Referendum Updates
ICE CENTER RENOVATION THE GROVE IMPROVEMENTS
It’s been a busy spring on site at the Glenview Community Ice
Center! Construction work has continued both inside and out-
side the facility as major progress has been made. The existing
NHL sheet space has taken large steps forward as LED light-
ing has been installed, dasher board glass re-installed, dasher
boards reworked, accent walls painted and tectum panels
installed. The Studio Rink under-slab ice system construction
began in March and has progressed nicely in preparation for the
concrete pour. Additionally, the Great Hall stairway is now con-
nected to the second floor, all exterior elevations have developed
with brick work, cold-formed framing and metal panels, and the
facility roof is now completely water tight. Mechanical, electrical
and plumbing work continues to advance through all areas of
the facility include team rooms, bathrooms, common spaces and
more. The renovated Grove Interpretive Center opened to the public on
February 22, 2020. It was a long eight months of construction but
it was well worth the wait! Approximately 1,600 visitors poured
through the front doors and enjoyed the exciting new exhibits.
The space is truly a place where local history and science come
together; where guests can learn about the life of 19th century
naturalist, Robert Kennicott, whose passion for nature can con-
tinue to inspire generations to come. People can marvel at the
giant bear and ground sloth skeleton and explore Turtle Island,
discovering the many views of the water turtles, alligator snap-
per, and kestrels.
Starting in March, additional protocols have been implemented
to adhere to the social distancing guidelines. These include
adding numerous hand sanitizing stations, dedicating person-
nel to cleaning protocols and implementing split shift hours to
minimize on site personnel to aid in physical distancing.
The new Interpretive Center was truly a group effort and we
would like to thank our wonderful team of architects, engineers,
construction managers, exhibit designers, animal care special-
ists and, of course, our talented Grove and Glenview Park District
staff members. We could not have done it without the support
of the Glenview Park District residents, who successfully passed
the 2018 referendum, as well as the YesGPD Committee and
the Grove Heritage Association. Legislators, Senator Laura Fine
and Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz advocated for
resources in the recent Capital Bill, which funded the new, 16-
foot aquarium. We would also like to acknowledge contributions
from private donors and the Glenview Park Foundation for their
generous funding of the Giant Sloth exhibit.
The most up-to-date information about all projects can be found
at glenviewparks.org/2018-bond-proposal-information.
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