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

Recreation, Parks, and Community Health Director Kevin Adams presented two options to the Board, and it was evident they favored this measure. With the motion now passed, Adams noted that several steps would occur over the coming months before construction begins.

"The consultants will now work on the 'due diligence' portion before moving on to architectural and engineering plans," Adams explained. "This means they will conduct a deeper analysis of the current infrastructure based on Option 2 and inquire with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to learn more about the 'major alterations' the agency will likely require for this project."

Back in March, Adams conveyed in a memo to the Board that the Village could either pursue a complete remodel of the Park Forest Aqua Center (Option 1), which would cost approximately $8 million, or opt for a partial renovation (Option 2), costing $3.5 million, which would include a splash pad. In that memo, he explained that the IDPH would classify the upcoming project as a "major alteration," necessitating the facility to meet current code standards, and the state would identify additional modifications needed to keep the facility compliant. 

Adams indicated that consultants will obtain a more precise understanding from the state regarding the necessary modifications and will compare that with their findings from the current Park Forest Aqua Center conditions. Additionally, they will initiate the bidding process to secure contractors for the project.

Any bids that exceed the village manager’s spending authority will be returned to the Board for approval. Adams noted that this is standard Village practice. After the Board approves those bids, construction can begin.

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 this project is successful and something residents can take pride in for years to come.