Our History

• Springbrook Nature Center (Phase 3) – OSLAD $600K – $1.5M
  The first part includes a multi-use shelter, glycol ice rink, and gathering plaza with future enhancements for the aviary and outdoor classroom and wetland restoration planned for fall 2026. This project was part of a intergovernmental project with the Village of Itasca. 
• Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary & Softball Complex Enhancements – $2M
  Launched in August 2024, this project includes the first pedestrian bridge over Springbrook Creek at Rohlwing Road, new trails, a nature outlook, fitness stations, and major upgrades to the softball fields including irrigation, new backstops and artificial turf for collars. Supported by a $600,000 OSLAD grant and $500,000 from the Village of Itasca.
• Recreation & Fitness Center Expansion – $5.5M
  A tax-neutral 10,000 sq. ft. expansion featuring a 6,200 sq. ft. space for Itasca Gymnastics & Cheer (IGC), accessible restrooms, a flexible programming room, and improvements for multipurpose recreation.

• Benson Park Renovation – $1M
  New soccer fields, sand volleyball court, accessible playground, pickleball and tennis courts, and large picnic pavilion. Funded in part by a $400,000 OSLAD grant.
• Usher Park Redevelopment – $600,000 OSLAD Grant
  Redevelopment included a gazebo, interpretive trail, nature play, and ADA-accessible paths.
• Springbrook Nature Center (Phase 2) – $375,000 Museum Grant
  Indoor exhibits and educational improvements.

• Springbrook Nature Center Renovation (Phase 1) – $600K
  Interactive exhibits and interpretive signage added. Included a $335K Museum Grant reinstated in 2019.
• Waterpark Bathhouse Replacement Project – $3.7M
  New facility planned to replace 48-year-old bathhouse with locker rooms, concessions, and 1,200 sq. ft. year-round program room. Waterpark Zero Depth Pool Renovation – $143K. Included a $400K OSLAD Grant.
• Recreation & Fitness Center Parking Lot Project – $600K
  Full replacement with upgraded lighting and reconfigured site access.

• Mill Road Land Acquisition (Benson Park) – $622K – $350K LWCF Grant

• Received 3^rd NRPA National Gold Medal Award
  Awarded for excellence in park and recreation management for populations under 20,000.
• Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary Project – $975K
  Included trails, nature playground, picnic shelter, dog park, restored habitats and signage. Funded in part by a $363,500 OSLAD Grant.

• Playground Renovations – $878K
  Redevelopment and turf surfacing at Washington, Schiller, Clayson, Franzen, and Country Club Parks.

• Peacock Park Renovation – $800K
  Renovation with courts, skate features, picnic shelter, and more. Supported by a $396,200 OSLAD Grant.
• Springbrook Nature Center HVAC and Exhibit Upgrades – $335K Museum Grant

• Depot Museum & Caboose Restoration – $110K Museum Grant
  Restored original 1873 train depot and 1939 caboose.
• Recreation & Fitness Center Improvements – $800K
  Renovation for ADA compliance and interior updates.
• Waterpark Upgrades funded by DCEO Grant

• Benson Park Renovation – $350K
  New playground, tennis courts, garden plots, and accessible pathways.
• Depot Museum Restoration – $575K and Caboose Project – $150K
  Multi-phase restoration included the restoration of the 1939 Caboose. Funded by public-private partnerships and grants.

• Recreation Center Locker-room Renovations – $250K
  Complete renovation of locker rooms.
• Received 2^nd NRPA National Gold Medal Award
  Awarded for excellence in park and recreation management for populations under 20,000.

• Springbrook Nature Center programming transitioned to Park District.
• Two IPRA Awards for Waterpark and Franzen Park renovations.

• Franzen “Play for All” Park Renovation – $659,400
  ADA-accessible park renovation with playground, sports courts, walking path, and educational features. Supported by a $329,700 OSLAD Grant.
• Itasca Waterpark Renovation – $3.75M
  New 8-lane pool, zero-depth entry, dive well, and water features. Funded by the 2006 referendum.
• Washington Park Backstop Replacement – $95K
  Replacement of fencing and backstops with concrete pathways. Funded with 2006 referendum dollars and support from Itasca Athletic Association.

• Successful Referendum Passed – $3.65M
  Funded the replacement of the main pool and other capital projects.

• Community Survey & Accessibility Assessment completed to inform future capital planning.
• Clayson Park Playground Replacement – $20K
• Country Club Park Playground & Pathways – $50K

• Peacock Park Skate Park – $40K
  Jointly funded by the Park District, Village of Itasca, private donations, and a grant from the Illinois Violence Prevention Agency.

• Waterpark Bathhouse Renovation – $750K
  Included plumbing and interior improvements. Funded in part by a $300K Hotel Tax Fund donation.
• Recreation & Fitness Center Addition & Remodel – $2.5M
  Added fitness center, administrative offices, and preschool classrooms.
• Received 1^st NRPA National Gold Medal Award Awarded for excellence in park and recreation management for populations under 20,000.

• Waterpark Zero-depth Pool Addition – $1M
  5,000 sq. ft. zero-depth family pool added. Supported by a $200K OSLAD Grant.

Itasca Softball Complex opened on former BMX track land donated by Ray Franzen, with two lighted fields and new path for Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary. Supported by a $200K OSLAD Grant.

• Recreation Center Expansion – 30,000 sq. ft. addition with fitness center, gym, gymnastics area, classrooms.
• Franzen “Play for All” Community Park – DuPage County’s first fully ADA-accessible playground.
• Itasca Depot Museum acquired and opened with a part-time curator.
• Country Club Park established.

• Itasca Pool upgraded into Itasca Waterpark, adding 180-foot slide, sand play area, and volleyball.

• Ray Franzen Bird Sanctuary expanded with an 11-acre land donation from Ray Franzen.

• Developed Clayson Park and Schiller Park.

• Spring Brook Nature Center established through grant funding with the Village and School District 10.
• First naturalist hired and educational programming began.

• Walter A. Schmidt Building constructed, now the Itasca Recreation & Fitness Center.

• Itasca Pool completed following successful 1970 referendum.

• Acquired and developed Benson Park and Franzen Park with ball fields and playgrounds.

• First part-time director hired and recreation programs launched.
• Peacock Park acquired.

• Land acquired for Washington Park, now home to three ball fields, playground, and Itasca Recreation & Fitness Center.

• Itasca Park District formed following successful referendum on July 25, 1964.
• Initial focus on land acquisition for parks and open space.