Grayslake Oasis Set to Close Later This Month

GRAYSLAKE, IL -- The Oasis in Grayslake is slated to close at the end of this month. The Oasis, at 151 Hawley Street, opened in April 2008 and as a safe place for teens in Grayslake and surrounding communities to go to socialize after school and on weekends. Founder Joyce Campbell said attendance has been on the decline over the past four years and has really dropped off over the past year, according to the Daily Herald.

She says kids use of smartphones, which has changed the way teens socialize, may be a reason for the declining numbers, according to the article.

"It just got to the point where, because kids socialize differently, we're not needed anymore," Campbell said. "It was extraordinarily difficult to come to that decision, but I also understand that as things change you have to change with it."

Campbell spearheaded the project back in 2003 and led fund-raising efforts, the renovation of the building and grand opening of the teen center in April 2008. She said she is sad to see the Oasis go, but that "the spirit of The Oasis will remain strong in our town."

"The Grayslake Public Library has developed a great teen center, and we look forward to seeing that flourish," Campbell wrote in a letter posted on the Oasis Facebook page.

A last "hoo-rah" will be held on April 27 at The Oasis. The open jam night will run from 2:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. More information is available via Facebook.