Buffalo Grove Recreation Center + Spa

LOCATION:

Buffalo Grove, IL

CLIENT:

Buffalo Grove Park District

SITE   AREA:

5.0 acres

SIZE:

72,600 sf | 6,745 sm

PROGRAM:

Fitness and Recreation Center including, exercise equipment area, jogging track, 2-court gymnasium, physical therapy, group exercise studios, children's exercised areas, natatorium, spa.

DESIGN:

1996-1998, 2005 (spa)

CONSTRUCTION:

1998-1999, 2006-2007 (spa)

       (developed as the Design Director of Dewberry)

TYPE:

Civic | Recreation

An Ad-Hoc Village Effect

The Buffalo Grove Park District Recreation Center is located in a westerly suburb of Chicago and part of a greater park district development.  The project was a joint effort by the Park District of Buffalo Grove and Northwest Community Hospital.  Both used their combined resources to clearly communicate the importance of wellness within the community.

The program is organized around a large elliptical mass that contains the main exercise equipment area and track.  All other elements carve into this mass, giving the building the image of an ad hoc village.  The pool, lockers, physical therapy, and children areas are located on the north and the gymnasium, spa, group exercise and administrative areas to the south.  Hard-edged rectilinear masses and softened curved ribbons of metal panel counter balance the elliptical form, allowing for constantly changing views of the facility.

As the anchor to a 90-acre masterplan, the Recreation Center has served the community for almost two decades, growing and changing as needs evolve.  With a dedication to fitness and wellness and its partnership with local healthcare providers, the Buffalo Grove Park District is unique in the greater Chicagoland area, setting the standard that others have begun to follow.