Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
The Village of Park Forest has launched a survey to collect resident input on the future of the Park Forest Aqua Center. The facility, which has served local families for seven decades, is currently closed for the 2025 season as officials review options for its future.
The survey is open to Park Forest residents through Oct. 5 and aims to gather feedback on potential changes to the aging Aqua Center. Participants who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for a $175 water bill credit.
Village staff and consultants are assessing various possibilities after an Illinois Department of Public Health review revealed that renovation costs would more than double the original $3.5 million budget. Consultants have presented options ranging from limited renovations to a $20 million redevelopment or closing the center entirely.
Kevin Adams, director of Recreation, Parks & Community Health, recommended constructing a new lap swim pool alongside a large splash pad at an estimated cost of $6.5 million. According to Adams, this design would maintain essential programs like lap swimming and learn-to-swim lessons while lowering annual staffing expenses compared to the current setup.
The Board of Trustees has not yet made a decision and will use resident feedback from the survey before determining next steps.
“The Aqua Center has been a gathering place for generations of Park Forest families,” Adams said.
“This survey will help us understand what amenities residents value most and how they want us to invest in the future of this community resource.”
Residents can access the survey by clicking here.
Alerts Sign-up