Northbrook community invited to celebrate TPAC's 5th anniversary

When Judy Armgardt moved back to Northbrook from New Mexico five years ago, she immediately set off to find a great fitness center.

“I struggled to find a place I really liked,” Armgardt said. “I went to a lot of the gyms around here, but nothing was clicking. That’s until I found out that Techny Prairie Activity Center was being built, and I saw the pictures. I joined before it even opened, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made!”

“The facility is so bright and beautiful, and such a fun place to exercise. And the staff is so nice,” she added. “I love it here. I just can’t say enough about it.”

Armgardt is among faithful members of Techny Prairie Activity Center (TPAC), the Northbrook Park District’s state-of-the-art facility that opened its doors Jan. 1, 2021, at 180 Anets Drive within scenic Techny Prairie Park and Fields in Northbrook.

To celebrate its 5th anniversary, TPAC is offering a month filled with special events, including an anniversary party open to the public on Jan. 10 (visit nbfitness.org for details).

The initiative is a way to thank members for helping make TPAC such a special place, as well as an opportunity to showcase the facility to the larger community, Northbrook Park District Superintendent of Athletics and Fitness Meri Shea said.

“We know there are so many fitness facility options out there, and we strive every day to provide what is truly an amazing facility for the community in Northbrook,” Shea said.

“All our staff members are professional and welcoming, from customer service to the great instructors that teach classes and all the certified personal trainers. TPAC is a fantastic place for anyone to meet their health and fitness goals, and we are excited to celebrate in January.”

The facility features a 6,000-square-foot fitness floor with cardio, strength and functional fitness equipment, two spacious studios that hold more than 50 group classes a week, an 8-lap-per-mile elevated indoor walking track, and a 10,000-square-foot gymnasium with open times for basketball, volleyball and pickleball.

TPAC’s thoughtful layout ensures that the facility never feels crowded, even at peak times, and meets the needs of all types of users, from youth to seniors and people with accessibility requirements, Shea said.

Boasting a forward-thinking design, TPAC was built as a Net Zero Energy building, with 833 solar panels on its roof that produce the energy needed to operate the facility.

Its opening in 2021 was the culmination of a yearslong project to build a modern space for community members of all ages to work out, play and connect, said Northbrook Park District Director of Recreation Eileen Loftus.

“So many people worked on this project, from architects to project managers and countless Park District staff,” Loftus said. “It was incredibly thrilling for us to be able to present this beautiful facility to the public, and enhance the quality of health and fitness offerings available to our community.”

“5 Years of Fitness” events at TPAC open to nonmembers:

What: $5 Fridays Pass

When: Jan. 2, Jan. 9, Jan. 16, Jan. 23 and Jan. 30

Time: 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Info: Daily pass reduced to $5. Includes access to open gym, walking track, group fitness classes and fitness floor (ages 15+)

What: Free Unity Yoga Class

When: Jan. 3

Time: 12 to 1 p.m.

Info: Free all-levels yoga class in honor of International Mind-Body Wellness Day (ages 13+)

What: Free Walking Track Days

When: Jan. 7, Jan. 20, Jan. 25

Time: 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Info: Free access to elevated walking track (ages 11+)

What: Free K-Pop WERQ Fitness Class

When: Jan. 9

Time: 6 to 7 p.m.

Info: A high-energy K-Pop WERQ cardio-dance workout with iconic choreography and non-stop good vibes inspired by the biggest K-Pop groups (ages 11+)

What: 5-Year Anniversary Party

When: Jan. 10

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Info: Free group fitness classes, fitness equipment demos and refreshments (ages 15+) plus games and activities in the gym (ages 3+)

What: Free All-Level Bootcamp Class

When: Jan. 14

Time: 7 to 7:45 p.m.

Info: A fun, full-body workout that blends cardio, strength and functional movements, with plenty of modifications so you can go at your own pace (ages 13+)

Please note: Must sign a waiver for all activities listed. Free classes (except on Jan. 10) require preregistration at nbparks.org/programs or at the front desk.

Techny Prairie Activity Center is located at 180 Anets Drive, Northbrook. For more information about special events for members and nonmembers throughout January, visit nbparks.org/tpacfitness/activities or call 847-897-6180.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.