What Happens to the Current Lincoln Grade School?
 

While no formal agreement is yet in place, Washington District 52 has held preliminary discussions with the Washington Park District regarding the potential sale of the current Lincoln Grade School—pending the outcome of the referendum. This possibility isn’t without precedent: the Park District has successfully occupied the former Washington Middle School for the past 20 years, demonstrating how a repurposed school building can continue to serve the community in a lower-use capacity.

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Some might wonder why a building no longer suitable for educating nearly 400 PreK–4th graders every day would work for the Park District. The answer lies in the fundamental differences between a full-time school’s needs—where all systems must be in continuous operation—and the Park District’s more flexible usage model. The lighter, more intermittent demands of recreational programs place far less wear and tear on a building, allowing the Park District to adapt and extend its life. It’s also important to point out that the Washington Park District has given their current facility a great second life, but that building is nearing the end of its usefulness for the Park District’s needs.

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Additionally, Lincoln Grade School’s location is advantageous for the Park District, positioning them near their largest park space, ball diamonds, tennis and pickleball courts, and their main maintenance facility. Moving operations there would increase efficiency and strengthen community offerings.

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In short, while Lincoln Grade School may no longer meet the intensive needs of a modern school, it can still serve an important role as a community asset under the Park District’s stewardship—much like the successful reuse of the former Washington Middle School on Spruce Street.