AURORA – When Orchard Valley Golf Course reopens to the community next year, golfers, diners and guests will be greeted by a holistic makeover, as Fox Valley Park District officials recently announced plans to modernize the clubhouse and create a “one-of-a-kind atmosphere and experience” at the 32-year-old property on the city’s far west side.
FVPD last fall began an $8.8 million renovation and modernization project to the golf course, which is closed for play until 2026. FVPD’s Board of Commissioners at its January meeting approved a preliminary total project budget of $4,992,174 for modernization of the course’s clubhouse, including the restaurant, bar, patio, and surrounding exterior areas, such as bag drop and golfer entrances.
Anticipated for completion in spring 2026, construction and redesign of the clubhouse will be managed by Darien-based design firm Wight and Company, which in 2023 designed and engineered The Wilds at Red Oak, FVPDs three-season facility in North Aurora.
Aside from the modernization of indoor and patio spaces at Orchard Valley, the most notable change will be the interior realignment, which will feature a more open floor plan with current locations of the bar and dining area switched during the renovation.
“The design intent was to really tap into the views, which are the bread and butter at OV,” says Jerad Campbell, the FVPD’s director of operations. “We had the opportunity to open up and combine the two spaces with the goal of creating a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and experience.”
The redesigned space will be outfitted with floor-to-ceiling photochromic windows, which become darker when exposed to ultraviolet light, reducing glare, and improving energy efficiency.
“The view overlooking the vista on the 18th hole is one that no one else can offer,” says Campbell.
Along with modernizing and renovating aging infrastructure, and realigning the bar and dining areas, other project initiatives include:
- Redesign to optimize underutilized spaces
- Improve facility mechanicals and efficiency (HVAC)
- Enhance aesthetic appeal and attraction
“Our goal is to elevate the overall guest experience, whether they’re visiting to play a weekly round of golf, have dinner with friends, or enjoy a drink and app at sunset on the patio,” says Jen Paprocki, FVPD’s executive director. “It’s our desire to reestablish the clubhouse and Orchards Restaurant as a premier destination not only in Aurora, but throughout the western suburbs.”
For the proposed renovation, which includes artist renderings, and to keep tabs on progress at Orchard Valley, visit the Project Updates page where you’ll find general descriptions and anticipated completion dates for all current projects underway throughout the District.
