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Round Lake Area
Park District
Robert W. Rolek
Community Center
814 Hart Road
Round Lake, IL 60073
Phone: 847.546.8558
Fax: 847.740.8180

History of The Round Lake Area Park District

Round Lake Area Park District

On March 30, 1974, the referendum for the creation of the Round Lake Area Park District was passed. The Park District proposal was sponsored by the Round Lake Area Chamber of Commerce and endorsed by officials of the five surrounding communities of Round Lake, Round Lake Beach, Round Lake Heights, Round Lake Park and Hainesville.

The five elected commissioners' philosophy was to provide total and comprehensive recreation for the community and job opportunities for local residents. With that basic philosophy, the commissioners and staff through the years have worked to bring excellence and growth to our Park District.

To implement that philosophy, the District presented four programs by the end of December, 1974. With the assistance of the Junior Leaders, the District's first programs included a senior citizen excursion, a mini-circus and a Christmas Eve crafts show.

Three months later in March of 1975, the Park District presented its first regular schedule of events, including preschool arts and crafts, gym and dance, creative music, gymnastics, drama, baton, a basketball clinic, co-ed volleyball, open gym night, "Slimnastics", needlework and bridge.

On July 1, 1975, the District moved into its office at 246 Cedar Lake Road (the former Jones Store). This building provided a reception area, administrative office space and recreation areas.

The Park District held its Grand Opening on August 16, 1975, to show the community the new center and introduce the preliminary plans for a new park. The park would soon be named Shag Bark Nature Preserve.

Before long the facilities were inadequate to accommodate the programming. On November 1, the District acquired the adjoining storefront (former Little Jones), broke through the wall and was able to begin programming at both 246 and 240 Cedar Lake Road.

The 1980's progressed rapidly with AYSO Soccer, the Avon Baseball Complex, purchasing of Renwood Country Club, the Special Recreation Association, our present Community Center on Hart Road in Round Lake and the Fitness Plus Fitness Center.

The Round Lake Area Park District is a joint owner of the Avon Baseball Complex, which insures that those baseball fields will remain in the community. The Baseball Association supervises and maintains the program. The organizations have been providing the children of the Round Lake Area the opportunity to participate in a structured baseball and softball program for many years. The organization is volunteer based and provides many Park District residents with the opportunity to learn the basic fundamentals of the game.

The Aquatic Facility provides two pools for summer use; one for youth and adults, which is zero depth, 6,800 square feet with a diving board and a kiddie pool for children six and under which features a complete waterplay system. A sand play area and grassy areas for sunbathing make this facility more than just a place to swim. "Splashers" concession stand makes cooking in the summer unnecessary! It is no wonder the pool reaches capacity at 668 people most days of the summer.

The completion and opening in 1999 of the Warming House/Concession Building at Hart's Hill provides warmth and nourishment for sledders during the cold winter months. The area includes a large hill and a smaller one for younger children who aren't quite as daring. This hill is lighted for nighttime use.

In October 2003 the Park District adopted it's Master Plan which covers many iniatives for the district. Some of it's short term goals, (1-3 years) include facility improvements, land aquistion, the completion of The Teen Center renovation and the construction of a 50,000 square foot Sports Center.

In June, 2004, the Park District opened its Teen Center located at 2071 Orchard Road. The first program held there was the district’s Teen Camp. Nearly 100 teens attended the camp every day.

In June 2005, the Park District opened its 50,000 square foot Sports Center. The main amenities included classrooms, multi-use purpose rooms, an indoor gymnasium and an indoor soccer field. In July, a climbing wall was added. On July 31, 2005, the Board of Commissioners renamed the district’s Community Center to the Robert W. Rolek Community Center. Mr. Rolek, who served as the Executive Director of the district from 1980 to 1995, was instrumental in building the district into one of the leading park district agencies in the state.

In May 2006, the district completed a 5,500 square foot addition to its Community Center. The addition consists of two classrooms for the Child Development Center and a large 2,700 open room for multiple uses.

Some of the next initiatives the district is pursuing is developing a 16 acre park for softball and examining possibilities of expanding and/or renovating its outdoor pool facility.

The residents today have choices beyond the imagination of our founding commissioners. Recreation programs incorporate the youngest ages through teens to the senior citizens activities. Special events held through the year celebrate holidays, history, and environmental education with good family fun.

Looking Towards the Future

The Round Lake Area Park District will continue to reach out to the community and provide a dynamic and caring recreational environment. The benefits will continue to be endless for you and your family. Parks and recreation help facilitate strong, vital and involved communities, create connection among family members, and help to promote ethnic and cultural understanding and harmony. We also serve as a source of community pride, provide a support base for youth and lifelines for the elderly, reduce alienation and delinquency, create outlets for conflict resolution, and provide opportunities for social bonding. Recreation brings meaning, purpose, and pleasure to people's lives. The Round Lake Area Park District will continue to contribute to both the years in one's life as well as the life in those years.