Potential Expansion of Timber Ridge Park with Former Bessie Rhodes School Property

The Skokie Park District is considering a proposal to purchase the property of the recently closed Dr. Bessie Rhodes School of Global Studies. This acquisition aims to extend Timber Ridge Park, located adjacent to the school at 9040 Lawndale Avenue in Skokie.

Executive Director Michelle Tuft has indicated the park district’s interest in repurposing the land. The district is also planning a $53 million bond referendum for voter approval on November 3. This referendum primarily focuses on developing Channelside Park South and upgrading another park, with the Bessie Rhodes purchase being a separate endeavor costing approximately $12.4 million.

Should voters approve, local property taxes will increase starting in 2027. Although the Skokie Park District is not the sole interested buyer, it has gained significant local support. Residents have stepped forward, expressing a preference for the park district to take over the property and explore its potential. “When District 65 decided to close the school and sell it,” Tuft shared with Pioneer Press, “we had a lot of residents interested in the Park District using the property.” The Board has begun considering this acquisition.

If the referendum does not pass, Timber Ridge Park’s expansion could still proceed, contingent on the park district acquiring the Bessie Rhodes property. To finance this potential purchase, the park district’s Board chose to apply for the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. This grant could provide up to $1.125 million towards purchasing the property.

The district must contribute an equivalent amount to qualify. Preliminary design plans for the park feature amenities like a basketball court, recreation center, soccer field, playground, and walking paths, estimated to cost $7.7 million aside from the $4.7 million school purchase price.

Additional funding sources remain unclear, with hopes for state legislature allocations and private donations. The district plans to apply for another $600,000 OSLAD development grant in 2027. The final budget and design plans hinge on grant outcomes and formal property availability, which may take several months.

Bessie Rhodes School closed permanently due to staffing shortages and financial deficits, forcing Evanston/Skokie School District 65 to make budget cuts. Officials noted potential sales negotiations between governmental agencies, including Evanston Township High School. District 65 has not commented on buyer interest or sale timelines.

The park district has conducted information sessions to gather resident input on the park extension. An online petition led by local attorney Nathan Lichtenstein advocates for selling the property to the park district, accumulating over 800 signatures. Lichtenstein emphasizes Eastern Skokie’s need for community spaces and the rarity of land adjoining a park. “Future generations should not lose this unique resource because we failed to act,” he wrote.