The Plainfield Park District’s Prairie Activity & Recreation Center (PARC), has received Passive House Certification from Chicago-based Passive House Institute US.
The certification makes PARC the first public recreation center in the State of Illinois and the U.S. to receive the designation.
In order to receive Passive House Certification, PARC’s construction included super-efficient insulation and windows to create an air-tight structure that maintains a consistent indoor temperature regardless of outdoor conditions.
As a result, PARC is 65% more efficient than buildings of similar size. With a 500-panel rooftop solar array capable of generating 213 kilowatts of electricity, PARC will also be able to offset its annual energy usage.
To help defray construction costs, The Park District received a $1 million grant through the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation.
Plainfield Park District Executive Director Carlo Capalbo said that the grant helped reduce construction costs and its energy efficiency will reduce operational energy costs.
“A community center has been a much-needed amenity for our residents for a long time, and we are glad to be able to finally provide that for them while also finding ways to save tax payer funds,” said Capalbo.
Located at Gregory B. Bott Park, 24550 W. Renwick Rd., PARC includes a large gym, a 4,000-square-foot fitness center, fitness studio, an elevated walking track, 4 preschool classrooms, as well as a 1,600 square foot multi-purpose room and office space.
