The Park Forest Village Board approved a $10 million fix for its shuttered aqua center Monday, but with the understanding the redesigned 70-year-old facility will not reopen until 2027.
In a timeline presented by Williams Architects of Itasca, the 10-month reconstruction could start late next year and last 10 months. It would also require final approval by the Illinois Department of Public Health before it could reopen.
The pool complex was closed in 2024 because of massive water leaks, which Kevin Adams, the village’s recreation and parks director, said resulted in an estimated annual $80,000 loss.
The new complex would retain the four-lane lap adult swimming pool to the east and construct and upgrade the combined zero depth and swim pool with a new slide tower, along with a new concessions deck and filter facility.
The adult pool would be the first to open and could be in use before next August.
Under the plan the village would need to borrow $3.5 million, which could increase the tax levy by about 1.25%, or about an additional $50 for a homeowner paying $10,000 in total property taxes.
The 2024 rehab plan included new pool liners to stop the leaks, new pool trims and marks, but the state said more work was needed.
Earlier this year, Adams presented a revised two-pool complex to the Village Board which would cost $6 million with no increase in property tax, a plan the board seemed unwilling to accept. Adams then initiated a survey in which more than 600 verified village residents responded.
The majority of residents said they wanted the adult swimming area, a water slide, shady areas and a splash pad, but opposed any tax increase. About one-third of the respondents lived in the village for more than 30 years while about 15% were in the village for three years or less.
In his survey summary, Adams said the aqua center was a “cherished and desired amenity” and that “affordability and maintenance were key concerns” and that family friendly amenities were a necessity.
As well as physical improvements, the village plans to increase the fee variance between resident and nonresident when the Aqua Center reopens.
Jerry Shnay is a freelance columnist for the Daily Southtown.
