Comprehensive Recreation Feasibility Study
Comprehensive Recreation Feasibility Study - Update
Updated - 10.7.26
Help Shape the Future of Rec in Wilmette
You’ve helped us see the big picture—now we’re ready to dig a little deeper. Our new Recreation Feasibility Study Survey asks more detailed questions about how you and your household use our facilities, what’s working well, where improvements may be needed, and what recreation opportunities you would like to see in the future.
Your feedback will help inform the development of preliminary concepts for the Community Recreation Center, Centennial Recreation Complex and Big Tree Lane. There are no predetermined plans or outcomes, which is why your voice is so important to this process.
Take the survey by Wednesday, October 28, and help shape the Future of Rec in Wilmette.
Community Engagement: The Big Picture
The first phase of community engagement focused on gathering broad feedback about recreation in Wilmette and understanding the priorities, experiences and ideas of our community.
More than 1,100 residents participated in our initial Community Engagement Questionnaire, sharing feedback about Park District facilities, programs, recreation needs and priorities.
We also brought the conversation directly into the community. At the Wilmette Block Party, more than 500 participants took part in our Future of Rec activity, choosing the spaces, amenities and activities they would most like to see in an ideal recreation center.
Together, these efforts provided an important first look at what our community values and what residents would like us to consider as we plan for the future.
This feedback is helping guide the next phase of the feasibility study. With the new in-depth survey, we’re building on what we’ve already heard and asking the community to help us explore those priorities in greater detail.
CONSTRUCTION UPDATE – March 26, 2026
CRC Restoration Project: Final Phase Update
The District is beginning the final phases of the CRC Restoration Project, with carpeting and baseboard work starting Monday, March 30.
Phase 1: Western Hallway Closure (Click Here for Map)
Phase 1 will begin on March 30 and will include the closure of the western hallway, spanning from the vending machine lobby to the ECC double doors.
- No public access will be permitted through this hallway during this phase.
- Patrons attending Gymnastics programs will be required to use the designated entrance located in the North Corridor. (Entrance 8 on the map)
- Access between the Gymnastics area and other sections of the CRC will be routed through the main courtyard. (Entrance 9 on the map)
The remaining work will be completed in three additional phases (Gymnastics Lobby, North Hallway, North Entryway). Each phase will begin immediately following the completion of the previous phase. Updates will be shared with the community as dates and timing become clearer.
Each phase will require temporary closures and adjusted access routes within portions of the facility. Staff will be on-site to help direct patrons and ensure continued access to programs whenever possible.
We appreciate the community’s patience as we complete these final improvements to the CRC.
To learn the latest information on our project timeline, visit our BLOG.
About the Project
Project Overview
The Wilmette Park District is undertaking a Comprehensive Recreation Feasibility Study to evaluate the future of several key community facilities, including the Community Recreation Center, Centennial Recreation Complex, and Big Tree Lane.
The study is intended to help the District better understand how residents use existing facilities, identify current and future recreational needs, assess facility conditions, and explore opportunities for improvements or redevelopment. Through data collection, facility assessments, community engagement, and financial analysis, the study will provide the Park Board and community with information needed to make informed decisions about future investments.
No decisions have been made regarding facility improvements, renovations, or redevelopment. The purpose of this process is to gather information, evaluate options, and establish a long-term vision that reflects community priorities.
Project History & Inception
The Comprehensive Recreation Feasibility Study is a direct outcome of the Wilmette Park District’s Comprehensive Plan and Strategic Plan initiatives conducted throughout 2023 and 2024.
During those planning efforts, residents, stakeholders, staff, and community partners provided extensive feedback regarding the future of parks, recreation facilities, programming, and community spaces. Common themes emerged throughout the engagement process, including the need to evaluate aging facilities, improve accessibility, assess recreational trends, and ensure that District amenities continue to meet the evolving needs of the community.
The Comprehensive Plan identified several recreation facilities as priorities for further evaluation, including the Community Recreation Center and Centennial Recreation Complex. The plans also suggested purchasing large parcels of land to develop and gaining a deeper understanding of recreational needs to better serve the community. Community feedback also highlighted a desire for the Park District to take a thoughtful, data-driven approach when considering future investments and facility improvements.
In response, the Board of Park Commissioners authorized the development of a Comprehensive Recreation Feasibility Study to better understand current facility conditions, programming needs, utilization trends, and future opportunities. The study will provide objective analysis and recommendations that can guide future decision-making while aligning with the goals established through the Comprehensive and Strategic Planning processes.
Following a competitive consultant selection process involving nine architectural and planning firms, the Board approved Wight & Company to lead the study. Wight & Company began work in July 2026 and is guiding the facility assessment, community engagement, and planning phases of the projec
Planning Goal and Intended Outcomes
The study is designed to:
Understand Community Needs
Gather resident feedback and evaluate current and future recreational demands.
Assess Existing Facilities
Review the condition, functionality, and performance of the Community Recreation Center, Centennial Recreation Complex, and Big Tree Lane facilities.
Evaluate Program and Space Usage
Analyze participation trends, facility utilization, and opportunities to better align spaces with community needs.
Explore Future Opportunities
Develop and evaluate a range of potential scenarios, from maintaining existing facilities to renovation, expansion, reconstruction, or new amenities.
Provide Financial Analysis
Identify potential costs, operational impacts, and long-term considerations associated with various options.
Establish a Long-Term Vision
Provide the Park Board with objective recommendations and planning tools to guide future decision-making.
Community Engagement
Community input is a critical component of the feasibility study process.
Residents will have multiple opportunities to participate through:
- Community surveys
- Public meetings and workshops
- Stakeholder interviews
- Open houses
- Online engagement opportunities
Feedback gathered throughout the process will help shape recommendations and ensure future decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the Wilmette community.
Focus Area: Big Tree Lane
As part of the study, the District will evaluate future opportunities for Big Tree Lane.
All options will be evaluated based on community needs, feasibility, cost, and long-term sustainability.
Documents and Presentations
No Current Documents at this Time.
Project Timeline
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