Park Forest Aqua Center Updates

Park Forest Aqua Center

Updates and Timeline

Check back for more updates!

Mid Nov. 2025 Update: 

After two years of assessments, community debate, and rising repair estimates, the Park Forest Board of Trustees has approved a major step toward redeveloping the aging Aqua Center. Trustees voted to hire Williams Architects to begin design and engineering work on a $10 million plan that includes building a new Combined Pool facility and renovating the East Pool, targeting a summer 2027 reopening. The decision follows studies showing the 70-year-old complex needs far more than the originally budgeted repairs, with costs soaring past $7 million just to meet code. A 2025 community survey, which drew 635 responses, showed strong support for family-friendly features, modern amenities, and a mid-range investment within residents’ financial comfort. The approved plan aligns with that feedback by preserving key attractions like the water slide while reducing long-term operating costs. Funding will come from reserves, grants, bonds, and a modest levy increase estimated at $50 per year for a typical homeowner. Design work begins immediately, with construction scheduled for late 2026 through summer 2027.

Click here to read about the latest update and the board's decision.

Mid Oct. 2025 Update: 

Village staff conducted a survey from September to October 5. After the survey ran its course, staff took the time to digest the results and complete a clear summary for the public.

Click here to view the Aqua Center Survey Summary document.

Sept. 2025 Update:

After reviewing possibilities and budget, Village staff wanted to survey Park Forest residents on what they would like to see come of the Park Forest Aqua Center renovations. That led to the creation of a survey that will run through September and end on Oct. 5 at 11:59 p.m. The survey is meant to gauge interest in the Aqua Center, its direction, and how much residents are willing to support its future. 

If you are a Park Forest resident, you can take the Aqua Center survey by clicking here.

Summer 2025: Update:  

After voting on a plan and allocating funds to the Aqua Center for a partial remodeling and renovations, the consultant review of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Swimming Facility Code would require improvements that pushed costs well past the $3.5 million the Village had set aside for the project. 

Facility assessments conducted in 2024 and 2025 by Williams Architects and Councilman-Hunsaker confirmed the 70-year-old center faces extensive leaks, corrosion and functional issues. The price tag to complete the original renovation plan has now grown to more than $7 million.

In response, Village staff presented trustees with five options ranging from a complete $20 million redevelopment to closing the facility altogether. Other possibilities include a scaled-back renovation, construction of only a splash pad, or a combination of a splash pad and a new lap pool.

Adams recommended the latter plan — building a new Lap Swim Pool alongside a large splash pad. The project is estimated at $6.5 million, including contingencies. Adams said the design would reduce annual staffing costs compared with the current complex while preserving lap swimming, learn-to-swim programs, and family recreation.

Village weighs options of Park Forest Aqua Center after renovation costs soar

April 2025 Update: 

At a Monday night board meeting, the Park Forest Board of Trustees approved a partial renovation of the Park Forest Aqua Center, including a splash pad (Option Two).  

Option two would cost the Village $3.5 million, but the funding would come from expiring debt service, meaning there would be no additional cost to residents. 

Kevin Adams, Director of Recreation, Parks & Community Health Department, indicated that consultants will obtain a more precise understanding from the IDPH regarding the necessary modifications for an aquatic center and will compare that with their findings from the current Park Forest Aqua Center conditions.

Adams stated that the Park Forest Aqua Center will be closed for the season. However, he emphasized that his department and the consultants are following the necessary steps to ensure the project's success.

Park Forest Board of Trustees approves renovation plan for the Park Forest Aqua Center

March 2025 Update: 

During a Monday night board meeting, Kevin Adams, Director of Recreation, Parks & Community Health Department, and Andrew Caputo from Williams Architect presented several renovation options to the board based on the Facility Assessment. 

Option One: 

Caputo explained that the Village could consider funding a smaller, combined pool incorporating design elements from the existing four Park Forest Aqua Center pools. This plan includes relocating the slide flume and replacing the slide tower. A new combined pump house and mechanical room would also be installed to house filters, pumps, and hardware.

Caputo noted that the estimated cost for this new facility is $8 million. The Village can allocate $5 million toward the project without impacting resident taxes, but additional funding will be required to meet the entire budget. No grant funding is currently available, but if grant funding is secured in 2025, the new combined pool could be scheduled for completion in 2026. This would lead to a multi-season closure. Due to staff recruitment timing, the Aqua Center would still close for the 2025 season.

Option Two: 

The second option involves a partial renovation and the addition of a splash pad. Caputo explained that this plan would decommission the west pool and repurpose it into a new splash pad, which would be fenced to allow for use before and after Aqua Center hours. This option involves less extensive renovations for the other three existing pools to improve functionality, including PVC membrane pool lining to reduce water loss and annual maintenance, gutter repairs, and tile trims.

Caputo mentioned that modifications to the mechanical room equipment to meet modern standards would be included. This plan would cost approximately $3.5 million. The Park Forest Aqua Center would need to close for the 2025 season to allow for planning, pool renovations, and splash pad construction.

Adams said this option would provide a cost-effective enhancement in line with modern aquatic facility trends while addressing some of the current infrastructure issues. He concluded that it presents the opportunity for phased renovations in the future, should grant funding become available.

Ultimately, the decision lay with the Park Forest Board of Trustees, as that item was presented again at a Monday, April 7, meeting. Director Adams suggested that the Village Board proceed with Option Two, which included partial renovations of the remaining pools and a splash pad within a budget of $3.5 million. The funding would come from expiring debt service for another capital improvement project, resulting in no additional cost to residents.

Explainer: How the Village plans to renovate the Park Forest Aqua Center

August 2024 Update: 

Director of the Recreation, Parks & Community Health Department Kevin Adams informed both the general public and the board that the Aqua Center would require major infrastructure repairs. After an initial investigation, the estimated cost for those repairs would range from $300,000 to $500,000. Over the summer, the IDPH issued a Request for Qualifications to pre-qualified architects, inviting them to submit proposals for a feasibility study. This study aimed to ascertain the cost of necessary repairs and explore the possibility of incorporating additional features within a specific facility budget.

Park Forest Aqua Center in need of 'significant' repairs