The closure of Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies has sparked interest in transforming it into public parkland. The Skokie Park District aims to purchase the property to expand Timber Ridge Park. Currently, the park is adjacent to the site at 9040 Lawndale Avenue in Skokie.
Executive Director Michelle Tuft of the Skokie Park District confirmed the district’s interest in the property. The district is preparing for a $53 million, 20-year bond referendum on the November 3 election ballot. This funding would develop Channelside Park South in Skokie and enhance an existing park. The Bessie Rhodes school purchase is a separate project, valued at approximately $12.4 million. Although separate, the district is applying for grants to help finance this cost.
If the referendum passes, local property taxes will rise in 2027 to support these projects. Despite other interested buyers, the Skokie Park District has gathered community support. “When District 65 decided to close the school and sell it, residents showed interest in having the Park District purchase the property,” Tuft mentioned to Pioneer Press.
The park district has moved forward with potential acquisition plans, even if the referendum fails, should District 65 sell to the Park District. The board voted on August 18 to apply for the state-funded Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant. Sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, this grant offers up to $1.125 million and requires matching funds from the district.
Preliminary design plans propose including a basketball court, recreation center, soccer field, playground, public restrooms, walking path, and seating. Officials estimate costs at $7.7 million, excluding the school’s purchase, projected around $4.7 million. The district needs additional funds and is looking to state capital improvement budgets and private donations.
If granted, the district seeks an additional $600,000 in development funding from OSLAD in 2027. The final redevelopment budget hinges on grant amounts, affecting the park’s design plan. These plans will remain tentative until the school site goes on sale, expected in some months.
Bessie Rhodes School closed on June 5 due to staffing shortages and budget cuts within District 65. Officials from District 65 must agree to sell the property. “Two governmental agencies, including us and Evanston Township High School, are interested,” Tuft stated. District 65 has not commented on potential buyers or a sale timeline.
The Park District has held public sessions to gather community input for the park extension. A petition advocating the sale to the Park District has over 800 signatures. Nathan Lichtenstein, the petitioner, emphasized the rarity of such land opportunities adjacent to parks. “Eastern Skokie lacks community spaces. Once gone, regaining such sites would be difficult,” Lichtenstein warned on change.org.