Skokie Park District Eyes Bessie Rhodes Property for Park Expansion

The Skokie Park District is considering purchasing the former Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies to expand Timber Ridge Park. This move follows the closure of the Evanston/Skokie School District 65’s magnet bilingual school, opening possibilities for new community spaces.

Skokie Park District’s Executive Director Michelle Tuft reveals interest in transforming the shuttered school into parkland. The property, located at 9040 Lawndale Avenue, sits next to Timber Ridge Park. The district plans to integrate it as part of a larger initiative. A $53 million bond referendum is on the Nov. 3 election ballot, targeting new and existing park developments. However, the Bessie Rhodes project is separate, projected to cost around $12.4 million. The district is pursuing grants to finance this acquisition.

A successful referendum would increase local property taxes from 2027. Even if the referendum fails, the park expansion could proceed if District 65 sells the property to the Park District. Tuft notes that many residents support this transition for public use, prompting the Board to consider the purchase.

On Aug. 18, the Park District Board approved applying for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant. This state-backed initiative, from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, could provide $1.125 million. The grant requires the district to match this amount. Preliminary plans include adding amenities such as a basketball court, soccer field, and playground, estimating development costs at $7.7 million, excluding the purchase of the school building, which is anticipated to cost around $4.7 million.

Further funding solutions will involve state legislators and private donors. Once available, additional OSLAD development grants may contribute up to $600,000 in the 2027 cycle. Funding received will shape site design and development.

Closing on June 5 due to financial strains and staffing challenges, Bessie Rhodes is set to see new life. District 65 must agree to the sale to the Park District. Alongside Evanston Township High School, the Park District is negotiating to acquire the property. While no official statements disclose the sale timeline, momentum is building.

Community feedback has been actively gathered through public sessions. An ongoing online petition advocates converting the site into parkland. It has more than 800 supporters. Organizer Nathan Lichtenstein emphasizes the importance of preserving the space for public use, highlighting the opportunity’s uniqueness.