NORTHBROOK, IL — After a $12.1 million renovation and a new name, the Northbrook Community Center is ready for its official grand opening celebration.
The Northbrook Park District will host a free, all-ages event from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at 3323 Walters Ave. The celebration will include hands-on demonstrations, family entertainment, program discounts, giveaways, refreshments and opportunities to explore the renovated building.
The facility officially reopened in June following a major transformation of the former Leisure Center, a building originally constructed as a school in the 1960s and acquired by the Park District in 1986.
Patch first reported last summer on the $12.1 million renovation and the decision to rename the Leisure Center as the Northbrook Community Center. The project included a $2.8 million state grant and was designed to modernize the 40,000-square-foot building while expanding recreational and cultural programming.
Visitors will be able to drop in for demonstrations involving dance, fitness, art, cooking and theater. Preschool story time and family entertainment are also planned.
The Park District is offering 15 percent off program registration during the event, with the first 15 children who register receiving a limited-edition puppy plush.
RELATED: New Building, New Name: Leisure Center Closing For Renovation In Northbrook
Other activities include complimentary coffee tumblers while supplies last, prize drawings for Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences tickets and a scavenger hunt in which participants can earn "Pick Your Own" passes for Park District activities, including golf courses and Techny Prairie Activity Center.
Light refreshments will also be available.
The renovation created a new main entrance leading directly to the customer service desk, expanded hallways and gathering areas, and brought more natural light into the building.
New and revamped spaces include a Studio Theatre, art rooms, senior wellness areas, a teaching kitchen, renovated classrooms and a new gym floor.
The design by Wight & Company incorporates biophilic principles intended to connect indoor spaces with nature, including curved design elements and a palette of blue and earth tones.
Park District Board President Mike Goodman said the renovation reflected residents' desire to invest in existing community facilities.
"This represents a major accomplishment, and another strong example of the district's commitment to fiscal discipline in leveraging partnerships and resources at the local and state level," Goodman said.
The $2.8 million state grant covered nearly 20 percent of the project's overall cost.
The Northbrook Community Center houses Sunshine Preschool, the Northbrook Senior Center, recreation programs and Northbrook Theatre.
The theater had been displaced during construction before reopening in May with "Freaky Friday: A New Musical" after an eight-month hiatus. The renovated facility includes upgraded dressing rooms, expanded rehearsal areas and a new black box-style studio theater.
Upcoming performances include "The Tale of a Whale," scheduled for Sept. 11-20, and "Pete the Cat," running Nov. 14-Dec. 6, through Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences.
RELATED: Northbrook Theatre Reopens With 'Freaky Friday' After 8-Month Hiatus
Northbrook Theatre Youth Company is scheduled to present "Beetlejuice JR" Oct. 20-25, followed by Northbrook Adult Community Theatre's "Fools" Nov. 6-8 and Northbrook Community Theatre's "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" Dec. 11-13.
Other fall offerings include cooking, visual arts, drama, dance and general-interest classes for children and adults, along with Senior Center programming for residents 55 and older.
More information is available through the Northbrook Park District at 847-291-2993 or its website.
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