $12.1 million project includes a $2.8 million grant from the Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act program administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
The Leisure Center is the central hub for recreation programs for children and adults, hosting Sunshine Preschool, the Senior Center and the Northbrook Theatre. The improvements will allow the park district to boost programming options for patrons of all ages, and provide more functional space for its dedicated staff.
The construction project, expected to start Aug. 18, will be led by Bulley & Andrews. Classes and programs will move to other park district facilities during construction.
“The redesign, conceptualized by Wight & Company, will transform the building into a warm and inviting community center that will inspire patrons to gather, socialize and engage in activities,” Northbrook Park District Executive Director Chris Leiner said.
The renaming of the building to Northbrook Community Center was approved by the park district’s board of commissioners following a community survey. Most survey respondents said the building should be renamed, with 555 votes (66.12%) in favor of Northbrook Community Center and 353 votes (38.88%) for Northbrook Recreation and Arts Center.
Board President Mike Goodman said he’s excited the board made the commitment to execute this long-needed project.
“This is an important community centered facility that serves all our residents — from babies to children, adults and seniors — and I am proud of the decision to invest in enhancing the community’s enjoyment of the arts and recreation,” he said. “I am also pleased our staff secured nearly $3 million in grants to help fund the project, optimizing our capital investment and stretching Northbrook residents’ tax dollars further.”
A Look at the Upgrades
The Northbrook Community Center’s multigenerational programming space will feature functional and aesthetic upgrades to both the interior and exterior of the building.
The interior of the building will have a bright and more open layout aimed at fostering social interaction and connection.
The exterior of the building will be enhanced with improved wayfinding signage, new exterior windows, façade improvements, and dedicated entrances for Sunshine Preschool and Northbrook Theatre.
Northbrook Theatre will undergo upgrades to the smaller theatre space, the lower-level green room, dressing rooms and costume area.
The building’s interior will feature:
- An enhanced lobby, new reception area and expanded hallway spaces
- An “innovation lounge” near the main entrance, with comfortable seating conducive to relaxation and socialization
- A “knowledge center” with fireplace and amenities for reading and TV watching
- Four multipurpose rooms of various sizes, including one with a fireplace
- Early childhood classrooms with ambient lighting and new viewing windows
- An activity studio suitable for preschool gym, senior wellness classes and rehearsals
- A dance/fitness studio
- A ceramics/art studio
- An art/maker space
- A sensory/de-escalation lounge
- A modern demonstration kitchen with pantry space for cooking classes for children and families
- An 1,800-square-foot flexible performance space
- Technology throughout the building to augment presentations and special events
- Renovated bathrooms
- ADA-compliant upgrades, such as accessible bathrooms for early childhood classrooms
Wight & Company’s mission is to create impactful and sustainable environments that will empower future generations to thrive. The design of the future Northbrook Community Center incorporates biophilic principles, or a desire to create a space that connects humans and the environment — with benefits for both. Biophilic elements include skylights, biomorphic forms such as curves, and unobstructed exit views. The color palette will include blue, green and earth tones.
Program Relocation
The park district carefully planned the relocation of programs to minimize disruption for patrons. Staff will move to other park district facilities, so users will continue interacting with familiar faces.
- Sunshine Preschool will be held at the Northbrook Sports Center, 1730 Pfingsten Road. The preschool’s furniture and materials will be moved to the temporary location.
- Senior Center programs will relocate to Techny Prairie Activity Center (TPAC), 180 Anets Drive, and Village Green Center, 1810 Walters Ave., both in Northbrook. All senior fitness classes will take place at TPAC.
- General recreation programs for young children and art classes for all ages will be moved to TPAC, Village Green Center and the Sports Center.
- Northbrook Theatre Youth Company will perform at Field Middle School in October and Northbrook Community Theatre performs at the Northbrook Public Library in December. For additional performance information, visit nbparks.org/theatre.
For details about program locations, please consult the park district’s Autumn Guide at nbparks.org/autumnguide. As the construction project moves forward, additional information will be shared at nbparks.org/projects. For questions, please contact customer service at (847) 291-2993.