Members of the Centennial Beach Enhancement Steering Committee conducted a public hearing Tuesday night regarding the multi-million dollar face-lift that has been proposed by the Naperville Park District for Centennial Beach.
Nearly four dozen citizens viewed a presentation given by committee chairman Gerry Cassioppi, who outlined three levels of proposed operations and facilities enhancements for the swimming pool.
“The first level of these, which includes addressing concerns about water clarity, insufficient marketing, quality of food, and concessions and bathhouse cleanliness, could be addressed in the next 18 months,” said Cassioppi.
He said those improvements could be made for about $1.2 million. Longer-range enhancements might cost as much as $6.5 million.
The committee will make its recommendations to the Park Board, probably in August, he said.
Pete Crawford, consultant to the Enhancement Committee, summarized key construction and equipment changes that include repairing and replacing decks, upgrading the re-circulation system, adding a water slide and playground apparatus, and refurbishing the bathhouse.
Crawford said plans are in the works to develop an operational capital reserve fund that could pay for repairs and upgrades for 20 years. A market analysis and strategic plan regarding future family aquatic needs would also be included, he said.
At the hearing, several citizens and beach employees spoke about the quality of the lifeguards and their low salaries, which they said currently average less than $6 per hour and have risen by only about 50 cents per hour over the past decade. Committee members were told that 50 percent of the lifeguards who have two or more years of experience would not be returning next year.
Head lifeguard Mark Jackson voiced concerns that guards are not asked for comments.
“We live there 70 or 80 hours a week, and we’ve never been asked for any input about this facility,” Jackson said.
“We’d like to be used as resources. Our concerns are for the safety of the facility and there’s a concern about how we’ll continue to attract qualified people.”
Other citizens spoke about maintaining the pool for 50-meter swimming competition, which would attract swim clubs for rental, and maintaining the historical character of the beach.
