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The Track & Fields Project

Bringing track and field back to campus, renovating softball and baseball fields,
and increasing cooperation with the Park District.

For several decades, Oak Park and River Forest High School did not have an outdoor track on campus. The track and field team – the largest and most diverse extracurricular activity – has been bussed to the Concordia University track in River Forest for daily practice.  The Imagine Group identified this problem, but could not find an on-campus solution.  

 

When Concordia announced that it would end its contract with OPRF after the 2023 season, District 200 (D200) cooperated with the Park District of Oak Park to devise an innovative field-sharing plan that would bring track back to campus. The Track & Fields Projects makes it possible for OPRF to  host home meets and train right next to the school.

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The track & Fields Project was completed on time and under budget.

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PROJECT TIMING:

Spring 2023 – Fall 2023

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COST:

Budget: $17.3 Million

Actual: almost $ 1 Million less

(final total available soon)

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FUNDING:

D200 funded construction with cash reserves, though donors are welcome to support this work with gifts to the OPRFHS Imagine Foundation

Major Elements:

  • New 400-meter outdoor track between the stadium and the tennis courts

  • New facilities for all field events (long jump, shotput, etc.) between the stadium and the tennis courts

  • New multi-use field inside track lined for soccer, football, and marching band

  • OPRF’s baseball facilities were relocated to a renovated South Field that accommodates multiple sports and physical education classes

  • OPRF’s softball program moved to a renovated Ridgeland Commons, where physical education classes are already held

  • All facilities are used by Physical Education classes during the school day

  • The Track & Fields Project is made possible through extensive cooperation between OPRF and the Park District to share facilities.

 
Sequencing:  Timing of the Track & Fields Project was determined by the loss of access to Concordia University’s track. It was constructed between Projects 1 and 2. 
 

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