The Gurnee Village Board has approved plans for a $6 million aquatic center that will include a zero-depth toddler area, water slides, a lap pool for competitive swimming and a waterfall.
The Outdoor Aquatic Center on Hunt Club Road south of the Stonebrook subdivision will also have diving boards, two or three large slides and sand volleyball.
A 30-member citizens committee helped draw the plans and recommended several areas for young children. They include a separate area for children who are 5 and younger, as well as a sand play area.
The Village Board voted 6-1 to approve conceptual plans for the facility on Monday. Trustee Dean O’Brien voted against it, asking about financing for the facility.
The Gurnee Park District will provide land for the pool and contribute up to $130,000 annually to manage it out of the agency’s $400,000 capital budget. Officials are also seeking grants. In addition, the village has committed up to $400,000 annually toward the pool.
Fees to use the pool have not been determined.
“We are very confident this facility will be self-sufficient,” said Charles Balling, executive director of the Park District, during a presentation to the Village Board Monday. “We predict that it will at least break even, or more likely generate profits, which would be reinvested into the facility.”
Architect Ray Lee of Sente and Rubel said the design of the bathhouse and concession stand will have two pieces separated by a large open breezeway “so when you walk up, you can see a waterfall inside the pool.”
Bids will be sent out in April, with construction to begin June 1. The pool is expected to open by 2002.
