Park District Rededicates Lesnieski Center at the CORE

The paid tribute to a longtime commissioner last week by rededicating its fitness facility in the .

The Lesnieski Community Center, 16050 W. 127th St., was opened in 2002 a a multi-purpose facility for local, nonprofit organizations, as well as party rentals.The building was named after Lemont resident Norbert Lesnieski, who served on the park board for 36 years.

However, with the passage of a referendum to build the CORE in 2007, the Lesnieski Center was turned into a state-of-the-art fitness facility.

Park officials intended to preserve Lesnieski's name on the building, but it was ultimately lost during the district's promotion of the CORE.

During its monthly business meeting May 22, the Lemont Park District Board of Commissioners surprised Lesnieski with a rededication of the fitness facility.

"When I became a commissioner, I promised to work as hard as I could for as long as I could. But the second promise I made was to never take (Lesnieski's aname) off that building," Board President Pat Sexton said. "During the construction process and us trying to brand the CORE, we overlooked the plaque."

Lesnieski was presented a large playque with his picture and history, which will hang near the entrance to the fitness facility."

"Norb, we want to thank you for 36 years of service. It's unparalleled, and won't ever be broken," Sexton said. "You were one of the instrumental men who planted the seed for what this park district would become. (It's only right) to give the proper respect."

The plaque reads:

"Norbert Lesnieski was one of the first commissioners to be elected to the Lemont Park District Board. A dedicated servant, Commissioner Lesnieski served on the Board for 36 years! His hard work and commitment to the Lemont Park District did not go unnoticed.

In 2002, the district opened "The Lesnieski Community Center," a modern multi-purpose community center built to accommodate local, nonprofit organizations, as well as party rentals. As the community continued to grow, it was apparent that there was a need for a state-of-the-art fitness facility in Lemont.

A referendum was passed in 2007 to enable the construction of a 70,000-square-foot Fitness and Aquatic Complex. Upon the passing of the referendum, design of the new facility began. Part of the plan was to build the new complex around the exisiting Lesnieski Community Center, linking the history to the future of the park district, as well as continuing to honor Norbert Lesbieski. Construction begain the in the summer of 2007, and the Lemont Park District's CORE Fitness and Aquatic Complex opened on Dec. 20, 2009.

The CORE is home to a state-of-the-art fitness facility, which is actually housed in the original Lesnieski Community Center."

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