Updated Plans for Watts
Wednesday, December 8, 2021
Architects from Wight shared updated designs for the upcoming Watts Recreational Center remodel at the Board of Commissioner's December 7 meeting. The images focus on the Kids Club entrance and the addition of spectator/player boxes on the studio rink. The spectator/player boxes will be bid as an alternate, if approved, based on funding. Construction will begin in 2022.
To complete the $4 million project, the Glencoe Park District will use a combination of $1.5 million non-referendum bonds, fund balances designated for capital projects, and the matching Illinois Department of Natural Resource's Park and Recreational Facility Construction Act (PARC) grant, which was awarded to the District in March. The PARC grant monies will be distributed throughout the state for various renovation projects, including $2,500,000 to update and renovate Glencoe Park District’s Watts Recreational Center.
The renovation project includes updates to ADA-accessibility, including an elevator and a secondary entrance. Ice-skating support spaces will be renovated, plus a new multi-purpose room, restrooms and storage areas will be added. New dasher boards will be installed at both skating rinks. A renovation of inaccessible program space and an update to aging mechanical systems will address accessibility and space constraints. The renovation plan leverages capital dollars to activate existing inaccessible areas, which equates to 2,318 additional square feet of accessible multi-use space for STEAM, dance, theatre, and after-school programs for adults, teens, and youth.