The Dolphin Lake Clubhouse is open for business.
The newly-renovated Dolphin Lake building, which once housed a swimming pool changing area, hosted its first event last weekend. A baby shower last Saturday evening was the clubhouse’s inaugural event, said Darren Jasieniecki, marketing and public relations manager for the Homewood-Flossmoor Park District.
“The event went extremely well,” he said.
Jasieniecki said there is already a great deal of interest in renting the new facility, located at the northwest corner of 183rd Street and Governors Highway. Persons wishing to reserve dates for the remainder of 2015 and into next year have been “lined up” at the park district office, he said.
Some minor work still needs to be finished before the $3.5 million Dolphin Lake project is completed. Some landscaping must go in and a new sign outside the clubhouse will be installed, Jasieniecki said.
The park district invites the public to see the new facility at an open house from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25. Park board members will deliver welcoming remarks at 3:30 p.m.
Debbie Kopas, the park district’s executive director, said every other Sunday in October is booked at the new facility.
The long-outmoded Dolphin Lake building was demolished last winter. The new structure, built on an existing foundation, is available for rental parties and other social get-togethers but will also be used for park district classes and programs. Overlooking Dolphin Lake, the new building can be divided into two party spaces, both accessible to a kitchen. There are numerous windows in the well-lighted structure and a large patio that will bring events into the open air. The new building has a capacity of 120 persons.
The park district also added several outdoor features at Dolphin Lake. Walking trails criss-cross the new recreational complex, which includes bioswales designed to both move and clean rainwater passing through the area. A large gazebo, complete with picnic grill and seating, will also be available for picnics and other gatherings. A stone amphitheatre, on the shore of the lake, will be used for children’s programming and occasional musical or theater offerings. The parking lot has been rebuilt.
Persons wishing more information on rentals at Dolphin Lake can call the park district at 708-957-0300.