Long-lived recreation complex gets a full, sustainable renovation
A treasured community amenity, the Ridgeland Common Recreation Complex had experienced significant degradation over the years. When the Park District of Oak Park decided to renovate and extend the life of the facility, they started by bringing in our team to lead a six-month master planning process. The goal? A clear vision that would maximize limited space and funds.
With the master plan in place, we joined a team led by Nagle Hartray Architecture to provide ice and aquatics design as well as mechanical, plumbing, and electrical design. The combined team also handled facility programming, LEED modeling, and construction administration services. The project expanded the indoor ice rink, added a new shallow water wading pool, renovated a 50-metre competition pool, reconstructed interior support spaces, and built new outdoor ballfields.
The big challenge, though, was space—and the guideline was sustainability. We were able to preserve many historical elements of the existing facility including the structural frame. The ice rink’s new refrigeration plant uses ammonia refrigerant and takes advantage of waste heat opportunities, enhancing system performance. Plus, the pool’s mechanical system was designed to efficiently save water, chemicals, and energy.
With natural daylighting and colorful finishes, the once dark, cavernous, and aging community center has been brought back to life. It’s a recreational oasis in the middle of a busy, urban environment, and with its sustainable considerations, it achieved LEED Gold status.
Jim Maland, Senior Associate
My engineering keeps me grounded with reality based solutions, but being a sailor, my vision is always beyond the horizon.
Mike FitzPatrick, Electrical Engineer, Community Development
Safety is the number one factor in my electrical designs.
Jeff Ehleringer, Senior Project Manager/Aquatics Engineer
My role is to work with clients to deliver aquatic facilities that last for decades, creating memories that last for a lifetime.
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