This is an appeal to move beyond goading and vitriol and to instead focus on the benefits and improvements a rebuilt Physical Education (PE) wing at OPRF High School will provide all students, staff and our communities once it is completed.
The returns on this investment are sorely needed: modern, fully functional, safe and accessible physical education learning and support spaces built for our current moment and for the future. Currently known as Project 2, this is the next phase in a longer-term plan created in collaboration with 30 fellow community members spanning 15 months of research, interviews and engineering-architectural consultation.
In contrast to previous narrowly-focused studies, the full facilities master plan encompasses the whole of OPRF and provides a process for integrating improvements over time to maximize efficiencies in space, function and a logical order for implementation. There is no other comparable, comprehensive plan for addressing all of OPRF’s areas of need as thoughtfully or in as much carefully considered detail.
Indeed, Project 2 does contain a pool and here are the objective facts. The pool will be right-sized to fit OPRF’s PE curriculum, will provide improved air quality and full accessibility where that is woefully lacking, all while maximizing efficiencies and functions unachievable in the current footprints.
In contrast to undersized facilities some critics seem to prefer, with limited if any cost savings, the new space will expand opportunities for a greater number of students while offering excellent learning and extracurricular opportunities. In fact, Project 2’s pool is the same size and configuration as one of two recommended options in an often-cited and now-outdated “Stantec Report,” a favorite resource for some in town.
Yet there is so much more.
Project 2 includes modern and multipurpose gyms without concrete pillars interfering with dance choreography or court dimensions that dangerously end inches from walls. There are updates to locker rooms and changing spaces, accommodating privacy needs for kids discovering and growing into their identities. An elevator will provide entry at all levels where none currently exists.
Imagine denying access to students, staff or visitors to places their peers routinely travel and the inherent inequity in that equation. This scenario exists now at OPRF and Project 2 corrects these ridiculous circumstances. The plan contains a modern weight room, additional storage spaces for performing arts and offices for PE and athletics staff.
In summary, Project 2 is the first step in the renewal of classrooms and elements that no longer function or meet the needs of our kids and communities. Last and not least, Project 2 is designed for integration with future plans and revitalization of additional deserving needs in ways no narrowly focused surveys or band-aid solutions ever can.
How to pay for Project 2 will be a vitally important discussion and one our communities will certainly debate. But there is no debating the fact that the current PE and athletic facilities simply do not meet the curricular needs of our community or our kids, and they will not meet our needs in the future. I encourage you to reject the misleading narratives so frequently repeated by a small number of voices, and to support the D200 school board as it determines what improvements will be included in Project 2.
Peter Ryan is an Oak Park resident.