Politics & Government

Community Already Benefiting From New Lemont Township Center

The $2 million facility features a 4,500 square-foot town hall, a full kitchen and a 1,200 square-foot educational interpretive center.

Nearly one year after the start of construction, the Lemont Township Community Center is officially open for business.

The new facility, located near the Veterans Memorial Tollway just north of 127th Street, sits atop one of the highest points in the village in the 58-acre Heritage Woodland Sanctuary. It features a 4,500-square-foot town hall with a state-of-the-art sound system, as well as a full kitchen and a 1,200-square-foot educational interpretive center.

The project, which began in March 2010, has been a top priority for officials, who were determined to make good use of open land.

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“The goal with this building was to put a resource back into the community,” said Lemont Township Supervisor Steve Rosendahl. “We had this wonderful space right in the middle of the (Heritage Woodland Sanctuary), so it was a question of how we could utilize it to best fit the needs of our residents.”

Since 1999, Lemont Township has committed itself to preserving open space for the community to enjoy existing natural landscapes. Thanks to a successful referendum in 2001, officials have been able to acquire 109 acres of land, 59 of which were developed into the Heritage Woodland Sanctuary. 

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The space, which also features a dog park named is home to more than 100 species of trees, flowers and wildlife, according to the Lemont Township website.

The community center, which cost roughly $2 million, was planned to be the final additional to the sanctuary. The project was partially funded through a $500,000 donation from the Citgo Refinery in Lemont and a $400,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

"The whole idea was to construct something that wouldn't be invasive to the sanctuary, but to have a facility that would enhance it," Rosendahl said.

As a way to accomplish that goal, the architects designed the town hall with large windows overlooking the prairie. In fact, because of the building's high elevation, patrons of the community center could look out the window or stand on the back patio and see as far as Bolingbrook or Woodridge.

On a really clear day, the John Hancock Building is even visible.

“The view here — and I know I’m biased — is the best view in Lemont,” Rosendahl said. "It's a space where someone could come and just sit for a hours, especially once we get some nice patio furniture in the back."

Rosendahl said the space has already been rented out by several groups and individuals for everything from graduation parties to community forums. The old township facility, located at 1115 Warner Ave., will remain open and available for use, but will serve primarily as the township's office space, he said.

On Monday, Feb. 7, the Community Nutrition Network and Senior Services Association (CNNSSA) hosted dozens of senior citizens for the first Community Cafe at the new center. Later that week, Lemont Cub Scout Pack 149 used the facility for its .

On Feb. 14, the center was decked out in Valentine's Day decorations as CNNSSA hosted a grand opening celebration. Lemont Mayor Brian Reaves was on hand to mark the occasion.

"Steve and all the other township officials have been working really hard on this building, and I think it's going to be a great asset to the community," he said.

The Community Cafe, which serves anywhere from 15 to 60 seniors a day, is part of a CNNSSA initiative to provide senior citizens with full, nutritious meals. They also deliver "Meals on Wheels" to seniors who are unable to get to the grocery store or to cook for themselves.

Gwenith Smith, a CNNSSA site manager for Lemont, described the new facility as "fantastic."

"It really provides more room for growth, so we can potentially serve more seniors or at least give them more space than they had in the old building," she said.

Lemont senior Tom Ludwig said the thing he likes most about the new building is the openness of the town hall.

“It’s a lot more convenient for us because it’s so spacious, but we’re also able to actually look outside and enjoy the sunshine,” he said.

Community Cafe patron Edward Snyders, also a Lemont resident, said there was noticeable excitement amongst the seniors as they dined in the community center for the first time.

"It's a big, beautiful space that we're fortunate to have," he said.

For more on the facility or information about renting the town hall, contact Lemont Township at 630-257-2522, or e-mail Steve Rosendahl at supervisor@lemonttownship.org.


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