Hunt Family Gifts $1M To Oak Park Community Recreation Center

Press release from the Parks Foundation of Oak Park:

Sept. 2, 2021

A community campaign to build an Oak Park Community Recreation Center (CRC) received a generous boost from Oak Park philanthropists Ken and Patty Hunt, who pledged $1 million toward construction of the new CRC on Madison Street.

The gift brings the Parks Foundation campaign closer to its goal to help raise $22 million for the CRC that will offer recreation, mental health, fitness, e-sports, and creative programs for Oak Park residents of all ages.

“Our community, particularly our youth, will greatly benefit from having access to a community center that can provide so many services for a diversity of residents,” said Patty Hunt, challenging others to support the community project. “This CRC is about the health of our community and its residents, families, children and seniors.”

Edward Kerros, who serves on the Parks Foundation Board, said the Hunt family’s gift provides a significant boost to the fundraising campaign that continues to gain momentum. “This is an exciting announcement for us and for the community, and we are delighted to see strong interest and support to help build the CRC,” he said.

An update on the campaign’s success so far will be announced on Sept. 18 at the Parks Foundation’s “A Place to Belong” special event from 3:30-5pm. The free event for Oak Park residents features activities, refreshments, and announcements about the CRC. It will take place at 229 Madison Street, which is the planned location for the CRC. The site is across the street from the Park District offices.

The Parks Foundation, operated by volunteer community members, is managing the capital campaign to raise funds for the building construction. The campaign is a public/private partnership to support the CRC, which will address several community needs and support health and wellness.

The CRC campaign is the largest undertaking by the Parks Foundation, which raises private support for projects that enhance the public park facilities.

Being constructed without raising taxes, the Community Recreation Center will provide space for indoor sports, including basketball, pickleball, volleyball; a walking track; a fitness center; e-sports room; community meeting spaces and after-school programs and access for middle school and high school students all while providing a place for all to be welcomed and to provide a sense of belonging.

The Parks Foundation promotes giving opportunities around Oak Park parks and to support extraordinary projects within the Park District of Oak Park. Its mission is to collaborate with Oak Park residents, community groups and partner organizations to support exceptional and extraordinary projects that enhance our parks and community life.

Founded in 2012, the Foundation is chartered with the State of Illinois as a 501(c)3 charitable organization. While a separate and independent entity, the Foundation coordinates closely with the Park District of Oak Park to help address community health, recreation and wellness needs for all. For more information, visit the Parks Foundation website at: https://parksfoundationop.org

This press release was produced by the Parks Foundation of Oak Park. The views expressed here are the author's own.