The Homewood-Flossmoor Park Board agreed to a $36,600 contract with Knickerbocker Roofing & Paving Co. at the June 16 meeting for repairs to the roof at the H-F Racquet & Fitness Club, 2920 W. 183rd St. in Homewood.

Workers for the firm did an on-site inspection and said 15 specific spots on the roof need to be sealed. Dan Schaffer, club manager, said the leaky spots take on water depending on wind conditions and storm intensity. Staff has been doing its best to keep the areas dry and accessible.

In 2024, the park district began investigating the possibility of getting a new roof through a solar company. The plan was for the firm to install a membrane over the roof and install the solar panels. The park district estimated saving $56,000 annually in utility costs. The solar firm would get the tax credits for the project over a 20-year life span.

But the tax credits were eliminated from the federal budget, and the project never moved forward. 

Schaffer said these repairs should eliminate the immediate problems. Park commissioners acknowledged that they will need to find a different solution should the problems persist.