Potential Park Expansion at Former Dr. Bessie Rhodes School Site

The closure of Evanston/Skokie School District 65’s magnet bilingual school, Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies, presents an opportunity for the Skokie Park District to expand public parkland. The property, located at 9040 Lawndale Avenue in Skokie, could become part of an extended Timber Ridge Park. The prospect has gained interest as the Skokie Park District plans to seek voter approval for a $53 million, 20-year bond referendum in the upcoming election. This funding is intended to develop Channelside Park South and improve an existing park.

The project to acquire and expand Timber Ridge Park is separate, estimated to cost approximately $12.4 million. The district is pursuing grants to finance this acquisition. If the referendum passes, local property taxes will increase starting in 2027. Although other buyers are interested, local support for the Skokie Park District initiative has been significant. Executive Director Michelle Tuft mentioned significant local community interest in having the district purchase the property for public use.

Even without the referendum’s success, the park expansion may proceed if the school district sells the property to the park district. The Skokie Park District’s Board has applied for an Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant, offering up to $1.125 million, contingent on matching funds from the district. This funding would assist in purchasing the school site. Planned improvements include a basketball court, recreation center, soccer field, playground, public restrooms, and pathways. The total project cost might be around $7.7 million, aside from acquiring the school building, anticipated at $4.7 million.

The park district is looking at state legislative support and private donations for additional funding. If the OSLAD grant is approved, the district will seek further development funding in the 2027 cycle, potentially affecting the budget and final design. All plans remain tentative until the property officially goes on sale, which could take several months. The Bessie Rhodes School officially closed on June 5 due to staffing shortages and budget restrictions within District 65.

Presently, the Skokie Park District and Evanston Township High School are the primary interested parties, with negotiations ongoing. The district held several public meetings to gather feedback about the park expansion, with over 800 signatures on a petition supporting the sale to the Skokie Park District. Petition organizer Nathan Lichtenstein highlighted the value of preserving this land for community use, emphasizing the rarity and importance of such opportunities.