The Oak Brook Park District begins a new initiative on May 1 in an effort to introduce more residents to its offerings.
Oak Brook First on the 1st will provide perks to the Family Recreation Center, Family Aquatic Center, and Tennis Center on the first day of each month to everyone living within Oak Brook Park District boundaries, beginning May 1, 2024.
These perks include waiving the daily usage fee for the Family Aquatic Center, fitness center, walking track, and group exercise classes. The enrollment fee will also be waived for all residents interested in becoming members at the Oak Brook Park District.
Residents currently make up 32% of memberships, said Laure Kosey, the Park District’s executive director.
“Ensuring Oak Brook residents are aware of the many opportunities our membership packages offer to keep them feeling happy, fit, and active, is a major factor,” she said. “The Board of Commissioners, as well as staff, is excited to roll this special initiative out for our valued community members.
“It is wonderful to see our residents participate in programming here at the district, and we hope to form new relationships with residents who may have not yet visited the Park District.”
Kosey said the idea for Oak Brook First on the 1st came from park district staff and has increasing park district memberships as a goal.
“As we approach a new fiscal year, staff reviews our current strategic plan and master vision to ensure that the park district continuously explores opportunities to engage our community and prioritize their needs,” she said. The district’s bi-annual review of these planning documents is very helpful for staff to brainstorm new ideas.”
Residents interested in participating may just show up at the Family Recreation Center on the first of each month, Kosey said.
“Park district staff will be available at the front desk to verify their address is within park district boundaries,” she said.
In addition to waiving the daily fee and enrollment fee for those interested in membership, the Park District will also offer other opportunities each month, free of charge. The following will be offered on Wednesday, May 1:
Family Recreation Center
Basketball Open Gym (1 court), 6 to 8 a.m. and 5 to 6:30 p.m.;
Pickleball Open Gym, 7 to 8 a.m. (6 courts), 1 to 3:30 p.m. (3 courts), and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. (3 courts);
Walking track and Fitness Center access, 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.;
Group Fitness Classes from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Family Aquatic Center
Open swim, noon to 3 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m.;
Water Aerobic classes, 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m.;
Lap swimming, all day
Beyond waiving fees on the first of each month, the park district will update its website to reflect opportunities that will be available for the month to come.
More information and monthly updates are available at www.obparks.org/oak-brook-first-1st.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
